How Long Do Dermal Fillers Take To Settle?

If you’re considering dermal fillers, you’re likely excited about the potential to smooth wrinkles, restore volume, and subtly enhance your features without surgery. At the Apul Parikh Clinic, we believe in delivering precise, natural-looking results, and part of that process is understanding how dermal filler treatments work and what to expect during the healing and settling process.

In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how dermal fillers settle, what to expect immediately after treatment, and why patience is key when it comes to achieving the best possible outcome.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

As a brief summary, Dermal Fillers are injectable treatments designed to add volume, smooth fine lines, and enhance facial contours. They are typically made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the skin that helps maintain hydration and volume.

We use the Juvederm Vycross range of Dermal Fillers formulated by Allergan Aesthetics, who also manufacture the popular HarmonyCA fillers we use in the clinic. What uniquely blends two powerful components: hyaluronic acid (HA) and calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA). This hybrid approach provides not only immediate improvement in skin volume and reduction in wrinkles but also enhances natural collagen production over time, thanks to the stimulatory properties of CaHA.

Fillers can be used to:

  • Plump up thinning lips
  • Soften facial creases
  • Enhance shallow contours
  • Improve the appearance of recessed scars
  • Add volume to cheeks, jawlines, and temples

The beauty of dermal fillers is that they provide immediate results with minimal downtime, making them a go-to choice for those seeking subtle yet effective improvements.

For a comprehensive breakdown of Dermal Filler treatments in detail, read our Ultimate Guide to Dermal Fillers.

What Happens Right After A Dermal Filler Treatment?

After your dermal filler procedure, you may notice some initial swelling, redness, or even slight bruising around the injection sites. This is a normal part of the healing process and typically subsides within a few days. Depending on the area treated, you might also feel the filler under your skin, which can sometimes surprise first-time patients.

For many, these minor side effects fade quickly, and the enhanced contours and youthful fullness of the treated areas start to become more apparent. However, it’s important to remember that what you see in the mirror immediately after the procedure isn’t the final result.

For more information on what to expect during the treatment process, read our guide on what to expect before, during and after your dermal fillers.

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Take To Settle?

While dermal fillers deliver noticeable improvements right away, the final result takes time to develop. According to Dr. Apul Parikh, most fillers take 2 to 4 weeks to fully integrate into the soft tissue. This period allows the filler to interact with the surrounding tissue, bind with water, and gradually settle into place.

In the first few weeks, the filler may feel palpable—meaning you might be able to feel it under your skin, particularly in areas with thinner skin or more movement, such as around the mouth or eyes. This is entirely normal and part of the natural settling process. However, with correct injection techniques, the filler should not be visible on the surface of the skin, ensuring a smooth, seamless look.

By the end of this 2 to 4-week window, the filler will have fully softened into the tissue, leaving you with the natural-looking results you desired. This is why it’s crucial to be patient and allow the fillers time to settle before evaluating the final outcome.

The Role of Technique in Achieving Natural Results

At Apul Parikh Clinic, we understand that achieving the perfect result isn’t just about the product but the expertise behind the injection. Dr. Parikh and his team use precise injection techniques to ensure that fillers are placed at the correct depth and in the right quantities to achieve a natural, harmonious look.

With the correct technique, fillers should subtly enhance your appearance so you still look like yourself—just fresher and more rested. On the other hand, poorly administered fillers can result in lumps, bumps, or even a visible filler line under the skin, which is why choosing an experienced and skilled practitioner is critical.

Aftercare For Dermal Fillers: Ensuring a Smooth Recovery

To give your fillers the most suitable settling process and to achieve the best possible results, there are a few aftercare steps you should follow. These include:

Avoid Excessive Pressure

For the first 24-48 hours after your treatment, avoid applying pressure to the treated area. This means skipping facial massages or pressing down on the area while sleeping.

Stay Hydrated

Hyaluronic acid-based fillers work by attracting and retaining water, so keeping hydrated can help maintain the plumpness and elasticity of your skin post-treatment.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

For a week or two after your procedure, avoid exposing the treated areas to extreme heat or cold (such as saunas, steam rooms, or ice packs) as this can affect how the fillers settle.

Limit Intense Exercise

High-impact activities can increase blood flow and increase swelling, so it’s best to stick to light exercises for a few days after your treatment.

Follow Your Practitioners Advice

Every patient is different, and that is why our practitioners will provide you with personalised aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

For a more detailed and comprehensive look at aftercare, please read our Complete Aftercare Guide for Dermal Fillers.

Why Patience Is Key

Ultimately, the key takeaway when considering dermal fillers is to be patient. While you’ll see immediate improvements after your treatment, it’s essential to allow time for the fillers to fully settle and integrate with your skin. This 2 to 4-week period is crucial to achieving smooth, natural results that blend seamlessly with your facial features.

Book Your Dermal Filler Treatment With A Globally-Recognised Practitioner In London

At Apul Parikh Clinic, we pride ourselves on delivering expert care and ensuring our patients understand every aspect of their treatment. If you’re considering dermal fillers or have any questions about the process, we’re here to help. 

For more information about this treatment or any other we offer,  book a consultation today, and let us guide you through the journey to a more youthful, refreshed appearance.

You can get in touch with us, via our contact page, on 02034053538 or email us at info@apulparikh.co.uk.

We hope to see you soon!