Most post-treatment swelling, tenderness and bruising are expected and settle. The safety system exists for the smaller number of cases that do not follow the expected course.

You should know what is normal

Aftercare should be treatment-specific and written clearly. It should explain expected timing, sensible precautions, review arrangements and the symptoms that require urgent contact.

Access needs to be practical

A practitioner can travel and still provide excellent continuity if local cover and escalation are robust. The important question is whether you can obtain competent assessment quickly, not the postcode printed in a biography.

Red-flag symptoms

After filler, increasing or unusual pain, blanching, mottled colour, cool skin, rapidly changing swelling or visual symptoms require urgent assessment. Following any procedure, breathing difficulty or signs of a severe allergic reaction require emergency help.

Ask before booking

  • Who do I contact in and out of hours?
  • Can you assess me in person promptly?
  • What happens if you are away?
  • What complication pathway and referral network do you use?
  • Is review included when clinically needed?

The bottom line

Aftercare should never be improvised after a problem appears. It should be designed before the first appointment.

Editorial note: information checked August 2026. This article is general education, not personal medical advice. Suitability and risk must be assessed individually.