Quick answer
The essential 48-hour rules after any injectable: no alcohol, no NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin), no heat (sauna, hot yoga, hot tubs), no massage or pressure on the treated area. For fillers specifically: sleep with head elevated, no face-down sleeping, no aggressive makeup application. For microneedling: no sweating, no sun, no active skincare (retinoids, acids). Most concerns that arise in the first 72 hours are swelling or bruising — which resolve on their own.
Why 48 hours is the magic window
Most aesthetic treatments trigger an inflammatory response that peaks within the first 48 hours. The aftercare rules exist to minimize unnecessary inflammation during this window — which is also when bruising risk is highest and when filler or Botox is most vulnerable to displacement.
After 48 hours, most restrictions relax significantly. But the first two days matter more than the next two weeks combined.
The universal rules (all injectables)
These apply to Botox, filler, biostimulators, and Kybella:
- No alcohol — vasodilator, worsens bruising for 24 hours pre/post.
- No NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen) — 24 hours pre/post. Tylenol is fine.
- No strenuous exercise for 24 hours — elevated blood pressure worsens bruising.
- No saunas, hot yoga, hot tubs for 48 hours.
- No pressure or massage on treated areas for 2 weeks.
- No additional facial procedures (peels, laser, HydraFacial) for 2 weeks.
Filler-specific rules
In addition to universal rules, filler adds:
- Sleep on back with head elevated for 72 hours (lips, under-eyes especially)
- No face-down sleeping for 1 week
- No pressing or touching treated area for 2 weeks
- Clean pillowcase nightly for first week
Microneedling-specific rules
RF microneedling and traditional microneedling add:
- No retinoids, AHAs, or BHAs for 5 days post-treatment
- No sun exposure for 2 weeks (use SPF 50 minimum)
- No chlorinated pools for 72 hours
- Mineral-only sunscreen for the first week
- No makeup for 24 hours
When to actually call your injector
Call immediately if: severe pain beyond mild discomfort, spreading redness or signs of infection, vision changes (filler complication), skin color changes (blanching, dark purple patches), or anything that feels dramatically wrong.
Do NOT call for: mild bruising (normal), swelling up to day 3 (normal), minor lumps in filler (resolve by day 14), asymmetry at day 3 (judge at day 14). Read our prep guide.
About the author
Sarah Mitchell, RN
Connecticut-licensed RN specialising in preventative neurotoxin, lip flip, and first-time injectable clients. Jeuveau Master Injector.
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