Fillers and the sun, what to do? Find out if and when you can stay out under the sun after a hyaluronic acid filler and the best practices to follow.
A filler is a substance that can be injected into the dermis and is an increasingly popular aesthetic medicine treatment to correct a variety of imperfections. Hyaluronic acid fillers (HA), in particular, are injected through very fine needles into the area to be corrected.
Being based on a molecule naturally produced by our body, a quality hyaluronic acid filler, duly performed by a doctor specialised in aesthetic medicine, is usually well tolerated and safe for health.
However, after undergoing a filler, it is important to take the right precautions. One of these is the relationship between hyaluronic acid fillers and sun exposure. Knowing what to do in such a situation is crucial, especially if you decide to perform this treatment in the summer.
For this reason, the goal of this article is to explain what to do and what not to do after a hyaluronic acid filler treatment with regard to sun exposure.
In particular, we will look at the following:
The relationship between fillers and the sun must be addressed carefully, to avoid undesirable effects.
“Can you get a filler in the summer?”, “After a filler can you immediately suntan?” These are just some of the questions asked by those who intend to undergo a filler procedure during the warmer months.
In general, there are no contraindications to HA fillers in the summer. On the contrary, given the properties and benefits of hyaluronic acid on the skin, getting a filler in the summer can help counteract the effects of photo-ageing caused by exposure to the sun’s rays.
However, the right precautions must be taken. These include avoiding exposure to sunlight (and excessive heat) for 48-72 hours after treatment, in order to limit the risk of reactions and possible allergies.
If, on the other hand, the treatment has caused side effects (including minor ones such as swelling or small haematomas), the combination of filler and sun is absolutely forbidden until the symptoms have completely disappeared. Otherwise, spots, marks or, in general, a worsening of the inflammation could occur.
We have seen why one should not stay out in the sun in the 2-3 days following a hyaluronic acid filler. But in addition to increasing the risk of inflammation or worsening an ongoing one, exposure to the sun after a facial filler risks compromising the result and/or duration of the treatment.
In particular:
- Reduction in filler durability: exposure to sunlight can accelerate the degradation process of hyaluronic acid. This could lead to a reduction in the durability of the filler and rapid reabsorption of HA by the body.
- Alterations in filler shape and consistency: the combination of filler and sun (and heat) can affect the filler structure. This possible alteration in shape and consistency could compromise the desired aesthetic results and require additional corrections.
- Hyperpigmentation: exposure to the sun after a hyaluronic acid filler can increase the risk of the appearance of dark spots or skin discolourations.
So, among the things not to do after a facial filler, there is certainly exposure to the sun in the 48-72 hours following the procedure.
Apart from the recommendations we have discussed regarding exposure to the sun after a filler, there are no contraindications to undergoing treatment in the summer. In fact, the contraindications and side effects of hyaluronic acid are, in general, very small indeed.
What makes the difference is the quality of the hyaluronic acid used and the raw material from which it is produced, as well as the experience of the doctor.
If these requirements are met, hyaluronic acid becomes a valuable ally in counteracting photo-aging and providing the skin with all the moisture and nourishment it needs. Especially when subjected to stressful conditions, such as during the summer.
Among the fields of application in which hyaluronic acid is most widely used is that of having fuller lips.
HA-based fillers are, in fact, able to redefine the contours of the lips, give them a natural volumising effect and improve their shape (by correcting small asymmetries). The results are immediate and last about 7-8 months, depending on the type of filler and the patient’s individual response.
But what can one not do after a lip filler to avoid taking risks and voiding the results? In the 24 to 48 hours following treatment, it is necessary to:
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol;
- Avoid engaging in strenuous physical activity;
- Avoid applying make-up to the treated area;
- Avoid hot or spicy food (and drinks);
- Avoid excessive heat and cold.
With regard to lip fillers and the sun, what was said in the previous paragraphs also applies. Thus, it is important to avoid exposure for 24 to 72 hours after treatment. In case of post-filler swelling on the other hand, it will be necessary to wait until the symptoms have completely disappeared before staying under the sun.
In any case, adequate UV protection must be applied to the lips afterwards. To choose the best product for your case, it is advisable to consult the specialist who performed the treatment.
As we have seen, there are no contraindications to hyaluronic acid fillers in the summer. Rather, it is a matter of taking a number of precautions, including:
- Always follow the instructions given by the doctor who performed the treatment
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun (and excessive heat) for at least 48-72 hours
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (effective against both UVA and UVB rays) with a high protection factor
- Wear protective clothing (wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses)
- Maintain good hydration by drinking plenty of water and using specific hyaluronic acid creams.
Beyond the specific issue of fillers and sun, what is always necessary when deciding to undergo an HA filler, is to make sure with the specialist that it is the best hyaluronic acid filler.
Only in this way will the risks of side effects be truly reduced, the result will be the desired ones and they will be long-lasting.
Foliage is the result of 20 years' experience of Phitogen Holding S.p.A. - a leading group in the production of hyaluronic acid-based injectables. Foliage distributes a complete range of high-performing intradermal products.
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