Lip fillers are a quick and easy way to enhance the size and shape of the lips, but following a proper recovery protocol is essential to ensure the best results. As with any elective cosmetic procedure, the devil is in the details, and sticking to a post-treatment protocol given to you by your injector will make the entire treatment safe and lead to better results. Suppose you’re unsure what to do during the lip filler recovery period. In that case, we’ve outlined everything to expect immediately after your procedure and into the following days so you know what the lip filler journey holds.
The Basics of Lip Filler Recovery
If you are getting lip fillers using hyaluronic acid, you may wonder just how long it will take for your lips to recover and for your new lips to be ready to show off. Injecting the lips with hyaluronic acid filler is a surefire way to achieve natural-looking lips, and even though the procedure is quick and easy, it’s still necessary to pay close attention to the recovery process and follow all instructions to a T.
The overall lip filler recovery time varies from one person to the next depending on the type of filler used and how much was injected. For the most part, you can go straight from our office to your regular activities, but it’s best to take it away, avoid doing anything strenuous, and stay out of the sun, which could cause excessive swelling. While it’s normal to feel a slight stinging, tingling, or mild discomfort in your lips right after the treatment, it shouldn’t impact your routine or make you call out sick from work.
It’s normal for the lips to initially appear larger than they will be because injecting them with fillers causes them to swell. But over the course of about one week, the swelling subsides, and the lips will emerge at their new size. Swelling and bruising are typically mild, if at all, but some people may notice more severe swelling and bruising. On average, it should last a few days to one week at most before the final results of the lip filler treatment can be seen.
How to Manage Discomfort and Swelling
While any discomfort and swelling you experience from lip filler should be on the mild side, there are a few expert tricks of the trade to minimize it during the lip filler recovery process. Applying cold compresses or an ice pack wrapped in a rag to the lips can help reduce swelling and make the lips feel less puffy. Just make sure to ice the lips for about 10 minutes to avoid damaging the lips with too much cold.
You can also take over-the-counter pain medications to alleviate any discomfort and bruising. Often, arnica cream and pills are recommended for swelling and bruising, although for some people, the bruising can last upwards of two weeks to completely disappear.
You’ll also want to avoid certain activities as your lips heal. Bumps and lumps are normal and can be caused by either an uneven distribution of product or the filler settling into the tissue. Massaging the area will help spread out the filler better and limit any swelling, too.
Staying Hydrated is Essential
Staying hydrated internally and externally is essential as the lips heal after filler. You’ll want to drink plenty of water so that the delicate skin on the lips remains moist and plump after lip fillers, especially since some people notice that their lips become dry during recovery. Water also helps to flush out some of the toxins in the body while maintaining the skin’s moisture balance.
You can also apply a hydrating lip balm to restore lost moisture. Look for formulas with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, coconut oil, and vitamin E. Make sure to reapply the balm as needed to keep the lips hydrated. You can start applying lip balm after your lip filler and can wear lipstick after the first 24 hours.
Another way to help the lips retain moisture is to avoid licking them, which can dry them out and cause chapped lips.
The Importance of Following Aftercare Instructions
Your injector will give you a list of lip filler recovery instructions you want to follow. While every injector's tips vary slightly, it’s essential to be mindful of them so you don’t run into potential complications or risk the outcome of your lip filler. Some of the more suggested instructions include:
- Not flying for long periods which can dry out the lips
- Massaging the lips as needed
- Keeping the lips well hydrated
- Avoiding the gym and extreme heat for at least 48 hours so that the blood vessels don’t dilate and compromise the results
- Don’t drink alcohol or consume salt to limit swelling and bruising
- No smoking or vaping
Keep in mind that the results of your lip filler are temporary, and you’ll need to repeat the treatment after about six to nine months to maintain the results and your new plump pout.
