Your lip filler aftercare can make or break your final look and your overall healing experience. It’s common to have some swelling and bruising after lip fillers, but you can help them fade faster by following all of the instructions from your nurse injector. 

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to keep in mind after getting filler! We’ll reveal which key habits to avoid after lip fillers in order to ensure the hyaluronic acid gel settles down neatly and evenly, creating the stunning pout you wanted.

 

After Care for Lip Fillers

Aftercare for lip fillers is fairly simple and straight-forward. While you’ll need to be careful with how you take care of your lip fillers, it’s not labor-intensive. Here’s what you need to do after lip fillers to ensure the best healing and a lower risk of side effects. 

  • For a few days after the injection, keep your lips clean using gentle, fragrance-free products. You can keep the lips moisturized with a skin protectant balm like Vaseline or Aquaphor, but avoid other topical products that may irritate or lead to infection. 

  • To prevent swelling, sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated for the first few nights after getting lip filler. 

  • In general, since you’ve just had an injection, prioritize your overall hydration and gentle self-care for speedy healing. 

  • If you feel a bit of soreness or any noticeable swelling, apply an ice pack to your lips in order to soothe the area and reduce discomfort. 

  • Keep in mind that bruising and swelling are expected! If you have any special events coming up, make sure to schedule your lip filler appointment with ample time in advance. 

 

What Not to Do After Lip Fillers

Just as important, here are the things to avoid after lip filler injections, in order to prevent any issues or slower healing time. 

  • Be careful with medications

Both before and after getting lip fillers, it’s important to avoid any medications or supplements with a blood-thinning effect, since they can prolong side effects like bleeding and bruising. 

Make sure to speak to your doctor prior to stopping any prescription medication, and stay away from non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (i.e., Advil) and aspirin for at least 2 days before and after treatment. 

If you do experience pain or swelling after lip filler, you can use an ice pack or take a pain killer without a blood-thinning effect, like Tylenol. 

  • Don’t pucker your lips

In the first couple of days after getting filler, excessive puckering of your lips may cause discomfort, and could even lead to lip filler migration in rare cases. That means you shouldn’t kiss, smoke, or drink from straws for at least two days following your lip filler appointment. You should also avoid facial exercises or face yoga for at least a week after treatment. Natural facial expressions, on the other hand, are perfectly fine! 

  • Watch what you eat and drink

Certain foods can also interfere with your healing. In particular, avoid drinking alcohol after getting lip filler, since it has a blood-thinning effect. Very hot foods and beverages may lead to discomfort in the injection site, and foods high in sodium may increase your risk of swelling. 

  • Avoid harsh products and treatments

Avoid using harsh skincare products such as retinoids or chemical exfoliants around the lip area, as they may irritate the injection site. Just as importantly, don’t plan to undergo any other professional treatments such as chemical peels or laser facial treatments for a few weeks after your treatment. 

  • No touching or rubbing

You might hear conflicting advice when it comes to touching your lips, but we recommend you don’t massage or rub your lips for at least 2 days after getting lip filler. Once the product has settled, if you notice any nodules or lumps forming, a gentle massage might be appropriate. Get in touch with your nurse injector to confirm and receive personalized advice. 

  • Don’t wear lipstick after lip fillers 

To prevent infections, avoid wearing makeup products on your lips for at least 2 days. That means you shouldn’t wear lipstick or lip balm after getting lip fillers. Instead, you can use ointments designed specifically to protect compromised skin, like Vaseline or Aquaphor.  

  • Avoid intense exercise 

You can participate in low-intensity activities like yoga or walking, but anything overly strenuous may compromise your recovery. You can get back to working out after lip fillers once a couple of days have passed. 

  • Don’t let things heat up

Saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzis, and hot yoga are all off-limits immediately after your treatment. Heat can cause blood vessel dilation, which may increase swelling. Excessive sun exposure can also be an issue, so stay protected!

 

 

What to Expect After Lip Fillers

It’s very common to experience some bruising and swelling after getting lip fillers, since the hyaluronic acid injections go quite deep into the lips. The area might also feel a little bit tender or sore, and moving your lips might feel a little strange.

Keep in mind that your lips will potentially look fuller than you originally expected, as a result of the swelling. Don’t let that concern you! Normally, these side effects will disappear within 1 to 2 weeks. At that point you can assess your final results. 

 

How to Reduce Swelling And Bruising After Lip Fillers

A little bit of swelling and bruising after lip filler is normal and will fade away with time. Follow all of the aftercare precautions we listed above, and especially avoid taking anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin, since they can lead to blood-thinning that may prolong bruises. 

If you want to reduce swelling, you can hold an ice pack lightly against the lips. You can also take acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol), since it doesn’t have a blood-thinning effect. Some research suggests arnica gel may speed healing and reduce bruising, but keep in mind that it has not been clinically tested to a sufficient extent. 

 

FAQs

Can you drink after lip fillers?

Yes, you can drink after getting lip fillers. Choose cold, soothing beverages, and stay away from anything hot. Avoid drinking from straws or any containers that force you to pucker your lips for at least a few days after treatment. 

Can you eat after lip fillers?

You can eat after getting lip fillers, but carefully. If your lips feel numb, wait until the numbing has totally subsided. Choose soft, easy-to-chew foods, and stay away from very hot or spicy options. 

How long after lip fillers can you kiss?

Just like with facial exercise or drinking from straws, you should avoid kissing for at least 48 hours after getting lip fillers and take it easy in general for the first two weeks. 

How long do bruises last after lip fillers?

Bruises last for a few days or up to 3 weeks after lip fillers, but this varies from person to person. In fact, bruises aren’t a sure thing – many of our clients don’t experience any bruising. 

Can you drink alcohol after lip fillers?

It’s best to avoid drinking alcohol for at least 48 hours after getting lip fillers, since it can impact your healing. 

Can you smile after lip fillers?

It’s okay to make your natural smile after getting lip fillers, but avoid making unnatural or exaggerated facial expressions. 

Can you smoke after lip fillers?

It’s highly recommended that you avoid smoking after getting lip fillers. The puckering of the lips can interfere with your lip filler, while cigarette smoke can damage your body’s healing ability. 

Can you workout after lip fillers?

We recommend you avoid any intense exercise for at least 2 days after getting lip fillers. Gentle, low-intensity workouts can be okay. 

How to massage lips after fillers?

Avoid touching, rubbing, or massaging the lips for at least 48 hours after getting your lip filler. Gentle massaging might be okay once most of your swelling has gone down, but always consult your provider to confirm. 

Can you wear lipstick after lip fillers?

To prevent infections or irritation in the injection site, it’s better to avoid wearing lipstick and other lip makeup products for at least 48 hours after the treatment. 

Can you take ibuprofen after lip fillers?

It’s better to avoid ibuprofen after lip fillers, since it may compromise bruise healing. Instead, you can use an ice pack to reduce soreness, or take acetaminophen/paracetamol (i.e Tylenol).