Tear trough filler recovery — honest day-by-day timeline.
Under-eye filler is the most technique-sensitive injection on the face. The recovery is short, but knowing exactly what to expect — swelling, bruising, when to fly — matters. This is the same brief our doctors give every patient.
See the result before you commit. Tear trough before & after gallery — verified Cosmedocs cases shot at week 4–6.
The recovery timeline, day by day
- Day 0
Treatment evening
Mild swelling and pinpoint redness at the entry points. Cool compress 10 min on / 20 off for the first few hours. Sleep on two pillows. No bending forward, no make-up that night.
- Day 1–2
Peak swelling
Under-eye fullness and slight puffiness peak around 24–48 hours. Some patients have small bruises at the cannula entry point. Continue cool compresses. Avoid alcohol, salt and hot drinks.
- Day 3–5
Swelling settles
Most visible swelling drops by ~70%. Bruises change colour and can be covered with concealer from day 3. Most patients return to work confidently.
- Day 7
Filler integrates
The hyaluronic acid begins to integrate with surrounding tissue. Light gym, gentle facials and normal skincare resume.
- Week 2
Clinical review
We see you back for a face-to-face review. Photographs are repeated. Any micro-asymmetry is corrected with a small top-up if needed — included in your treatment fee.
- Week 4–6
Final settled result
This is the result you compare against your pre-treatment photo. Tyndall (blue tint) and lumps that occasionally appear in this window are addressed at this review.
The aftercare checklist we give every patient
Do
- · Sleep elevated for 3 nights
- · Cool compress (not ice on bare skin) for the first 24 hours
- · Paracetamol if needed; avoid ibuprofen and aspirin for 48h
- · Mineral SPF 50 daily and gentle cleanser
- · Hydrate well, low-salt food for 48 hours
Don't
- · No alcohol for 48 hours
- · No exercise, hot yoga, sauna or steam for 48–72 hours
- · No facials, peels, microneedling for 2 weeks
- · No firm rubbing or facial massage for 14 days
- · No flying for 7 days where possible