Having an aesthetic treatment is an investment — in your skin, your confidence and your time. How you care for your skin in the days and weeks afterwards has a direct impact on how long your results last and how well your skin recovers. At SIX1 Aesthetics in Bracknell, we give every client aftercare guidance tailored to their specific treatment. This guide covers the essentials.
In the first 24 hours: keep it simple
Whatever treatment you have had, the first 24 hours are the most important for recovery. The skin is in a heightened state and more vulnerable than usual. As a general rule, avoid touching the treated area unnecessarily, stay out of direct sunlight, skip makeup if you have had injectables or microneedling, and avoid intense exercise that causes heavy sweating. This is not the time for a new skincare product or a heat treatment.
After anti-wrinkle injections
Do not rub or massage the treated area for at least 24 hours. Avoid lying flat for 4 hours after treatment. Skip strenuous exercise and alcohol for the rest of the day. You may see small bumps at the injection sites — these are normal and will settle within an hour or two. Results take 7 to 14 days to fully develop, so do not judge your results too early.
After lip fillers or dermal fillers
Some swelling and tenderness in the first 24 to 48 hours is completely normal, especially with lip fillers. Applying a cool compress gently to the area can help. Avoid very hot food and drink, saunas, steam rooms, and intense exercise for 24 to 48 hours. Do not have a dental appointment or any facial massage for at least two weeks. If you experience any unusual pain, skin discolouration or vision changes after filler treatment, contact your practitioner immediately — these are rare but important to act on quickly.
After microneedling or iPRF (2nd gen of PRP) treatments
Your skin will be red and may feel warm or tight for 24 to 72 hours — this is normal and is part of the healing response that makes these treatments effective. Avoid active skincare ingredients (retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs) for at least five days. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser and a mineral SPF. Avoid direct sun exposure for at least a week. Do not pick at any flaking skin — let it shed naturally. The more consistently you follow aftercare, the better and longer-lasting your results will be.
Long-term aftercare: what actually makes results last
SPF is non-negotiable. UV exposure breaks down filler, accelerates skin ageing and undoes collagen-stimulating treatments faster than anything else. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or 50 applied every morning is the single most important thing you can do to maintain your results. Beyond that: stay hydrated, avoid smoking, and try to keep your skincare routine consistent rather than constantly switching products.
When to contact your practitioner
Some redness, swelling and tenderness after treatment is expected. What is not normal: increasing pain after the first day, skin that turns white or blue after filler, signs of infection (warmth, pus, fever), or a result that looks clearly uneven after two weeks. If you are ever unsure, contact your practitioner rather than waiting. At SIX1 Aesthetics, all our clients have direct access to aftercare support and we are always available to answer questions after treatment.
If you are in Bracknell or the surrounding area and would like to book a treatment or a consultation, visit six1aesthetics.co.uk or get in touch directly. All treatments are carried out by a MAP7-qualified practitioner in a safe, professional environment.
