A follow-up lip filler appointment is normally scheduled at around 4 weeks after your treatment. By this time, the bruising and swelling should be resolved and the fillers can settle in.
At this stage, any firm areas or lumps should have softened and your injector may advise you to begin daily massage at home. It is important to follow our personalised aftercare guidelines as your results depend on them.
The first few days
It is normal to have some bruising, swelling and tenderness immediately after lip fillers. The bruising will usually resolve within a few days, and you should notice the firmness softening within two to four weeks. Everyone’s healing process is different, and it can take a little longer for some people to see their results.
After your treatment, you should avoid drinking through a straw for 24 hours to reduce the chances of bruising and swelling. You should also avoid sleeping in a position that applies pressure to the lips for a few days as this can cause more bruising. You may want to take an anti-inflammatory painkiller such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for any discomfort. It is recommended to avoid long haul flights for one week post-treatment as the dry air can exacerbate swelling and discomfort.
If you experience any small lumps or unevenness, it is important to massage the area to encourage the filler to settle. Any lumps or bumps that do not subside after a few days should be reviewed by your cosmetic injector, as they can indicate that there has been some type of error with the technique used.
Lumps are a common complication of dermal filler injections and are usually caused by trauma to the lip or incorrect technique. A skilled practitioner should be able to dissolve any lumps with hyaluronidase without affecting the remaining filler.
It is important to remember that less is more with lip enhancements, so don’t be tempted to go overboard. Over-filled lips can look fake and unnatural, so make sure to talk with your cosmetic injector about the size of your desired enhancement. A subtle, natural-looking result is always better than the dreaded trout pout mouth or gerbil cheeks!
The first week
It can take up to a week for your lips to soften after lip filler injections. This is a normal part of the healing process and is an indication that the filler is integrating with the tissue. You can still enjoy food and drink but it is a good idea to avoid hot foods and drinks to prevent your lips from burning or scalding, as the numbing cream used in the procedure may wear off with time.
It is also important not to engage in any strenuous activity for 24 hours after the treatment, as increased blood flow can make bruising worse. This includes exercise, saunas and steam rooms. It is also recommended to avoid alcohol for the first few days as it causes vasodilation and slows down the healing process.
You will probably be able to see the results of your treatment at this point and you will likely be happy with your new shape. It is typically around this stage that patients will have a review appointment with their clinician, and any firm areas or stiff sections of the lips will be gently massaged (where appropriate) to help them settle.
Lumps are very common in the upper lip area after lip filler and should be reviewed with your clinician as soon as possible, even if they have not yet resolved. If necessary your clinician can use hyaluronidase to dissolve the lumps without impacting the remaining filler.
Always try to book your dermal filler or cosmetic injection treatments a week before any big events, this will give you enough time for the bruising to subside and allow time for the swelling to ease. However, everyone’s body and journey is different and sometimes the bruising can last longer than expected.
The second week
After the first week, you should notice that most of the bruising has faded and your lips will begin to soften. They will still feel a little firm and lumpy, however that is normal. At this point, we will typically schedule a follow-up session to review the results and add more filler if needed.
It is important to avoid alcohol and exercise during this time as they can exacerbate the swelling and bruising of your lips. This is because alcohol causes your blood vessels to dilate, which slows the healing process and makes it harder for bruising to subside. It is also important to protect your lips from the sun as UV rays can destroy the hyaluronic acid in your lip fillers.
If you experience a large lump or bump after your treatment, it is important to contact your injector immediately. This could be a sign of vascular occlusion, which occurs when the filler is injected into or around an artery and causes reduced or no blood flow, causing skin tissue to die and creating a lump.
You may be asked to massage your lips for a few days or a week following the procedure, this will help the filler to integrate with the skin and create a more natural look. It is also a good idea to avoid drinking through straws as this can apply pressure to your lips and exacerbate swelling or bruising.
If you want to kiss your partner, make sure you wait until any bruising has settled, the mouth contains over 700 different bacteria so it is best not to touch them with a bruised lip. You should also avoid eating raw vegetables or meat as they can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
The third week
After your lips have softened and any lumps or bumps have resolved, you’ll begin to see your final results. This typically takes about a week. However, it’s important to note that some patients require multiple lip filler sessions to achieve their desired appearance.
Your mouth will be tender after lip filler injections and it is highly recommended to avoid kissing or applying pressure to the area for a few days following treatment. Similarly, it’s advised to wait a few hours before drinking alcohol. Additionally, a patient should not fly until a full day has passed after their appointment as the air pressure on a plane can make swelling and bruising worse.
You should also take care to massage your lips, but ask your practitioner about the best way to do this. They may advise not massaging your lips at all or suggest a specific technique to follow.
Often, your practitioner will add some hyaluronic acid to your lip filler, which can help with the softening process. It can also improve the longevity of your filler.
It is normal for dermal fillers to last for a maximum of six months, but this varies from person to person. Your skin type, lifestyle and age will all affect how long your new, softer look lasts. It is also recommended to have a top-up session every six months to maintain your desired appearance. Your clinician will provide you with a personalised maintenance plan during your initial consultation.
The fourth week
The fourth week will see most bruising and swelling reduce, the filler will have started to soften, and your lips will look much more natural. If you still feel firm areas or lumps and bumps at this stage it is completely normal – everyone’s healing process is different.
At this point, your clinician will likely schedule a review appointment to check the results and discuss any future treatment plan. Depending on the type of filler you have, your clinician may suggest massage techniques and provide education on how to perform daily massage at home. This is a vital part of the lip filler treatment that is often overlooked and can dramatically improve your results.
This is a great time to ask any questions you may have regarding your treatment. It’s also a good idea to avoid travelling during this time, as the high air pressure in aeroplanes can make any swelling or bruising worse.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support your body’s natural healing process. You should also avoid saunas and hot exercise classes, as these can exacerbate swelling or increase bruising. It is also recommended to skip any alcohol, as it can cause vasodilation and delay the healing process. Any bruising or swelling that does not subside within four days of your procedure should be reported to your injector immediately. This could indicate that the filler is not settling correctly, and it will need further support to achieve the desired result. Often more than one session of filler is required to achieve the desired results, and we will create a treatment plan with you to reshape and build volume. This will include how many sessions you will require and what product is best for you.