Just had filler and wondering if you can go for that cheeky cocktail (or five) with your friends right after?

Can I drink alcohol after filler?

 The short answer is, don't do it! drinking alcohol before or after filler increases the risk of bruising and swelling significantly.

One of the most common aftercare instructions provided to patients after undergoing dermal filler procedures is to avoid drinking alcohol. We will outline the main reasons below:

After having dermal filler, bruising and swelling is common in the days after your procedure, in fact some data shows up to 80% of patients will experience bruising. There are many factors that can contribute to the chance of bruising including medical history, area treated and clinician experience. Aftercare instructions generally focus on reducing side effects like bruising and swelling and also helping you stay clued into more serious complications like vascular occlusion. Adding alcohol into the mix with other risk factors for bruising can further increase the chance of a complication after filler.

Why should you avoid alcohol after filler?

Drinking alcohol after dermal filler is not recommended because alcohol acts as a vasodilator, which brings blood vessels closer to the surface of the skin, thinning the blood and increasing blood flow to the area- read more chance to bruising and swelling. Alcohol can also make capillaries more permeable meaning bleeding and swelling risk is increased further. As we mentioned, bruising is very common after filler, so if you already having bruises staring to show themselves this can further extend the bruising perimeter. 

Drinkng alcohol may also mean that you are less focused on aftercare instructions like applying ice or minimising heavy exercise (this includes dancing the night away!) or less in tune to early warning signs of a vascular occlusion such as pain, or discoloration.

Finally, drinking alcohol after having filler can also leave you and your skin feeling dehydrated, which can impair healing and leave you looking more puffy. 

How long should I avoid alcohol before/after filler?

We suggest avoiding drinking alcohol in the 24-48hrs before your filler procedure and for 48-72hrs after your filler procedure to reduce the risk of bruising and swelling and allowing your body to recover faster.

How to reduce bruising after filler?

If you do have bruising and swelling present after your dermal filler procedure, remember this can be normal and there are some key steps you can take to reduce the appearance of bruising and further swelling:

• Apply an ice pack
• Stay upright for minimum four hours after your procedure
• Avoid alcohol, heavy exercise and saunas
• Apply arnica cream or lip balm
• If you are concerned contact your injector