Dermal fillers are a great way to enhance the natural look of your lips. They add volume and create the perfectly shaped, soft, and kissable lips you’ve always wanted.
If you’re a newbie to the filler world and would like to know the basics, read our blog post on hyaluronic acid lip fillers in general.
This article discusses lip filler aftercare, how to reduce pain, swelling, and bruising, and get the most of this popular treatment.
Lip Filler Aftercare: 9 Tips
Lip filler aftercare centers around what you should avoid after getting lip fillers, and what you should do to minimize the chances bruising and swelling and to speed up recovery time.
1. Steer Clear of Strenuous Exercise for 48 Hours
Strenuous physical activity increases the heart rate and blood flow and may cause swelling and bruising. Avoid jogging, swimming, and other vigorous exercise for 24-48 hours after the procedure.
2. Watch Out for Medications
For 24 to 48 hours before the scheduled treatment, avoid blood thinners such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil. These medications and supplements increase the chance of bleeding and bruising associated with the treatment.
3. Avoid Laser Treatments
Avoid laser treatments soon after you’ve had a filler injection. If you’re planning a laser treatment, postpone it for at least two weeks after the injection. Lasers generate a lot of heat, which can cause the lip filler to dissolve more quickly.
4. Drink Water
Drinking water is an essential part of lip filler aftercare. Provide your body with lots of simple fluids. Water is the best. It will help with the natural healing process that happens when your body reacts to receiving something strange or foreign – which is how it sees the filler. Hydrating fruits and vegetables also help.
5. Be Careful while Eating
If your injector has used an anesthetic cream, it will numb your lips. The effect can last for several hours. Eating food during this time may cause some harm. For instance, you may take a bite or a sip of something hot and not feel it — but your lips will. You may also accidentally bite or burn yourself and cause a bruise.
6. Apply Ice
An ice pack or a bag of frozen veggies help reduce inflammation and decrease swelling. Wrap it in a towel because touching swollen and sensitive lips directly with ice may freeze them. Read our article on swelling after lip fillers to find more ways to reduce this common filler side effect.
7. Sleep Elevated
Use an extra pillow during sleep and keep your head elevated to avoid blood pooling in the treated area.
8. Avoid Heat
Heat dilates blood vessels and increases the risk of bruising and swelling. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight, hot baths, hot tubs, and other sources of high temperatures.
9. Don’t Travel by Airplane
High pressure in the airplane can exacerbate bruising and swelling. Avoid flying for at least one week after the procedure.
Lip Filler Aftercare: FAQ
Here are some common answers to lip filler aftercare questions:
Can You Eat After Lip Fillers?
You can eat after a lip filler treatment but with a few precautions. Make sure the effects of the numbing cream wear off before you have a meal and choose soft or liquid foods that don’t involve too much lip movement and chewing.
Is It Normal for Lips to Peel After a Lip Filler?
Yes, patients can experience lip peeling after the treatment. This happens due to the swelling and stretching of the lips, which results in dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Can You Drink After Lip Fillers?
You should drink water and other hydrating beverages after dermal fillers because they help speed up recovery. However, alcohol dilates blood vessels and increases the chances of swelling and bruising. To minimize the chances of these side effects, don’t drink alcohol at least 24 hours before and after the procedure.
Note: Learn more details about the effect of alcohol after fillers.
Can You Smoke/Vape After Lip Fillers?
During vaping (and smoking), the lips pucker. This muscle movement puts pressure on the lips and should be avoided for at least 24 hours after a lip filler treatment.
Can You Kiss After Lip Fillers?
Applying any pressure to the injected lips may cause swelling and bruising. Kissing also counts as pressure, so avoid it for 24 hours.
Can You Wear Lipstick After Lip Fillers?
If you can, wait at least 24 hours before using makeup on your lips. Steer clear from previously used lipstick or balm because these carry the risk of infecting your freshly injected lips. It’s important not to apply too much pressure, and applying lipstick falls into that category. If you must wear makeup, put it on very gently, and only if it hasn’t been previously used.
Conclusion
Lip filler is a popular cosmetic treatment that plumps the lips and gives them a sensual look.
Though the procedure is quick and requires no downtime, certain post-treatment procedures will ensure the best results. Make sure you follow our lip filler aftercare tips in consultation with your medical provider.
