Lip fillers are ideal for anyone who wants to improve their lips’ shape, fulness, or youthfulness. They’re non-surgical, which means they don’t come with the risks associated with cosmetic surgery. Lip fillers aren’t permanent but often last up to 18 months before the body metabolizes them and needs to be redone.

If you’re considering getting lip fillers, you may wonder what the healing process will be like. Everyone is different; some people have a different recovery experience than others. However, the following lip filler healing process day-by-day guide is what the average person can expect to experience.

On the day of your treatment, your lip filler injector will answer any questions you have about the procedure. They’ll numb the treatment area, then inject filler into the desired areas to add volume, shape, and definition. The entire appointment should only take between 45 minutes to an hour from start to finish.

Right after your lip filler injections, your provider will apply ice to the treatment area. This will help minimize discomfort and keep swelling down. Throughout the remainder of the day, you’ll probably notice some lip sensitivity, redness, and swelling. Resist the urge to touch your lips until they’ve healed completely. You don’t want to introduce bacteria to the injection sites because doing so could cause an infection.

Your provider will give you a list of aftercare instructions to follow. Pay close attention to the instructions to minimize your healing time and lower your risk of post-treatment complications. Following your aftercare instructions will also help prolong the lifespan of your fillers.

During this stage of lip filler swelling, you’ll need to avoid strenuous activities. However, you can resume most normal daily activities right away. Avoid facial expressions and choose foods that don’t require you to open your mouth wide. Avoid using a straw for at least three days after your injections. Pursing your lips around a straw may cause unwanted movement of your new lip filler.

Keep inflammation at bay by applying a cold compress throughout the day for up to 15 minutes at a time. Only use light pressure when applying the compress to your lips. Sleep on your back with your head elevated just a bit. This will help prevent excessive pressure on the lips and may alleviate swelling.

On day two, you’ll notice increased swelling in your lips. You may also see some signs of bruising. Your lips will also most likely feel even more tender than they did on day one. This is normal and shouldn’t cause you to worry.

Your lips may look a bit strange during some of the stages of lip filler swelling. You may even begin to wonder if you made the right decision by getting lip fillers in the first place. Keep in mind that the bruising, inflammation, and tenderness will soon begin to subside. Try to be patient and continue using cold compresses to manage your symptoms.

For many people, day three marks the peak of swelling and discomfort after lip fillers. Continue to avoid touching your lips unless it’s with a clean cold compress. Continue to take it easy and avoid strenuous exercises that could cause further discomfort and inflammation in the injection areas.

By day four, much of your discomfort should subside. You may still feel tenderness when you touch or move your lips, but they should feel much better than they did on days 1-3. During this stage of lip filler swelling, your lips may feel a bit bumpy. They may also feel unnaturally firm to the touch. Try not to worry. They are still healing, and all of this is normal.

Although it’s normal for your lips to feel bumpy, they shouldn’t look dramatically bumpy at this point. If they do, reach out to your injector. They may have you visit for a follow-up appointment to ensure everything is healing as expected.

Some localized swelling is normal for up to a couple of weeks after your procedure. However, by day five, your swelling should begin to decline steadily. You may notice that your lips are starting to look more natural and attractive. You’ll probably really start to enjoy your new appearance when you reach this stage of lip filler swelling.

Most people can resume mildly strenuous activities by this point. However, avoiding activities that may cause pressure on your lips is still important. You should also avoid eating spicy foods or drinking hot beverages for the first two weeks after your injections.

By days six through seven, you’ll start to get a glimpse into how your new pout is going to look. Swelling should be minimal at this point, and all signs of bruising should be either completely or nearly gone. It’s normal to feel some tightness in the treated areas still. However, your lips should look smoother, softer, and more symmetrical by this point.

By the time you reach this stage of lip filler swelling, you shouldn’t notice much inflammation. You shouldn’t see any more bruising; your lips should look and feel much more natural. Day 14 is the ideal time to visit your provider for a follow-up appointment. They’ll analyze the shape and feel of your lips. They’ll also most likely take “after” photos so you can compare them with your “before” photos.

If you have any concerning lumps at this point in the healing process, your provider may advise you to wait another week or two before attempting to resolve them. This will give the filler more time to settle completely. The bumps may resolve on their own with adequate time. If they don’t, your provider may attempt to massage the bumps away or dissolve some of the filler as needed. Don’t attempt to massage the bumps away yourself. You might accidentally push some of the filler into an area where it shouldn’t go.

Continue to monitor your progress throughout this period. Watch for signs of complications or infection. These may include recurring pain, uneven swelling, increasing tenderness, and redness. You have passed through the main stages of lip filler swelling, so you shouldn’t notice any of these symptoms unless there’s a problem. Contact your provider immediately if you think there’s something wrong with your lips.

You’re probably in love with your new and improved pout by this point in your healing process. Now that you can see the final shape of your new lips, you can fully appreciate your results. Continue to stay hydrated so your lips remain moist and supple. In another 6-18 months, you may need to schedule another lip filler appointment to maintain the results you’ve come to love.

Now that you know the typical day-by-day lip filler healing process, it’s time to think about how you’ll maintain your results. Your injector’s lip filler aftercare instructions will help you experience the best outcome. But here are some additional tips to help you recover smoothly after lip fillers and make your results last.

• Sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first few days after treatment
• Don’t resume strenuous activities too soon
• Stay hydrated to help your lips heal faster
• Use a cold compress as directed to manage swelling
• Avoid excessive heat and sunlight exposure
• Ask your provider what pain-relieving medications are safe to take after your injections
• Avoid alcoholic beverages for a few days after your treatment
• Avoid applying lip balm or lipstick for at least 24 hours after your treatment
• Don’t kiss anyone for at least 24 hours after your injections
• Stay away from the dentist for at least two weeks after your appointment
• Refrain from taking any flights for at least a week after your treatment to avoid causing additional bruising
• Reach out to your provider if you have any concerns about your results or symptoms during any stages of lip filler swelling

Keep in mind that it’s normal for your lips to look overfilled for up to two weeks after your injections. After that point, consult with your injector if they continue to look unnaturally large. Your provider can use hyaluronidase to correct hyaluronic acid (HA) filler as needed. So, if you think your lips need fixing, let your provider know.

Everyone deserves to have the sultry, attractive appearance they desire. Plumping your lips is an effective way to achieve this look. Lip fillers are a low-risk solution for thin, wrinkled, or asymmetrical lips. They don’t take long to inject and provide natural-looking results that can last up to 18 months. New Beauty and Wellness can help if you’re unhappy with how your lips look. Contact us at 203-720-6673 to learn more about lip fillers and schedule your consultation.