Getting lip fillers can be a great way to enhance your appearance, but it can also be uncomfortable. After the procedure, your lips may be swollen, bruised, and even painful. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce the discomfort and help your lips heal faster. The first step is to apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel or a cold compress to the lips.
Be sure to use a soft cloth and don't use anything that could stick to your lips, as this could worsen the discomfort. Ice helps reduce swelling, bruising, and itching, so it's important to apply it immediately after the procedure and for the next 48 hours. You may experience minor pain at the injection site. The pain should go away after 12 to 24 hours.
Swelling is the most common side effect and is most evident in the first 24 hours after receiving the injections. The swelling should disappear in 2 weeks and pass completely imperceptibly after four weeks. Bruising at the injection site is another common side effect and will also decrease in the first 2 weeks. If you have significant bruises that last longer, or bruises outside your lips, see your doctor right away.
Swelling or bruising outside the lip area, or extreme swelling and bruising that lasts more than a week could be signs of an allergic reaction to the filler. In addition to applying ice, there are other steps you can take to minimize bruising and swelling after a lip injection treatment. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after receiving lip filler as it acts as a blood thinner and can dilate blood vessels. Avoid lipstick until you notice a reduction in swelling as your lips will be very sensitive after receiving the lip filler. It's also important to avoid foods with refined carbohydrates, high in sodium, or sugar as they can increase the risk of bruising and swelling once lip filler is applied. Air pressure in an airplane can worsen swelling and bruising caused by new lip fillers, so it's best to avoid flying for at least 48 hours after receiving lip fillers.
Your healthcare provider may gently massage your lips to absorb the filler after the procedure is finished. If you want to increase the size of your lips, consult a healthcare provider who specializes in lip fillers to discuss your options. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of lip fillers in people under the age of 21. You may be tempted to drink from a straw after receiving lip filler injections, but avoid this as much as possible. When lips are swollen after filler injections, spicy foods or hot drinks are best avoided for 24 to 48 hours.
It is best to wait to eat until the injection of the topical anesthetic or nerve block has disappeared so as not to accidentally bite your lips or alter the filling. Exercising is often a great thing, but it's best not to go to the gym immediately after receiving lip filler injections. Hot drinks can also worsen swelling after treatment with lip filler, so use room temperature water and a cold pack to keep yourself safe. Most dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, which works by attracting water to keep lips plump. Schedule a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider two weeks after the lip filling procedure.
