Lip Filler Aftercare

What You Need to Know after having Lip Fillers

It may seem strange to think of lip fillers becoming more popular during a period where face coverings were mandatory, but some clinics saw a 30% increase in such procedures during lockdown.

However, there’s much more to lip fillers than meets the eye, and it’s important to be prepared and informed when booking in for this type of treatment.

In this piece, we’ll look at the do’s and don’ts of lip filler after care, while appraising any potential long-term considerations. Let’s get started!

The Do’s and Don’t of Having Lip Fillers

There are many things that you should do in the 48 hours or so after having lip fillers. For example:

  • DO avoid kissing or massaging your lips directly after the procedure, while taking additional care when cleansing your skin around the injection site
  • DO buy some arnica gel or cream to apply following your appointment to minimise swelling and bruising and speed up the healing process

There are also a number of things that practitioners recommend you avoid in the aftermath of having lip fillers. So:

  • DON’T use an exfoliating agent or similar products for 24 hours after your treatment
  • DON’T have a facial massage for at least two weeks
  • DON’T consume alcohol for at least 24 hours after having lip fillers
  • DON’T exercise excessively for at least 24 hours afterwards (yes, you read that right!)

The Long-term Side Effects of Lip Fillers and How to Manage Your Aftercare

When dealing with qualified medical practitioners such as KG Aesthetics, there shouldn’t really be any adverse side effects in the longer-term. However, short-term effects can include:

  • A nominal amount of bleeding from the injection site
  • Significant bruising
  • Temporary facial swelling
  • Tenderness at and around the injection site

Each of these side-effects should diminish naturally within 48 hours or so of the treatment being completed, but there are some proactive steps you can take to ensure that these are minimised further! For example:

  • Use an Ice Pack on Your Lips: This helps to reduce initial swelling around the injection site
  • Drink Water and Avoid Excess Salt: By consuming plenty of water and avoiding excess salt, you can minimise the risk of dehydration and reduce inflammation immediately after the treatment
  • Eat Foods That Are Easy to Chew and Avoid Vitamin E Supplements: Focusing on foods that are easy to chew negates the need to wipe or touch your tender lips after having fillers, while consciously avoiding Vitamin E supplements also helps to minimise instances of bruising.

The Last Word

If you follow the tips listed above, any instances of discomfort, swelling or bruising should subside in 48 hours or less.

However, I would recommend keeping an eye on your injection site and your physical symptoms after lip filler treatment, as sustained and severe pain around the injection site and discolouration may be indicative of a more serious adverse reaction.

In this case, be sure to contact your clinician urgently and talk through your symptoms in detail.