WHAT CARE SHOULD BE FOLLOWED AFTER A HYALURONIC ACID INJECTION IN THE CHIN ?

Hyaluronic acid for the chin in Geneva

Injection of hyaluronic acid into the chin is a commonly performed aesthetic medical procedure to enhance facial harmony, strengthen chin projection, or reshape the jawline. Although it is a non-surgical procedure, carried out without general anesthesia or hospitalization, it is a precise medical act that requires careful follow-up.
Post-injection care plays a crucial role in the quality of the final result, the management of side effects, and the prevention of complications. On this page, we detail the recommendations to follow after a medical genioplasty with hyaluronic acid.

Contents

Why is post-injection follow-up crucial for the chin ?

The chin is a unique anatomical area, both structural, functional, and highly solicited. It is involved in speech, chewing, and facial expressions, making it a dynamic region subjected to constant mechanical constraints. After a hyaluronic acid injection, the tissues require a period of adaptation for the gel to stabilize, integrate evenly, and not migrate under the effect of muscle movements.
Rigorous follow-up during the days after the session is therefore essential. In the absence of appropriate precautions, certain behaviors — such as excessive mobilization of the area, improper manipulations, or failure to follow medical instructions — can impact the result. This can not only compromise the desired aesthetic outcome but also promote the appearance of side effects such as prolonged swelling, bruising, or asymmetry. In rare cases, more serious complications may occur, including the formation of inflammatory nodules.
That is why post-injection support must never be neglected. It is an integral part of the care protocol and determines the quality, safety, and durability of the injection performed.

Care within 48 hours following a hyaluronic acid injection in the chin

The first 48 hours after a medical genioplasty are crucial for the quality of the final result. Following certain instructions helps promote proper integration of the product, limit side effects, and optimize the longevity of the outcome.

  • Apply cold locally : in the hours following the injection, applying cold to the treated area effectively helps reduce swelling, prevent bruising, and alleviate the sensation of tension or heat. It is imperative never to apply ice directly to the skin. The cold should be applied through a clean compress, in intervals of 10 to 15 minutes, without applying pressure. This precaution limits skin trauma while providing an immediate decongestant effect.
  • Avoid any pressure or prolonged contact on the chin : during the first two days, it is strongly advised not to touch the chin, press heavily on it, or compress it. Likewise, it is preferable to avoid sleeping on your stomach or side. This could disturb the distribution of the gel, compromise the achieved symmetry, and hinder proper fixation of the product in the tissues.
  • Temporarily suspend makeup and aggressive skincare : the skin, slightly weakened after the injection, has increased permeability to external agents. It is therefore recommended not to apply makeup to the area during the first 24 hours, even with mineral products. Likewise, the use of cosmetics containing exfoliating acids (AHA, retinol) or any form of scrubs, peels, or abrasive cleansing should be strictly avoided. These practices increase the risk of skin irritation or even superficial infection.

Precautions during the 7 days following a chin injection

The week following a hyaluronic acid injection in the chin represents a key phase for the stabilization of the product and the achievement of a harmonious and long-lasting result. Certain precautions must be strictly observed to limit side effects and optimize the integration of the gel into the tissues.

  • Avoid any intense physical activity : strenuous exercise causes an increase in body temperature, increased sweating, and micro-muscle trauma — all factors that can promote swelling, disturb the stability of the gel, or even accelerate its resorption. It is therefore recommended to suspend intense physical activities for at least three to five days after the injection. During this period, only gentle activities such as walking or light stretching can be considered, provided they do not involve any impact on the face.
  • Avoid any exposure to heat sources : saunas, steam baths, and sun exposure are strictly discouraged in the seven days following the treatment. Heat promotes vasodilation, which can intensify post-injection inflammation, cause redness, burning sensations, and compromise the proper integration of the gel into the tissues. In case of accidental or necessary exposure, the use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50) is imperative, although ideally all heat exposure should be avoided during this critical phase.
  • Postpone aesthetic or medical facial treatments : any aesthetic or therapeutic procedure involving the face — such as massages, radiofrequency, microneedling, or lasers — should be deferred for at least two weeks. These techniques can alter the distribution of the gel, induce additional inflammation, or affect local vascularization, thereby compromising the quality of the result.

Medical follow-up after a hyaluronic acid injection in the chin

Post-injection follow-up is an essential step to ensure the success of a hyaluronic acid treatment in the chin. It allows monitoring the evolution of the result, confirming the proper integration of the product, and promptly detecting any reaction requiring medical attention.
Normal reactions and warning signs must be clearly distinguished. In the hours following the injection, it is common to observe slight redness at the needle entry point, moderate swelling, a transient sensation of tension, or small bruises. These manifestations are benign and generally disappear within two to three days without any intervention. Conversely, certain symptoms require particular vigilance: persistent and intense pain, the appearance of white, gray, or purplish skin areas, abnormal warmth accompanied by fever, or red and painful nodules. These signs may indicate a vascular, inflammatory, or infectious complication that must be treated promptly by a physician.
The follow-up consultation also plays a fundamental role. Scheduled between the tenth and fifteenth day, it allows the doctor to examine the quality of gel integration, check symmetry, and, if necessary, make subtle adjustments. This personalized support enhances the safety of the treatment and contributes to the finesse and durability of the final result.

Long-term advice to prolong the effects of hyaluronic acid in the chin

Certain habits directly influence the durability and quality of the results of a hyaluronic acid injection in the chin. Establishing an appropriate routine helps preserve the shape, volume, and harmony of the lower third of the face in the long term.
It is important to regularly hydrate the skin: hyaluronic acid works by retaining water in the tissues, which gives it its volumizing effect. Well-hydrated skin therefore prolongs the longevity of the gel and helps improve skin suppleness. Daily application of a moisturizer suitable for your skin type, enriched with protective and reparative active ingredients, is essential. This external hydration should be complemented by good internal hydration, through sufficient water intake, to slow the natural resorption of the product and maintain harmonious volume for longer.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is fundamental: certain behaviors can accelerate the degradation of hyaluronic acid and shorten the duration of results. Smoking, chronic stress, excessive sun exposure, or an unbalanced diet low in antioxidants promote oxidative stress and enzymatic activity responsible for premature gel resorption. Conversely, a healthy lifestyle — including a diet rich in protective nutrients, quality sleep, and regular photoprotection — helps stabilize the effects of the treatment and prolong the benefits of medical genioplasty.

Should the chin be massaged after a hyaluronic acid injection ?

As a general rule, the chin should not be massaged by oneself after a hyaluronic acid injection, unless explicitly instructed by the injecting physician. Contrary to some common beliefs, post-injection massage is neither systematic nor recommended.
The chin is a structural anatomical area, where hyaluronic acid is often injected deeply, frequently in contact with the bone. The gel used is generally highly cross-linked and therefore very cohesive. Once placed, it needs to remain perfectly stable during the first few days to integrate properly with the surrounding tissue. An uncontrolled massage, even gentle, can disrupt this integration, causing product migration, asymmetry, or surface irregularities.
In specific cases, notably if a small induration is observed after the procedure, the physician may advise the patient to perform a very light, localized massage according to a precise protocol, after a period of 7 to 10 days. However, this should never be initiated independently.
In summary, no massage should be performed after an injection unless expressly indicated by the physician. The best post-procedure practice is to leave the product in place, without pressure or rubbing, while rigorously following the recommendations given during the consultation.

Can a facial mask be worn after a chin injection ?

It is possible to wear a facial mask after a hyaluronic acid injection in the chin, particularly for health or professional reasons. However, certain precautions are necessary, especially during the first hours following the treatment.
During the first 48 hours, the injected area remains sensitive and the product is not yet fully integrated into the tissues. Prolonged wearing of a surgical or FFP2 mask, especially if it exerts mechanical pressure on the chin, can locally compress the gel, cause slight temporary deformation, promote persistent swelling, or create discomfort.
Whenever possible, it is recommended to limit mask use to strictly necessary periods during the first two days, use a mask adjusted to avoid direct pressure on the chin, and favor soft masks.
After this period, once the product has stabilized, wearing a mask no longer poses any aesthetic or functional risk.
In case prolonged mask use is mandatory (medical setting, travel, high-risk environment), it is important to inform your physician during the consultation so the injection can be adapted if necessary.

Photo of doctor Valeria Romano in Geneva

Article written by Dr Romano Valeria

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