Hyaluronic Acid Injection: Complete Checklist of Precautions Before Treatment

Hyaluronic acid is a component naturally present in the skin and is used in various forms of treatment, from fillers that fill wrinkles and volume to skin boosters that increase skin hydration. However, because it is an 'ingredient already present in the skin,' people often overestimate its safety and neglect pre- and post-treatment care.

What to confirm before treatment

Hyaluronic acid treatment involves injecting substance into the dermal layer of skin using a needle or cannula, which can be accompanied by minor bruising or swelling. This is inherent to the treatment itself and the degree can vary depending on individual blood vessel distribution and skin condition.

Before treatment, it is advisable to check in advance whether you are taking medications such as aspirin, anticoagulants, or supplements like omega-3 or vitamin E that may affect blood coagulation. Additionally, if your skin has other concerns (acne, damage, etc.), it is often recommended to adjust the treatment area or postpone the appointment.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking certain medications, you must inform your doctor during the consultation before the procedure. The treatment area and injection volume are typically adjusted based on your individual skin condition and goals.

What changes occur in the days after treatment

Immediately after the procedure, swelling, minor bruising, redness, and mild warmth may appear around the injection site. During this period, the skin can react sensitively to irritation, so it is advisable to handle it carefully without rubbing when cleansing or applying makeup.

Typically, the first 1-3 days are known as the period when swelling and redness are most pronounced. From day 4 onwards, swelling gradually subsides while many people experience tightness or dryness within the skin. Individual variation is possible, so the recovery timeline may differ depending on the treatment area and method.

During this period, activities that rapidly increase blood flow such as saunas, intense exercise, alcohol consumption, and massage are recommended to be avoided as they may worsen swelling or bruising.

Home care by phase—manage it this way

Immediately after the procedure through day 3 is the most critical phase for minimizing irritation. It can be helpful to avoid hot water cleansing or vigorous rubbing and to lightly layer soothing, low-irritant care products.

From day 4 onwards, when swelling and redness subside, tightness and dryness within the skin become more apparent. At this stage, it may be beneficial to shift your care approach from soothing to deep hydration, which can ultimately help refine skin texture.

A two-step approach that adjusts post-treatment care direction according to each phase plays an important role in recovery condition. By using a home care routine designed to follow this progression, you can reduce the burden of management.

Post-treatment recovery is determined by home care

For days 1-3 after treatment, you can switch to an Ultra Sera-Rich Cream focused on soothing and barrier care, and from day 4 onwards when swelling subsides, use a Hydro Re-Boosting Cream to address inner tightness and dryness. With a 2-STEP composition designed for each post-treatment phase, this can be referenced as home care following skin booster hyaluronic acid treatments such as Rejuran and Juvelook.