What to Expect After Lip Fillers? A Complete Guide to Healing and Results

Lip fillers are a popular cosmetic procedure that can enhance the size and shape of your lips. After getting lip fillers, there are a few things that you can expect in terms of recovery and the results. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect after lip fillers:

In most cases, swelling and bruising should fade within the first 3-5 days. Take over-the-counter painkillers such as Tylenol (but not ibuprofen, which thins the blood) to manage any discomfort or soreness.

During this time, it is important to drink plenty of water and minimize facial movements. Around this time, you will have a follow-up appointment with your provider.

Enhancing Your Smile with Lip Filler

After the initial swelling fades, your lips will continue to heal and reshape themselves. This is a natural and necessary process that requires patience in order to achieve satisfactory results. However, there are several steps you can take to speed up this process and ensure optimal comfort and healing.

During this time, it is best to avoid strenuous activity that can increase blood pressure and heart rate. In addition, it is important to stay hydrated and limit salt intake to prevent excessive swelling. Also, avoiding high temperatures, like steam rooms and heated fitness classes, will help reduce swelling and bruising.

It is also a good idea to refrain from kissing during this period to prevent the transfer of bacteria and germs to the injection site. Finally, patients should avoid putting lipstick or lip balm on their lips, as these products could introduce bacteria to the injection site and increase the likelihood of infection. Instead, patients can apply ice to their lips multiple times throughout the day to soothe discomfort and promote healing.

Immediate Aftercare

Many lip fillers come with lidocaine, a powerful numbing agent that significantly reduces discomfort. Nevertheless, some discomfort and swelling is normal. We recommend you avoid consuming alcohol, avoiding high-sodium foods, and sleeping on your stomach or cheeks for the first 48 hours after treatment to limit inflammation and bruising.

We also encourage patients to avoid wearing makeup until a few days post-treatment to prevent contamination of the injection site. Using cosmetics introduces bacteria to the healing injection site and can cause the obvious swelling to worsen. We also ask patients to make sure their appointments are not scheduled right before an event that they may feel uncomfortable attending if they have visible bruising or swelling.

It is recommended to apply ice packs to the lips several times throughout the day (use an ice cube covered in a cloth to avoid direct contact). This helps ease pain, swelling, and itching. It’s also a good idea to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures as the heat can increase blood flow and contribute to swelling. In addition, a 2015 study found that arnica, aloe vera, and vitamin K creams can help reduce bruising around the injection area.

Common Side Effects and How Long They Last

After the first 48 hours, your lips will likely still be swollen and sensitive. This is normal for new patients to lip fillers and should subside over time.

You should avoid rubbing or massaging the lips to prevent displacement and to reduce inflammation. You can also apply ice to the treatment area several times a day to manage discomfort and swelling. You should also avoid kissing and drinking through a straw to prevent excess pressure on the lips.

By day three, your lips will begin to heal and any lingering swelling should be fading away. It is important to be patient and stick with your treatment plan for the best results.

Once the initial swelling has faded, your lips will look and feel natural and full. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact NP-C Kathleen Hoops to set up a follow-up appointment. We can check to see how your lips have healed and make any necessary corrections to ensure a gorgeous, long-lasting result. Depending on the type of lip filler you choose, your results can last up to 12 months.

When Will You See Results?

During the second week post-treatment, swelling should be diminishing and you will begin to see the full results. You may want to schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure everything is healing well and achieving the desired look.

At this point, your lips should be resembling their final, natural shape and any bruising or lumps should have mostly resolved. However, it is important to continue to monitor the site for signs of infection or inflammation. Any symptoms such as pus, fever, increased tenderness or asymmetry should be reported to your injector right away.

It is also a good idea to avoid heavy exercise during this time as it can increase blood flow to the area and make swelling more pronounced. Instead, opt for light to moderate exercises and hydrate by drinking plenty of water to help your body heal. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol should be safe to take during this period, but it is best to avoid any NSAIDs that may thin the blood. Icing the area is also helpful as it can have a numbing effect and reduce discomfort.

Dos and Don’ts for Optimal Healing

As the lips settle and heal, the swelling subsides and the color of the fillers becomes more natural. This is a good time to schedule a follow-up appointment with your provider to see how the results are progressing.

During this time, it’s important to avoid activities that can cause inflammation or disturb the healing process. Avoid applying makeup or lip products like lipstick or balm to the treatment area, as these can introduce bacteria to the site and irritate sensitive tissue. It’s also important to stay hydrated and steer clear of high-sodium foods, which can exacerbate swelling.

In addition, be sure to take precautions when exercising or spending time in the sun. Excessive heat can constrict blood vessels, which can exacerbate bruising and swelling, so it’s best to limit your exposure. This is also a good time to consult with your provider about any lingering pain or discomfort, as over-the-counter NSAIDs can help mute aching and irritation. However, it’s best to avoid any medications that thin the blood, as these can exacerbate bleeding at the injection sites.

How Long Do Lip Fillers Last?

Lip fillers last for a different amount of time in each patient, depending on how quickly the body metabolizes the dermal filler. However, it’s possible for fillers to last up to 18 months, depending on the type of filler used.

Two weeks post-treatment, you’ll begin to see improvements as swelling decreases and minor asymmetries smooth out. This is when most patients are able to resume regular activities, though it’s important to avoid activities that put pressure on the lips.

Apply an ice pack to the area at 10-minute intervals to reduce inflammation and bruising, and to maintain proper healing. It’s also recommended to avoid high-heat environments like saunas and hot yoga classes, as heat can make bruising appear more pronounced.

If you’re worried about a lump or a bump that has formed, you can ask your injector to remove it using hyaluronidase, a solution that dissolves hyaluronic acid filler. However, this option should only be considered if you have a skilled injector with experience in the procedure. Otherwise, the filler may break down in a way that isn’t desirable or safe.

Potential Complications & When to Contact Provider

Swelling and bruising from lip fillers usually subside within the first week. Most patients are able to apply concealer or lipstick to cover any remaining marks. During this time, it is important to make sure the procedure isn’t booked right before any event that could be uncomfortable or difficult to attend with lingering bruising or swelling.

It’s also important to avoid smoking or drinking alcohol post-procedure, as both increase the risk of infection and can worsen swelling. Patients can resume most normal activities, but are encouraged to rest as much as possible to minimize inflammation. It’s recommended to stay well hydrated with plenty of water and steer clear of high-sodium foods that can exacerbate swelling. It’s also advised to avoid strenuous exercise for the first 48 hours as this can trigger increased blood flow and aggravate swelling.

At the two-week mark, a follow-up appointment is scheduled to assess healing progress and address any concerns. During this appointment, the provider will reshape the lips as needed to achieve optimal results. During this visit, the patient will also be able to request additional treatment areas if desired.

How House of Aesthetics Ensures Safe and Stunning Results

At House of Aesthetics Med Spa, we strive to ensure your lips look natural and feel comfortable, while providing you with the boost you want. Our lip fillers contain lidocaine, which minimizes discomfort, and you can ice the area as needed. We also ask you to avoid high heat (saunas, steam rooms, hot showers) and take an over-the-counter painkiller like Tylenol (but not ibuprofen, as it thins blood).

By day 14, most swelling will be minimal, and bruising should have faded. At this point, we will schedule a follow-up appointment to analyze your results and take “after” photos.

It’s normal for the injected area to look red or swollen at first, but this will improve with massage and the natural healing process. Pronounced asymmetry or unevenness should be reported to your provider, as this may indicate improper distribution of the filler. Occasionally, hard nodules or lumps may form, and this can be remedied with a drug called hyaluronidase. However, this is rarely necessary and usually only occurs with certain types of fillers.

In conclusion, getting lip fillers can result in swelling, bruising, and sensitivity, but these side effects should subside within a few days. It’s important to follow your provider’s instructions for aftercare and to schedule regular touch-up appointments to maintain the results of your lip fillers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lip Filler Aftercare

1. How long should I avoid exercise after lip fillers?

• Answer: It’s recommended to avoid exercise for at least 24-48 hours after receiving lip fillers. Physical activity increases blood flow, which can lead to more swelling and potentially affect how the filler settles. For best results, wait until any initial swelling and tenderness have subsided before returning to intense workouts.

2. Can I wear lipstick after getting lip fillers?

• Answer: It’s best to avoid wearing lipstick, lip balm, or any makeup on your lips for the first 24 hours after the procedure. This helps prevent irritation and reduces the risk of introducing bacteria to the treated area, which could lead to infection. After 24 hours, you can return to your normal lip makeup routine unless advised otherwise by your provider.

3. How do I reduce swelling quickly?

• Answer: To reduce swelling after lip fillers, apply an ice pack to the area for 10-15 minutes every few hours on the day of your treatment. Be sure to wrap the ice pack in a soft cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin. Staying hydrated, keeping your head elevated, and avoiding salty foods can also help manage swelling. Swelling is a normal part of the healing process and typically subsides within a few days.

4. Are lip fillers reversible?

• Answer: Yes, hyaluronic acid-based lip fillers, the most commonly used type, are reversible. If you are unsatisfied with the results or experience any complications, an enzyme called hyaluronidase can be injected to dissolve the filler. However, it’s always best to discuss your goals and expectations thoroughly with your provider to ensure you’re happy with your initial results.