Cosmetic Injections Side Effects: What's Normal and What Isn't

By Alex Donald, Registered Nurse | 15 August 2026

Understanding side effects before treatment helps you feel confident and know what to expect. Most side effects of cosmetic injectables are mild and temporary, but it's important to know what's normal, what's uncommon, and what requires immediate attention.

Normal Side Effects (Common and Expected)

Anti-Wrinkle Injections

• Mild redness at injection sites — settles within 30-60 minutes
• Small bumps at injection sites — resolve within 15-30 minutes
• Mild headache — some clients experience this for a few hours after treatment, particularly with frown line treatment
• Slight bruising — small bruises at injection points, especially around crow's feet

Dermal Fillers

• Swelling — normal for 1-3 days, particularly with lip fillers
• Bruising — varies by individual and area; lips and tear troughs bruise more
• Tenderness — treated areas may feel tender for 2-5 days
• Lumps or firmness — filler may feel slightly firm for 1-2 weeks before settling

Uncommon Side Effects (Less Common but Not Dangerous)

Anti-Wrinkle Injections

• Heavy forehead feeling — if too many units are used in the forehead, you may feel heaviness or experience slight brow droop. This is temporary and resolves as the product wears off.
• Asymmetry — one side may respond slightly differently. This is usually correctable at a follow-up.
• eyelid ptosis — slight drooping of the eyelid after frown treatment. Uncommon and temporary, typically resolving within 2-6 weeks.

Dermal Fillers

• Tyndall effect — a bluish tint under the skin if filler is placed too superficially. Rare with modern techniques and can be corrected with hyaluronidase.
• Delayed swelling — some clients experience intermittent swelling weeks after treatment, often related to hydration or sodium intake.

When to Call the Clinic Immediately

These are rare but require immediate attention:

• Severe or increasing pain beyond typical post-treatment tenderness
• White or bluish skin near a filler injection site — this could indicate vascular occlusion (blood vessel blockage), a medical emergency
• Blurred or double vision after injection
• Difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat — signs of allergic reaction
• Spreading weakness or drooping beyond the treatment area
• Signs of infection — increasing redness, heat, or pus at injection sites

At Embrace Cosmetics, we provide detailed aftercare instructions at every appointment and a phone number to call if you have concerns. If you're ever unsure, call the clinic — we'd rather you call unnecessarily than miss something important.

How to Minimise Side Effects

• Avoid blood-thinning medications (ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil) for 24 hours before treatment, unless prescribed
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before and after treatment
• Don't touch or massage treated areas for 24 hours
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
• Stay hydrated and avoid salty foods for 24 hours after fillers
• Avoid facials, peels, or laser treatments for 2 weeks after treatment

Read more: Anti-wrinkle treatment | Dermal fillers | First treatment guide