Lip Filler Aftercare

Lip fillers can be a simple and effective way to add volume to your lips creating a fuller and softer appearance. Your b clinic expert will use a small amount of  hyaluronic acid (a chemical your body naturally produces) and is entirely safe to use to enhance your lips natural appearance and bring back the volume and fullness of your lips .

This minimally invasive procedure takes a matter of minutes, but it can leave your lips feeling swollen and bruised in the following hours. This will ease in the days following the procedure, and you should have very little bruising or swelling after the fourth day. 

Following the lip filler aftercare guidelines we have written below is important to minimise any swelling and pain and to maximise the desired results from the procedure. The guidelines below will help you to care for your lips post-procedure and increase the longevity of your results.

Your clinician at b clinic will also provide personalised before and aftercare recommendations during your consultation, so you can be rest assured you’re looked after and going to receive the desired results .

Is Swelling After Lip Filler Normal?

Experiencing a small amount of swelling after a lip filler injection is perfectly normal. You will likely see swelling start to reduce within 24 hours of the procedure. For some people, the swelling starts to subside within a matter of hours. 

To see the full results of your filler treatment, you will need to wait a minimum of 5 days. By this time, the swelling should have completely subsided, and your lips will have a fuller and softer appearance. 

Lip Filler Swelling Stages

Day 1: Swelling should start to subside within 24-48 hours of receiving the lip filler treatment. You may feel some minor pain which can be treated using over the counter painkillers. 

Day 2: On the second day, your lips may still feel tender, but any pain should have significantly reduced.  

Day 3: By day 3, the swelling should be down almost entirely, and you will start to see the results of the lip filler treatment. 

Day 4: On the fourth day, the swelling will have subsided for the majority of people, and you shouldn’t feel any pain or tenderness. You will see the full results by the 5th day. 

How to Reduce Lip Filler Swelling

While minor swelling is normal following a lip filler injection, there are several steps you can take to reduce and conceal swelling in the days following your procedure.

Apply Ice to Your Lips

In the first 24 hours post-treatment, apply ice to the swollen area, you can use an ice pack or place ice in a plastic bag and then wrap with a tea towel. It’s not recommended to place ice within direct contact to the skin on your lips as it is a delicate area. The ice will restrict blood flow and help in reducing the swelling.

Stay Hydrated

Make sure you drink plenty of water. This keeps fluids moving throughout your body, rather than being stored in the area around your lips as swelling. 

Protect Your Lips

Try to rest your lips and avoid applying any pressure to the area. You should avoid kissing for the first 48 hours post-treatment and avoid any strenuous exercise for 24 hours post treatment. 

Don’t Drink Through a Straw

Avoid using straws for a minimum of 24 hours after your lip filler procedure. The action of drinking through a straw can apply pressure to your lips, and increase the chances of swelling. 

Bruising After Lip Fillers

Bruising is a natural part of the healing process, with all injection treatments, some minor bruising is to be expected. This will subside in the days following the procedure. 

During the first night after a lip filler procedure, it’s advisable to sleep with your head slightly raised to help reduce bruising. You should avoid sleeping in a position that applies pressure to your lips. 

Don’t apply any makeup to the area for at least 24 hours. After this time, you may find that using a dark coloured lipstick will help to conceal any bruising. 

How Long Does Lip Filler Take to Settle?

Lip filler treatments are minimally invasive, and you can expect to see results within days of the procedure. In the first 24 to 48 hours, it’s difficult to see the full results due to swelling in the area. 

By day 4, the swelling and any bruising should have significantly reduced, and your lips will appear plumper and more voluminous. It can take up to 5 days to achieve the final desired results.

We recommend booking your lip filler procedure at least one week in advance of any important events. This will leave enough time for any bruising and swelling to subside. 

Lip Filler Aftercare FAQs

What to Avoid After Getting Lip Fillers

Lip filler procedures require minimal downtime, but there are a few things you should avoid during the aftercare stage of your treatment. 

Don’t Travel on Long Flights

Don’t plan any long flights until you have fully recovered. The dry environment of the airplane cabin can exacerbate swelling and discomfort. Try to avoid making any long haul flights for at least one week following a lip filler procedure.

Don’t Go to the Gym or Use a Sauna

Avoid any strenuous activities or exercise for 24 hours, increased blood flow can exacerbate swelling and cause discomfort. You should also avoid using any saunas or steam rooms for one-week post-procedure as this can affect the healing of the blood vessels in the lips. 

Don’t Consume Alcohol

You should avoid alcohol for the first few days following lip filler treatment. Alcohol causes dilation of the blood vessels (vasodilation), which can slow down the healing process and increase swelling and bruising. Alcohol also dehydrates you making bruising take more time to heal.   

How Long After Lip Fillers Can You Eat?

You can eat on the day you get your lip fillers. Your lips will be treated with a numbing agent during the procedure, so it’s important to avoid hot foods and be careful not to bite your lips when eating during the first few hours after the procedure. 

For the first 24 hours, it’s a good idea to eat foods that are soft and easy to chew. This will help you to avoid wiping your lips and irritating the injection site. 

Can You Shower After Lip Fillers?

You should avoid hot showers for the first 24 hours. Hot temperatures cause your blood vessels to dilate and may increase swelling. Make sure the water is lukewarm if you take a shower after your lip filler procedure. 

Can I Put Vaseline on My Lip After Filler?

You can apply vaseline or any mild moisturiser if your lips are dry following the procedure. Use a brush or your finger to apply a thin covering and avoid pressing down on your lips. 

How Long Do Fillers Last?

After one week, you should see the desired results from your lip filler procedure. The longevity of the treatment depends on many factors; your skin type, lifestyle, age, and the type of lip filler product used all contribute to how long your lips will maintain a fuller and softer look. 

For the majority of people, lip fillers will last from 6 to 8 months. Some people may need to top up their filler after six months, while others may keep the desired results for longer. Most people return to the clinic every six months to maintain the desired volume.

The lip filler aftercare guidelines should be used to complement the advice your clinician has told you at your consultation. If you have any questions about caring for your lips after receiving lip fillers, contact b clinic to discuss your concerns with a member of our friendly team