Summer is a time when many people want to feel confident in their skin for holidays, weekends away, and social events. Photographs will be pinged into our phones, and this can lead to an increase in interest in injectable treatments such as Botox and fillers.
At our Windsor clinic, we often get asked if it is safe to have these treatments in the summer. The short answer is yes, but there are some important considerations and aftercare tips that will help you get the best results. Here’s what you need to know.
It is safe to have Botox and fillers in the summer
There is a myth that it’s best to have injectables in the cooler months. Some skin treatments, such as laser resurfacing or certain types of chemical peel, are best carried out when it’s easier to avoid strong sun exposure.
Hower Botox and dermal fillers are not photosensitive and as long as you follow the aftercare advice, you can enjoy the results and look your best for summer weddings or holidays.
How to plan around events
If the main purpose of your treatment is to look great for an event such as a wedding or a holiday, it’s important to get the timing right. Botox takes about three to seven days to settle, and it can take up to two weeks for the full effects to be seen.
Fillers also take a couple of weeks to settle fully, and for a few days there might be some minor temporary swelling or bruising in the days after the treatment. To avoid feeling rushed or worrying about any side effects, schedule treatments at least two to three weeks before any big events or flights to allow your skin time to heal properly.
Summer aftercare tips
Although it’s perfectly safe to have injectables in the summer, warmer temperatures can mean that your skin will be a little more prone to swelling or bruising. Your aesthetician will give you tailored aftercare advice on how to support your healing process. This may include:
- Avoid excessive heat (sunbathing, saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga) for at least 48 hours
- Don’t apply makeup for 24 hours post-treatment. Use a cold compress gently (not ice) to reduce any swelling
- Stay upright and avoid strenuous exercise for the rest of the day
- Hydrate well, as good hydration can help support healing and prolong the effects of fillers
If you are jetting off on holiday
Summer is a popular time for injectable treatments as people naturally want to look and feel their best for holidays. This is certainly possible, but there are a few points to be aware of.
Flying within 24-48 hours of having fillers is not recommended, because cabin pressure changes and dehydration from flying could potentially increase swelling. Sun exposure and alcohol can affect healing and hydration levels, so go easy in the first few days after your treatment.
Always use sun protection
Injectables themselves aren’t sensitive to UV light, but your skin can be slightly more vulnerable in the days after a treatment. Therefore you should always use sun protection of at least SPF 30 or higher every time you go outside, and reapply it every two hours or after you have been in water.
Whether you are keen to reduce the appearance of fine lines caused by dynamic facial movements such as laughing and frowning, or want to add some subtle volume and contour with fillers, summer is an ideal time to address these concerns. When planned properly, it can give you a real confidence boost and help you to feel camera ready.
