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Cheek Filler Aftercare Sleeping Tips For Best Results

Written by an Expert Aesthetic Content Writer Lisa.
Reviewed by Expert Medical Director Dr. Raj Thethi
Published on: March 29, 2025
Fillers

Cheek Filler Aftercare: Sleeping Tips

Cheek filler aftercare sleeping practices matter a lot–especially when you’ve recently had the treatment. Fillers in the cheeks are an amazing way to improve facial shape, replace lost volume, and look youthful. 

While you enjoy the immediate results, remember that cheek fillers aftercare enhances the outcomes, especially the sleeping position, as it can greatly affect how well the fillers integrate and the duration they last. This blog offers essential tips and mistakes to avoid to help you maintain flawless results.

Why Do Cheek Fillers AfterCare Sleeping Position Matter?

Cheek fillers require time to settle into place, and the first 7-14 days after treatment are crucial. 

Here’s why your sleeping position matters after fillers are injected into your cheeks:

  • Minimal Pressure on the Fillers

Pressing the cheeks during sleep can result in uneven distribution and compromise symmetry.

  • Reduced Swelling & Bruising 

Sleeping correctly puts no pressure on the cheeks and the fillers inside them, which can help avoid excessive swelling and ensure quicker healing.

  • Long-Lasting Results

Correct aftercare, such as how you sleep, ensures that the fillers stay in the right place for longer.

Can you Sleep on your Side After Cheek Fillers?

How long after cheek fillers can you sleep on your side? It’s essential to avoid this sleeping position initially; however, you may sleep on your side 48 hours post-treatment.

Sleeping on the same day as getting cheek fillers may cause an uneven dispersion of fillers, which leads to undesired outcomes. So, it’s best to wait two days and then sleep on the side. 

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Here are Some Best Sleeping Practices After Cheek Fillers

Prefer Sleeping on your Back

Do you wonder what the ideal sleeping position is after cheek fillers? The ideal sleeping position is on your back with a slightly raised head. This prevents any pressure on your cheeks, letting the fillers settle on their own.

It’s best to:

  • Use a wedge pillow or extra pillows to prop up your head.
  • Position pillows on both sides of your body to avoid rolling over during sleep.
  • Use a U-shaped travel pillow. It will cradle your neck and keep your face away from the bed.

Avoid Sleeping on the Side

If you typically sleep on your side, it may be difficult to change overnight, but you must try to avoid it. Side sleeping can result in asymmetry, as filler displacement is possible in this position. If you have to sleep on your side, take these precautions:

  • Lie down on your back to reduce pressure.
  • Use a soft or U-shaped pillow to minimise pressure on the cheeks.
  • Experiment with using a rolled towel behind your back to promote back sleeping.

Do not Sleep on your Stomach.

Can you sleep on your stomach with cheek fillers? No, it’s best to avoid it at all costs in the first two weeks. Sleeping on your stomach places direct pressure on your cheeks, so there’s a higher chance of filler displacement, bruising, and asymmetrical results. Avoid this for at least two weeks after treatment.

How Long Should you Sleep on your Back After Cheek Fillers?

First 7-10 days: It’s best to refrain from sleeping on your side and stomach to allow for maximum filler settling.

After 2 weeks: You may return to your regular sleeping pattern, but continue to be careful about applying too much pressure on your cheeks.

If sleeping on your back is difficult, condition yourself by using body pillows or sleeping on a couch or recliner in a reclined position.

Aftercare for Cheek Fillers: Additional Tips for Smooth Recovery

To enhance healing and maintain the best results from your cheek fillers, follow these additional aftercare tips:

  • Use a Silk Pillowcase: This reduces friction and prevents unnecessary pressure on your skin.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps your body absorb the fillers more effectively.
  • Avoid Alcohol & Salty Foods: These can cause dehydration and worsen swelling.
  • Apply Cold Compresses Gently: It depuffs the treatment areas; however, it must not be pressed too firmly against the cheeks.
  • Don’t touch or Massage Your Face: This might displace the fillers.

What to Avoid After Fillers in Cheeks?

Here are some common cheek fillers aftercare mistakes and how you may avoid them:

  • Sleeping on Your Side Too Early

If you sleep on your side shortly after receiving fillers, you will risk cheek filler migration and asymmetry. Place pillow barriers in front of you to habituate yourself to sleeping on your back.

  • Using a Rough Pillowcase

Cotton pillowcases may generate excess friction and result in skin irritation and pressure on the cheeks. Use silk or satin pillowcases instead.

  • Not Putting Your Head in an Elevated Position

Lying flat makes the blood and bodily fluid rush towards the face, causing swelling in the cheeks. Place your head a little higher with 1-2 extra pillows.

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  • Personalised treatment plans tailored to your needs

  • Touching or Massaging Your Face

Rubbing, pressing, or massaging your cheeks during the first two weeks of treatment may interfere with filler placement. Refrain from avoidable contact.

Final Remarks on Cheek Fillers Aftercare Sleeping Practices

Good aftercare is essential to make your cheek fillers last and look their best. The sleeping position is one of the key factors that most people fail to remember. Sleeping with your head raised while on your back is the best, and you should avoid side sleeping and stomach sleeping for 7-10 days.

By adopting these tips, you will be able to make your fillers settle perfectly, and you will achieve the best result.

Need further questions answered? Chat with a trained clinician for customised aftercare guidance!

FAQs

1. Can I sleep on my side after cheek fillers?

Avoid sleeping on the side for at least 7-10 days. In case you need to, sleep on the untreated side with a soft pillow.

2. What if I accidentally sleep on my side?

One night of sleeping will not spoil your results, but repeated pressure on your cheeks might lead to lopsided filler distribution. Make an effort to sleep on your back whenever you can.

3. How can you prevent sleeping on the side after cheek fillers?

Make use of body pillows or use pillows as a fence around you. A towel rolled up and placed behind your back will also keep you from rolling over involuntarily.

4. How long do cheek fillers take to settle?

Fillers may take 1-2 weeks to settle fully in your cheeks.

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About Dr. Raj Thethi - Medical Reviewer

Dr. Raj Thethi

Yorkshire Skin Centre in Leeds is a CQC-registered medical clinic. It is led by Dr Raj Thethi who completed his core surgical training in hospitals around West Yorkshire before branching into aesthetics. Dr Raj Thethi is a Northern Territory Regional Expert for an international dermal filler company called Teoxane. He also sits on their National UK Faculty.

View all posts by Dr. Raj Thethi

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