Lip Filler Aftercare

Your complete guide to optimal healing and beautiful, long-lasting results

What to Expect

Swelling, tenderness, and minor bruising are completely normal after lip filler treatment. Swelling typically peaks at 24-48 hours and resolves within 1-2 weeks. Your final results will be visible after 2 weeks once everything has settled.

Your Healing Timeline

0-6 hours

Immediately After

  • Apply a cold compress wrapped in cloth for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off
  • Expect numbness for 1-2 hours as anesthetic wears off
  • Mild swelling and redness is normal
  • Avoid touching or pressing on your lips
  • Stay upright—avoid lying flat for 4 hours
24 hours

First Day

  • Peak swelling occurs—lips may look larger than intended
  • Continue cold compresses as needed
  • Sleep with head elevated on extra pillows
  • Stay well hydrated—drink plenty of water
  • Take arnica supplements to reduce bruising (if recommended)
2-3 days

Days 2-3

  • Swelling begins to subside
  • Bruising may appear (if any) and start to fade
  • Lips may feel firm or lumpy—this is normal
  • Gently massage any lumps as instructed by your practitioner
  • You can return to most normal activities
1 week

Week 1

  • Most swelling has resolved
  • Bruising should be fading or gone
  • Lips feel more natural
  • Can resume exercise and normal skincare routine
  • Results are becoming more visible
2 weeks

Week 2

  • Final results are visible
  • Filler has fully integrated with tissue
  • Lips look and feel natural
  • Follow-up appointment if scheduled
  • Touch-ups can be done if needed

Aftercare Guidelines

Do

  • Apply cold compresses for the first 24-48 hours
  • Stay hydrated—drink at least 8 glasses of water daily
  • Sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights
  • Eat soft foods for the first day if lips are tender
  • Use a gentle, fragrance-free lip balm to keep lips moisturized
  • Take paracetamol/acetaminophen if needed for discomfort
  • Be patient—final results take 2 weeks to appear
  • Contact us if you have any concerns

Don't

  • Touch, rub, or massage lips for 24 hours (unless instructed)
  • Apply makeup or lipstick for 24 hours
  • Exercise strenuously for 24-48 hours
  • Consume alcohol for 24 hours
  • Expose lips to extreme heat (saunas, hot tubs, sunbathing)
  • Have dental work for 2 weeks
  • Take blood-thinning medications (aspirin, ibuprofen) unless prescribed
  • Kiss or engage in oral contact for 24-48 hours
  • Fly for 24-48 hours if possible
  • Panic if your lips look uneven—swelling varies

When to Contact Us

While complications are rare, please contact us immediately if you experience any of the following:

! Severe pain that doesn't improve with cold compress
! White or dusky discoloration of the lips or surrounding skin
! Extreme swelling that continues to worsen after 48 hours
! Signs of infection: fever, increasing redness, pus, or warmth
! Any vision changes or severe headache
! Cold sore outbreak (we can prescribe antiviral medication)

For urgent concerns, call us at (555) 123-4567

For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Maintaining Your Results

Stay Hydrated

Hyaluronic acid attracts water, so staying well-hydrated helps maintain plump, beautiful results.

Use SPF

Protect your lips with SPF lip balm. Sun exposure can break down filler faster and cause hyperpigmentation.

Schedule Maintenance

Results last 6-12 months. Schedule touch-ups before filler fully dissolves for consistent, beautiful lips.

Gentle Skincare

Avoid harsh exfoliants and retinoids directly on the lip area to preserve your filler longer.

Questions About Your Treatment?

Our team is here to support you throughout your healing journey.

Contact Us