When you get a lip filler, you’ll likely notice some swelling, bruising, and tenderness. It’s normal and will subside with time, as your lips start to heal.
To speed up the healing process, apply an ice pack to your lips immediately after treatment. It can help constrict blood vessels and reduce bruising, says Dr. Buddiga.
Bruising
Bruising is a side effect that is common and often temporary. It usually subsides within a couple of weeks, and will be completely unnoticeable after four weeks. However, if you do notice significant bruising that lasts longer or bruising outside of your lips, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent or lessen bruising after fillers. These include avoiding certain substances, such as alcohol, which thins the blood and makes it more likely to bruise.
Also, choose a practitioner who is experienced with lip injections. They should be able to provide you with their credentials and reviews to ensure they are qualified to perform the procedure safely.
Some people are more prone to bruising than others, so it is important to speak to your practitioner if you have any concerns about this before you arrive for your appointment. They may recommend you take arnica tablets for a few days before your appointment to reduce the likelihood of bruising and swelling.
In addition, avoid any strenuous activities or exercise for 48 hours after your treatment. This will help your bruising heal faster and will give you the best results from your lip fillers.
It is also a good idea to apply Lasonil or Hirudoid creams on the area where you are experiencing bruising, as this can help reduce the intensity and speed up the healing process. These creams are available over the counter and can be applied gently to the affected areas.
The VBeam Perfecta laser can also help accelerate the healing process and reduce bruising, as it uses pulsed dye laser technology to specifically target blood vessels and disperse chromophores. The resulting cellular reactions help the bruises to disappear more quickly.
Another option is to use an ice pack, which will reduce the severity and length of time that bruising will last after your lip filler procedure. You can apply the ice packs to the treated area for about 10 minutes at a time. It is also a good idea to put on topical ointment on the area to keep it cool and soothed.
Swelling
Swelling after lip fillers is a normal side effect and it should subside within a few days. The amount of swelling varies by person and is dependent on many factors such as how many injections were done, if it was a combination treatment, and natural bodily responses based on sensitivity.
The most common cause of swollen lips after fillers is operator error. This can happen if your practitioner removes the needle whilst they are injecting the hyaluronic acid, this will result in an uneven amount of filler being injected into your lips. If this happens the area will look lumpy and can be very uncomfortable.
Another common cause of swollen lips after a filler treatment is a build-up of fluids around the hyaluronic acid. This can occur as a result of water retention or after eating salty food, or it could be caused by an allergic reaction to the hyaluronic acid.
If the swelling persists for more than a few weeks it may be a sign of an infection or a hematoma. You should contact your skin doctor as soon as possible to have this checked out.
A cold compress or ice pack can help to reduce the amount of swelling and bruising. However, be sure to apply the ice to a plastic bag and not directly onto your lips as this could be a risk of frostbite.
Arnica ointment can also be used to reduce the swelling. It is an anti-inflammatory herb that is effective in reducing the swelling.
You should drink lots of water to keep your body hydrated as this helps to increase blood flow and lessens the swelling. Avoid exercise that puts pressure on the area as it can exacerbate swelling and bruising.
Sleeping with your head elevated is a good way to minimise swelling. This will stop the blood flow to the area, which is also a great way to prevent bruising.
Other ways to speed up the healing process after a dermal filler treatment include drinking plenty of water, and avoiding any strenuous exercise. It is also recommended to not go swimming or saunas or steam rooms for at least 48 hours following a treatment.
Discomfort
After lip fillers, you’re likely to feel some bruising and swelling. This is normal and is part of the healing process. It’s best to take care of your lips during this period by applying ice and keeping hydrated. Avoid any activities that cause swelling, such as drinking hot liquids, smoking or using a straw until the pain and swelling subside.
In general, bruising will resolve within a few days after treatment. If you experience extreme bruising or swelling, it could be a sign of an allergic reaction or infection. It also could indicate a rare, but serious side effect called vascular occlusion, which happens when dermal fillers are injected into an artery.
If your lips are feeling painful or swollen, it’s important to get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible. They’ll know if you’re experiencing an allergic reaction or an infection, and they can help with a course of treatment.
Your doctor may also recommend certain over-the-counter medications to reduce discomfort and bruising. These include ibuprofen, aspirin and Tylenol, but make sure to ask your doctor which ones are safe to take in the first few days after your treatment.
You can also apply ice to your lips for 10 minutes at a time, and you can rest on your back with your head slightly elevated for the first few hours after your treatment to minimize bruising. You may need to rest a little longer if you have extreme bruising or swelling, but this should help you recover faster and more comfortably.
The pain and bruising you experience after lip fillers will go away in a few days. Swelling will gradually diminish over time, so it’s important to follow Dr. Buddiga’s aftercare guidelines to maximize your results and speed up the healing process.
To prevent the swelling from getting worse, it’s also important to drink plenty of water and avoid excessive sodium, which can exacerbate bruising. You’ll also want to avoid eating fatty or salty foods, or any food that causes a stomach upset.
You should see a dramatic improvement in your lips after your procedure, and you should notice that they’re fuller than before. The numbing cream that was applied during the procedure will wear off soon after you leave the office, and your lips should return to their normal shape and color. However, the filler isn’t permanent and may need to be touched up a few times each year to maintain your look.
Pain
After receiving lip fillers, most patients notice bruising, swelling, and tenderness. These side effects are normal and should clear up within a few days as your lips begin to heal from the injections.
Bruising after dermal filler treatment is no different than bruising after blood tests or immunizations. Bruising is a normal response to the injection procedure and tells your brain that your lips are in recovery.
However, if you have severe bruising or it doesn’t fade over the course of a few days, call your doctor. It could be a sign of vascular occlusion, a serious condition that causes bleeding from the area injected with filler.
To minimize bruising, discontinue taking any medication that thins your blood prior to your treatment. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil), anticoagulants, and certain supplements or vitamins.
Apply cold compresses over the treated area for 15 minutes every few hours to alleviate swelling and pain. This also speeds up the healing process.
Another method to reduce bruising is to massage the affected area for two minutes each day. This helps resolve the bruising and makes the lips look better.
You can also take a non-aspirin pain reliever like Tylenol before and after the treatment to help ease the pain. But avoid taking any aspirin or ibuprofen products that contain NSAIDs, which can increase your risk of bruising.
It’s also important to drink plenty of water before and after your dermal filler treatment. This will help prevent bruising and swelling, since hydration promotes the movement of fluids throughout the body.
In addition, you may want to use an ice pack on the area after your treatment. This will constrict blood vessels, which lessens the inflammation that leads to bruising.
Getting enough rest is also a good idea after your dermal filler procedure. Make sure you’re getting at least eight hours of sleep a night to avoid excessive swelling and bruising.
Depending on your body’s natural tendency to bruise, you should expect bruising to last anywhere from four days to two weeks after your appointment. Despite the bruising, your lips will start to look more plump and smooth in just a few days!