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What to Expect

Mild to Moderate Swelling, Redness, or Tenderness: Common for 3-7 days. Swelling can sometimes be more significant in the first 24-48 hours, especially in the lips. Don’t love or hate your lips for 2 weeks!
Lumps or Firmness: Treated areas may feel firm or lumpy; at the 3-4 day mark, massage it out with your fingers.
Possible Bruising: Common, can last 5-14 days. The intensity varies per individual and treatment area.
Asymmetry: Initial asymmetry due to swelling is common and usually resolves as swelling subsides.
Contact SOKO immediately if you experience:
- Excessive or worsening pain, especially if throbbing.
- Severe or rapidly increasing swelling.
- Signs of infection (e.g., fever, warmth, pus, spreading redness).
- Blanching (skin turning white near an injection site), dusky discoloration, or mottled pattern on the skin.
- Vision changes or severe headache.
- Any concerns about lumps that are painful or not softening as expected (especially after the initial 2-3 weeks for fillers).

Post-Care Instructions

Hands-Off:
- Don’t touch your face for at least 1 hour.
- Makeup: Can usually be applied gently after 1 hour if there are no open areas at injection sites (or as advised by your injector). Use clean brushes/sponges.
- Other Facial Treatments: Avoid facials, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, or chemical peels on the treated area for at least 2 weeks.
- Dental Work: For treatments around the mouth or mid-face, avoid dental work (including cleanings) for at least 2 weeks post-treatment, or longer if advised by your injector.
Positioning:
- Sleep elevated (2 pillows) for the first 1-3 nights, especially if treated in the mid-face or lips, to help minimize swelling.
- Try to sleep on your back if possible to avoid pressure on treated areas.
Cold & Heat:
- Apply cold compresses intermittently (10-15 minutes on, then off, avoid direct ice-to-skin contact) for the first 24-48 hours to reduce swelling and bruising. Be gentle.
- Avoid hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga, or very hot showers for 48 hours, as heat can worsen swelling.
Exercise & Meds:
- No strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours. Light movement (like walking) is okay after 24 hours if swelling is minimal. Strenuous activity can increase heart rate and blood flow, potentially worsening swelling or bruising.
- Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, Aleve), Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, Garlic, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Fish Oil, Nutrofol, Omegas, and other essential fatty acids for 24-48 hours (or longer if advised, especially if prone to bruising), unless prescribed by your doctor. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally fine.
- Avoid alcohol for 24-48 hours as it can increase bruising and swelling.

Healing & Support

Eat More Of:
- Pineapple or bromelain supplements: May help naturally reduce swelling and bruising.
- Arnica montana (topical or oral): Can help reduce bruising/swelling (consider starting the day of or before treatment, if approved by your provider).
- Leafy greens, berries, citrus: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C to support healing.
- Lean protein & bone broth: Support tissue repair.
- Hydrating foods & plenty of water: Cucumber, watermelon, etc., to stay well-hydrated.
Consider (if approved by your provider):
- Vitamin C (500–1,000 mg/day) – collagen support.
- Zinc (15–30 mg/day) – aids healing.
Avoid for 24–72 Hours:
- Alcohol.
- High-sodium or spicy foods (can exacerbate swelling).
- Excess caffeine (can be dehydrating).
- NSAIDs (unless prescribed).