After receiving Rejuran or a skin booster injection, there is no fixed recovery period that applies to everyone. The severity of pinprick marks, small raised bumps, redness, swelling, tenderness, and bruising can be affected by product viscosity, dosage, treatment area, injection method, number of injection points, and individual constitution.
Most mild reactions will gradually subside, but you should still set aside recovery time before important events, photoshoots, or your return trip. Decisions about face washing, makeup, and air travel should be based on the actual state of the injection sites and your treating doctor’s instructions.
Quick Summary
On the day of treatment, focus on keeping the injection sites clean and avoiding rubbing, pressure, or high-temperature stimulation. Face washing and makeup can usually resume once the injection sites have closed, which many people plan for the next day — but this is not a one-size-fits-all rule. Commercial flights themselves are generally not an absolute contraindication after a simple injection, but it is not advisable to schedule treatment and a long-haul return flight too close together.
What is the typical recovery process after treatment?
| Approximate timeline | Possible symptoms | Key care points |
|---|---|---|
| Day of treatment | Pinprick marks, redness, small raised bumps, mild swelling, or tenderness. | Keep the area clean. Do not rub, press, or massage the area on your own. Use aftercare products as instructed by the clinic. |
| About 24 hours | Some redness and swelling begin to ease; pinprick marks may still be visible. | Decide whether to wash your face or wear makeup based on the condition of the injection sites. Use gentle products and avoid exfoliants and irritating ingredients. |
| About 2–3 days | Most mild bumps gradually flatten, and bruising may become more noticeable. | Continue sun protection. Avoid high temperatures, strenuous exercise, and alcohol. Do not cover up unusual changes with cosmetics. |
| About 3–7 days | Common reactions usually continue to improve, though some bruising may still remain. | If symptoms worsen, or if you develop hard lumps, severe pain, or unusual skin discoloration, contact the clinic. |
The above is only a reference for travel planning, not a guarantee of recovery. Areas such as the eye area and forehead, as well as manual multi-point injections, may cause more noticeable swelling or bumps.
How long after Rejuran or skin booster injections can I wash my face?
The key is not to wait a set number of hours mechanically, but to confirm that the injection sites have closed, there is no oozing or bleeding, and whether your doctor has applied a dressing. Some clinics allow gentle cleansing the same evening, while others recommend waiting until the next day.
When you resume face washing, use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser. Avoid hot water, facial cleansing brushes, scrubs, chemical exfoliants (acids), and vigorous rubbing. After washing, gently pat dry and do not repeatedly rub the treated area.
How long until I can wear makeup?
Cosmetics and makeup tools can come into contact with injection sites. You should generally wait until the injection sites have closed, show no oozing, and have no significant irritation before applying makeup. Many people wait until the next day, but the actual timing should follow your doctor’s advice.
For your first makeup application, use clean tools and simple, basic products, and avoid heavy coverage. Be equally gentle when removing makeup — do not rub vigorously. If you need heavy makeup to cover worsening redness or swelling, have the clinic assess the issue first.
How should I manage exercise, alcohol, saunas, and skincare?
Exercise:Avoid strenuous exercise in the short term to reduce heat, sweating and friction.
Alcohol:Alcohol may worsen facial flushing and swelling, so it should be avoided as much as possible in the early recovery period.
Sauna and high temperatures:Put off saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga, hot springs and overly hot showers.
Skincare:Start with gentle moisturizer and sunscreen, and hold off on high-concentration acids, retinoids, exfoliants and irritating whitening products.
Massage:Do not press the area, use a roller massage tool, or use beauty devices on your own unless explicitly instructed by your doctor.
Can I fly right after the treatment?
For simple Rejuran or skin booster injections, cabin pressure itself generally does not create a universal no-fly requirement. However, long-haul flights on the same day or the next day bring issues such as dry air, lack of sleep, luggage handling, and the inability to return to the clinic promptly for a follow-up check.
If your schedule allows, it is recommended to set aside at least an observation period before leaving Seoul, especially if this is your first injection, you are treating the eye area, you are receiving a larger dose, or you are having other procedures done at the same time. The exact length of time to wait should be advised by your doctor based on the procedure and your individual risk factors.
During the flight, stay hydrated, avoid drinking alcohol, and do not repeatedly touch the treated area. Bring along the procedure name, dosage, treatment date and the clinic’s contact information so you can explain the situation if any issues arise.
What reactions require contacting the clinic promptly?
Mild redness, swelling, pinprick marks and bruising usually improve gradually. If any of the following occur, do not just wait for them to go away on their own:
Pain that keeps getting worse or is out of proportion to the appearance;
Pale, grayish, purplish-black, or net-like discoloration of the skin;
Blisters, skin breakdown, discharge of pus, or noticeable heat;
Rapidly spreading swelling accompanied by breathing discomfort;
Changes in vision, severe headache, or other neurological symptoms;
Lumps, papules, or redness and swelling that do not resolve over a long period.
If severe symptoms occur, seek immediate local medical attention and contact the treating clinic at the same time. Cross-border patients should not rely on WeChat replies as a substitute for emergency medical care.
How to plan your Korea treatment trip and return journey?
Do not schedule injections the day before an important photoshoot, wedding or meeting;
Allow more observation time for your first treatment than for follow-up sessions;
Plan for a longer recovery window for eye-area treatments, full-face multi-point injections, or combined procedures;
Get the product name, dosage and post-treatment precautions before returning home;
Confirm the contact information and medical advice to follow if any issues arise after you return to your home country.
How is follow-up care handled after treatment at B:AID?
According to B:AID's official website, post-treatment follow-up is available in Chinese or English. Before you finish your appointment, it is recommended that you ask the staff to clarify normal reactions, warning signs, care timelines, and how to contact the clinic after you return home.
Take recovery photos in consistent lighting without filters, and note any changes in pain, warmth, or other sensations at the same time. This helps your doctor assess your healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the small bumps on the face take to go away?
Most small, dot-like bumps will gradually flatten out, but how fast this happens depends on the product used, the dose, the treatment area, and the injection depth. If bumps persist, worsen, or are accompanied by pain, contact your doctor.
Is it mandatory to be able to wear makeup the next day?
No. Whether you can wear makeup depends on whether the needle holes have closed, whether there is any discharge, and your doctor's instructions. Do not apply makeup to cover up visible needle holes.
Does bruising mean the procedure was done incorrectly?
Injections can hit small blood vessels, so bruising does not automatically mean the procedure was performed incorrectly. However, you should seek an evaluation if the bruise spreads, becomes more painful, or is accompanied by abnormal skin discoloration.
Can I use face masks to help with recovery?
Do not use masks from unknown sources, or those with fragrances or complex active ingredients on your own. Follow the clinic's advice on whether you need medical dressings or cold compresses.
Will flying make the injected product move?
Cabin pressure is generally not the main cause of product movement. More important concerns during the early recovery period are swelling, dryness, and not being able to return to the clinic promptly for a check-up. Do not press or rub the treated area on your own.
How long do I have to wait before getting another aesthetic treatment?
This depends on the product used in your current treatment, how well you are recovering, and the energy level or injection depth of your next procedure. Do not schedule additional treatments based on a fixed timeline on your own.
This article provides general post-treatment care information and is not a substitute for personalized advice from your treating doctor. If the clinic's care instructions differ from this article, always follow the advice of the doctor who is familiar with your specific treatment. Seek immediate local medical attention if you develop severe or rapidly worsening abnormal symptoms.
