Have you been dreaming of fuller, juicier lips? Lip filler can make for the perfect pout, but you might be wondering about the process. From swollen lips to potential bruising, it's normal to wonder about the road to recovery.
With our expert nurse injectors here at Fillir, temporary side effects smooth out over the course of a few days to a week. Follow along as we walk you through your lip filler experience and what to expect regarding healing and timeline.
What to expect after Lip Injections?
Directly after getting lip filler injections expect your lips to appear significantly bigger and fuller than the result. This initial pronounced swelling and fullness is normal and anticipated. The inflammation you’re experiencing is caused by the trauma from the needle and your body’s response to the filler. Based on our clients’ experience, you can expect the swelling to last around 24-48 hours post appointment. It is also common to have some tenderness, redness, and bruising around the injection site. Your provider may suggest icing the area for the next 24 hours or so as needed.
Recovery Timeline:
Days 1-3:
Swelling, tenderness, redness, & potential bruising
Continue icing or using a cold press throughout the day
Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours
Swelling may cause asymmetry initially
Days 4-7
Swelling and bruising start improving
Lips appear more even and balanced
Subtle shape and definition more visible as swelling resolves
Week 2:
Residual swelling and bruising are fully resolved
Final lip shape, contour, and volume enhancement are visible
Follow up with provider if touch ups are needed
Week 4:
Filler fully settled into tissue
Soft, natural looking results
What to expect 24 hours after getting lip fillers?
Swelling and bruising will likely peak at 24 hours then gradually improve over the next few days. Your lips may seem puffy and asymmetrical initially.
Lips often feel firm and numb temporarily before the filler gets integrated. As the filler settles, your lips will soften. If you are experiencing discomfort, ice or a cold compress can be used to help reduce inflammation.
Bruising typically gets darker first before fading. Keep your lips moisturized (Aquaphor, Chapstick), but avoid makeup.
Any discomfort should decrease after the first 24 hours
At fillir, we advise head elevation, hydration, and ice to aid in reducing swelling and discomfort during the healing process.
Can I use a straw after lip filler?
Staying hydrated is a very important key to the lip filler healing process, but we want to avoid straws. Using a straw can put unwanted pressure on your tender lips. Suction can also worsen swelling and cause discomfort in the treated area.
Instead sip water slowly out of a glass without pursing or puckering your lips. In addition, avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours as it can thin the blood and increase swelling, prolonging healing.
Why is exercise not recommended after lip fillers?
Exercise is strongly advised against after lip fillers because strenuous workouts and heat increase blood circulation which can worsen swelling, bruising, inflammation, and irritation, prolonging the healing process of the lips. Even light exercise such as walking raises the body’s temperature and causes sweating, which can introduce bacteria while the lips are still delicate. It is best to wait the advised 24-48 hours before any sort of exercise.
Is pain normal after lip fillers?
It is normal to experience pain, swelling, redness, and bruising after lip filler injections. Here’s what to expect:
Discomfort typically peaks at 24-48 hours but can last up to 1 week as the inflammation runs its course.
Use over-the-counter pain medication, like acetaminophen, as needed for relief. Avoid ibuprofen as it slows clotting.
Swelling should gradually improve with time, but bruising may worsen before getting better. Use an ice pack as needed.
What happens when lip filler wears off?
With time, the effects of lip filler wear off, and lips return to their original state.
Lips will gradually diminish over a period of 4-6 months on average.
As filler is slowly absorbed and metabolized from the body, lips will revert to their original shape and structure prior to the injections.
Schedule follow up appointments every 6 months to a year if you wish to maintain plump lips. This involves injecting more filler as the previous filler dissipates.
Consistent touch-up injections can replenish volume as it decreases over time. Your provider will advise on timing; however, our patients often notice some setting around the 6-month mark.
What if I want more lip filler before the 6-month mark?
Some patients' fillers may settle in nicely after 4 weeks, but they might feel they aren't as plump or full as they wanted them to be, especially after the swelling goes down. Our injectors advise waiting at least 4 weeks (about a month) for the filler to settle until you get a touch up for even more volume.
Be sure all initial swelling and bruising is completely gone from prior appointment.
Filler must be settled into tissue fully
See your provider for a follow-up as they will know best if it is time for more fillers or to hold off a bit longer.
What is lip filler migration, and what do I do if my lip filler migrates?
Lip filler migration happens when the injected filler shifts away from the original injection sites over time. This can create uneven, lumpy, or unnatural lip contours. Signs you may notice include:
Puffiness or swelling above the upper lip border
Loss of definition between the lip line and surrounding skin
Visible lumps on or around the lips
Changes in lip shape or texture
What to do about lip filler migration?
Mild migration may improve on its own over 6 plus months after filler dissipates
Gently massaging lip affected areas
If you are experiencing migration, our injectors here at Fillir recommend dissolving the filler with hyaluronidase injections and rebuilding from your lip’s natural state. We want to avoid over filling our patient’s lips; therefore, dissolving and starting over may be the recommended route for best results. Migration is not super uncommon so don't get scared if you seem to be experiencing migration. Contact your injector for a follow-up so they can advise the best route to go.
Conclusion
As far as what to expect after lip filler goes, experiencing slight side effects like bruising swelling, redness is all very common and should subside rather quickly. Making sure you are icing and avoiding activities in the first 24-48 hours is recommended. Following up with your trusted provider at Fillir at the 2-week mark will also ensure your lips have fully healed, leaving you with the perfect pout!
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