Lips are among the most popular dermal filler areas. Patients love the transformation that more volumized lips bring to their appearance.
While the treatment is generally safe, most patients experience mild bruising after the procedure. This article looks at why bruising after lip fillers occurs, how long it lasts, and what you can do to mitigate the symptom.
What Causes Bruising After Lip fillers?
Bruising and swelling after lip fillers are the most common side effects of the treatment. The lips contain over a million nerve endings and many blood capillaries, making them difficult to avoid. When the injection needle punctures the lips and damages a blood vessel, the body’s natural response is to send white bloods cells to the injury site to repair the damage, manifesting as a bruise.
The more punctures the filler provider makes during the treatment, the higher the chance of bruising. Experienced providers with precise knowledge of facial anatomy use various filling techniques to prevent bruising, such as:
- Injecting the filler in as few locations as possible.
- Using micro cannulas with blunt tips instead of injection needles.
- Injecting small volumes at a time.
- Injecting the filler at a maximum depth of 2.5 mm to avoid blood vessels.
Untrained, inexperienced providers are more likely to skip these precautions and cause damage to lips.
Note: Hyaluronic acid lip fillers are commonly used for the lip area, the most popular brand being Juvéderm. Learn more about how Juvéderm lip filler works, what results you can achieve, and what to expect from the procedure.
How Long Do Lip Filler Bruises Last?
Lip filler bruises typically resolve within two weeks of the procedure. Some patients don’t bruise at all, but most experience some degree of bruising – from mild and short-lived that lasts a day or two, to more severe and lasting a few weeks.
How to Get Rid of Bruising After Lip Fillers?
If you bruise after your lip filler treatment, the following lip filler aftercare tips can help you alleviate the condition.
1. Use Cold Compresses
Wrap ice in a cloth and gently place it on the lips. Hold for 15-20 minutes and repeat several times throughout the day. The cold constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow and blood leaking into the skin.
2. Use Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for its soothing qualities that help reduce pain and swelling. It is also effective against bruising. Use a gel that contains pure aloe vera for maximum effect.
3. Apply Arnica Cream
Arnica is an effective anti-inflammatory remedy, helping with various issues, such as bruising, sore muscles, insect bites, acne breakouts, etc. Use as advised by your medical provider because higher concentrations may cause irritation.
4. Take Vitamin K
Vitamin K increases blood clotting, helping to decrease bleeding and bruising. Use vitamin K supplements or eat more foods that contain it, such as leafy greens, kiwi, and avocado.
Note: Discover the benefits of avocado oil for the skin and 6 ways to include it in your skincare routine.
5. Use Bromelain
Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes with anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve swelling and bruising. It is found in pineapples. You can eat the fruit, drink pure pineapple juice, or take bromelain supplements.
6. Take Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a known remedy for bruising. It strengthens blood vessels and enhances collagen production, helping the skin heal. Eat foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, peppers, and tomatoes, or take vitamin C supplements.
Note: Discover the benefits of collagen for the skin and ways to boost collagen production.
Another way to replenish vitamin C, along with other vitamins, minerals, and proteins, is nutritional IV therapy.
Note: Learn more about the benefits of vitamin C IV therapy.
7. Take Tylenol
Tylenol is the safest pain reliever after a lip filler. It helps relieve the treatment symptoms, including bruising, swelling, and pain. Avoid NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) because they have blood-thinning properties and may aggravate bruising.
8. Drink Plenty of Water
Water helps thin the blood and facilitate the movement of nutrients and oxygen through the body, aiding the healing process. Drink at least eight cups of water daily for several days to reduce bruising.
9. Avoid Alcohol
Bruising happens when an injector scratches blood vessels, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissue. Alcohol is a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes (expands) blood vessels and increases circulation. Therefore, drinking after getting dermal fillers may cause existing bruising to appear more prominent.
In addition, drinking before getting dermal fillers causes blood vessels to expand and be more difficult to avoid with the needle or cannula. To minimize bruising, avoid alcohol before and after treatment.
Note: To speed up recovery and ensure the best results after getting dermal fillers, we recommend using the ALASTIN SKINCARE® INhance Post-Injection Serum.
When Should I Worry About Bruising After Lip Fillers?
A good indicator of a bruise healing properly after a lip filler treatment is a visible, daily recovery and the bruise shrinking. However, if it intensifies each day and persists for longer than two weeks, contact your medical provider for advice.
Conclusion
Most lip filler patients experience bruising after the procedure. The side effect is typically mild and short-lived. Our lip filler aftercare tips can help you alleviate bruising, but our most important advice is to book your treatment at a reputable spa to ensure desired results and minimize the risk of side effects.
If you are looking to get dermal fillers in Phoenix, reach out to the specialists at Vibrant Skin Bar!
