After lip filler, you are likely excited for your lips’ new shape and plumpness—but you may also be wondering, how long is any swelling going to last? And, will I bruise? The good news is these reactions are generally minor and in about 2 weeks you can expect to see your final results, unclouded by side effects. However, there are a few things you need to do to avoid disrupting your body’s healing process or worsening swelling or bruising. Our Asheville med spa team explains.
Ice as needed
Most dermal fillers contain a numbing agent (lidocaine) to minimize discomfort during the injections, and we will apply a numbing cream beforehand to help keep you comfortable. The procedure for injecting lip fillers is usually quick and, for the most part, comfortable.
However, it’s quite common to experience some degree of swelling and tenderness in the hours that follow your appointment, and to help with this, some patients use ice packs to reduce mild swelling and soothe tenderness for the first few hours following their appointment.
Your injector can provide an appropriate ice pack for you to take home and use post-treatment. A good rule of thumb is to apply it in intervals—15 minutes on, then 15 minutes off—to make sure you don’t damage your tissues with too much cold.
Avoid high intensity exercise for 2 days
Try to avoid any strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours after receiving lip fillers. Workouts increase your heart rate and blood flow, both of which can exacerbate swelling. So, as much as you might love your daily jog or gym routine, we advise you to take a little break for a day or two after the procedure.
Stay hydrated
An often overlooked—but absolutely essential—part of your lip filler aftercare routine is hydration. Staying well-hydrated is important for overall health and wellness, but it can also make a significant difference in the appearance and health of your lips post-treatment!
Dermal fillers, including those used for lip enhancements, are made primarily of hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in our bodies that helps keep our skin hydrated and plump. By drinking plenty of fluids, you’re helping maintain this hydration, ultimately aiding in preserving the fullness and lusciousness of your newly enhanced lips.
Aim to drink at least eight glasses per day. Of course, the exact amount you need can vary depending on your body size, activity level, and the climate you live in, but this is a good general guideline to follow after lip filler and always. (Consuming foods high in water content can also contribute to your hydration levels—fruits like watermelon and strawberries, and vegetables like cucumbers and lettuce.)
Avoiding excessive consumption of dehydrating substances, like caffeine and alcohol, particularly in the first few days following your procedure, can also support your hydration efforts.
Don’t prod, pick, or massage your lips
In the days following your procedure, it’s crucial that you’re gentle with your new lips. You should avoid massaging, prodding, or otherwise aggravating your lip filler unless your injector specifically recommends massaging them.
Always adhere to the specific advice given by your injector as it will be tailored to your personal situation. Your injector is trained in the best practices for lip filler aftercare and will consider your unique circumstances, so you should follow their guidance before trying something you read online.
In the days following your procedure, it’s crucial that you’re gentle with your new lips.
Wait 24 hours to apply products
We know how excited you are about your new, fuller pout—it’s natural to want to show off your lips with your favorite lip gloss or color! But to prevent potential infections, we recommend you hold off from applying any lip products for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
The area where the filler was injected can be a bit sensitive, and introducing makeup or other cosmetic products too soon can risk irritation or infection. Give your lips a little time to breathe and heal. Once that 24-hour mark has passed, feel free to apply your beloved lip products and enjoy your new, enhanced smile.
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours
Alcohol is known to thin the blood, which can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after a cosmetic procedure like lip fillers. Before your treatment, aim to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours to minimize the risk of excess bleeding or bruising during your procedure.
After your lip filler procedure, we recommend that you abstain from alcohol for at least another 24 hours. This waiting period can help to minimize post-treatment swelling and bruising and also promotes faster healing.
In some cases, patients may be more sensitive, and some injectors might recommend a longer period of abstinence from alcohol—sometimes up to 48 hours post-procedure. Everyone’s body reacts differently, and your injector will provide guidance based on your individual needs.
Call your injector if something seems “off”
Normal filler side effects include swelling, bruising, redness, and very slight bleeding at the injection points. These should mostly resolve within a few hours, and fully resolve in a few days. If you have any sudden changes in your skin’s appearance, sensation, or if anything seems “off,” call your injector or your doctor right away. More serious symptoms may include:
- The treated area feels uncomfortably or severely full, tender, and painful
- Sudden increase in swelling, or swelling that does not go down over the course of several days
- Discoloration in the skin
- Fever
- Changes in eyesight
Irregular symptoms could be a sign of an infection or allergic reaction to the filler, which can be treated with antibiotics, antihistamines, and/or dissolving the filler. Another rare but very serious risk associated with dermal fillers is vascular occlusion, in which the filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel. This could result in tissue loss or in extreme cases, permanent vision impairment.
If vascular occlusion (VO) is handled promptly, your injector can use hyaluronidase—an enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid-based fillers—to address the blockage, so be sure to contact them as well as your primary care or emergency physician.
About Mountain Radiance medical spa in Asheville, NC
If you are looking for an experienced, caring, and down-to-earth provider for your lip filler, Mountain Radiance has you covered. Under the direction of Dr. Mark Chandler, our aesthetic team offers a full range of injectables, i.e. Botox®, as well as skin treatments and lasers to customize treatment for your anti-aging or skin concerns.
Book your consultation and treatment with Dr. Mark, nurse injector Sarah, or physician assistant Christina today by calling our office at (828) 627-2711 or sending us a message online!
