If you’re thinking about getting Juvederm or Restylane injections, one of the first questions you might have is, “How much downtime will I need afterward?” This is a common concern for patients who want to look refreshed but don’t have time to take days off from work or social activities.
The good news is that both Juvederm and Restylane are non-surgical dermal fillers with very minimal downtime. At Celibre Medical in Torrance, California, we help patients look natural and rejuvenated with these treatments every day — and most are back to their normal routine right away.
Let’s look closer at what to expect before and after treatment, how your skin might respond, and what you can do to ensure the best recovery and results.
What Are Juvederm and Restylane?
Both Juvederm and Restylane are hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, which means they’re made from a substance that naturally exists in your skin. HA is responsible for keeping your skin hydrated, smooth, and plump. As we age, natural HA production declines, leading to fine lines, volume loss, and sagging.
Dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restylane are designed to restore that lost volume, smooth wrinkles, and contour areas of the face such as:
- Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Lips and lip borders
- Cheeks
- Jawline and chin
- Under-eye hollows
Both filler families include multiple products (like Juvederm Ultra, Volbella, Restylane Lyft, and Silk), each formulated for specific facial areas and results.
Downtime After Juvederm and Restylane: What to Expect
When it comes to downtime after Juvederm or Restylane, most patients are pleasantly surprised at how quick the recovery is. These treatments are often referred to as “lunchtime procedures” because they’re done in under an hour and require little to no interruption in your daily schedule.
That said, everyone’s skin reacts differently, and some temporary effects are completely normal. Here’s what you might experience:
1. Mild Swelling
A small amount of swelling is the most common side effect after filler injections. It’s usually most noticeable within the first 24–48 hours and gradually improves over several days. Applying a cold compress intermittently can help reduce swelling faster.
2. Bruising
Bruising varies from person to person. Some patients don’t bruise at all, while others may have small marks near the injection sites. Using ice packs, avoiding alcohol, and skipping blood-thinning medications or supplements (like aspirin or fish oil) before your treatment can help minimize bruising.
3. Tenderness or Redness
Mild redness, tenderness, or firmness at the injection site is also normal and typically resolves within a few days. These are simply signs that your body is adjusting to the filler and healing.
Social Downtime vs. True Downtime
We like to tell our patients that there’s a difference between social downtime and true downtime.
With Restylane and Juvederm, there’s no real medical downtime — you can go back to work, run errands, or exercise the same day if you’d like. However, you may not look “photo-ready” right away.
That’s what we mean by social downtime. You might feel great, but minor swelling or bruising could make you hesitate to attend an event or see a group of friends. Most patients say they look completely back to normal within 3 to 5 days, although this varies.
If you have a big occasion coming up — like a wedding, photoshoot, or reunion — it’s best to schedule your filler treatment two weeks in advance. This gives your skin enough time to settle and for any minor bruising or swelling to fully resolve.
How to Reduce Downtime After Juvederm or Restylane
Here are a few simple steps you can take before and after your appointment to speed recovery and ensure smooth, natural-looking results:
Before your appointment:
- Avoid alcohol for 24–48 hours
- Stop using aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, or vitamin E (if approved by your doctor)
- Stay hydrated
After your appointment:
- Apply cold compresses gently for the first 24 hours
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, or hot yoga for 24 hours
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping the first night
- Don’t massage or press on treated areas unless instructed by your injector
- Use gentle skincare and avoid exfoliating for a few days
Restylane and Juvederm Before and After Photos
Before-and-after photos are often the best way to understand what kind of improvement to expect. At Celibre Medical, we use a personalized approach to filler treatments, aiming for subtle, natural enhancements that complement your facial structure — not change it completely.
When done correctly, Juvederm and Restylane can help restore youthful fullness and soften lines without making you look “overdone.” Each filler is placed strategically to create balance and harmony in your facial features.
When to Call Your Provider
While side effects are usually mild and temporary, it’s important to contact your injector if you experience any unusual symptoms such as significant pain, skin discoloration, or prolonged swelling. These reactions are rare but should always be evaluated by a medical professional.
At Celibre Medical, all filler treatments are performed by experienced injectors who understand both the artistry and medical safety behind these procedures. We take the time to explain what to expect, guide you through your recovery, and follow up to ensure your results look and feel right.
