Lip Filler Healing Guidelines: Essential Dos and Don'ts for a Smooth Recovery
As you stride out from the doctor's office, the numbing cream is starting to wear off, and you can feel your lips again - the plumped-up ones, that is. After getting lip injections, you're probably buzzing with excitement about seeing the final outcome. But first, you need to let them heal.
Here's what you should know about lip injection aftercare, brought to you by dermatologist Taryn Murray, MD. We'll go over what you should do, what you should avoid, and tips for keeping bruising minimal.
Post-lip injection dos and don'ts
After your lip injections, you might notice some discomfort. Your lips could feel tender, sore, or swollen, and you may experience some redness and/or bruising. But don't worry, it should all be temporary, and soon enough, you'll be enjoying a fuller pout. In the meantime, here's how to handle your healing.
Give your lips some cold (but gentler) treatment
"Feel free to apply a cold pack to your lips for a few minutes at a time to help alleviate those immediate side effects," Dr. Murray advises. Make sure to wrap your cold pack in a washcloth first; don't apply it directly to your skin.
Pop a pill for relief
Dr. Murray suggests taking a dose of acetaminophen (like the brand name version, Tylenol®) to help manage any pain or discomfort after getting lip injections. It's important to note that acetaminophen won't thin your blood like other oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) drugs can, so it won't increase bruising after injections.
Take it easy, but don't go overboard
It's natural to be a little anxious about activities like wearing lip balm, eating, drinking, using a straw, or kissing after lip injections. But rest assured, there's no need to treat your lips like fine china after you've gotten fillers. Temporary discomfort shouldn't stop you from going about your everyday life. You might choose to make some modifications based on your comfort level, but no activities should affect the outcome of the procedure.
Moderate your exercise
If you're considering a quick jog or doing some light yoga in the days following your lip injections, that's fine. But it's best to hold off on strenuous exercise for several days, as intense exercise can increase blood flow to the treated site and may intensify swelling and bruising.
Hydrate and heal
Drinking plenty of water is good for your body and helps with healing, so load up your water bottle after your lip injections and keep it handy. Hydration is essential for a smooth recovery.
Skip dental work (for now)
Clinically, it's best to abstain from dental work for two weeks before and after lip injections to minimize the risk of infection and filler displacement. Plan accordingly.
Keep an eye out for complications
Severe side effects after lip injections are rare, but it's crucial to be vigilant for potential warning signs like extreme pain, paleness in your lips or the skin around them, or purple discoloration of the skin around your lips. These could indicate a vascular occlusion, or a blockage in your blood vessels, and should be brought to your healthcare provider's attention right away.
Navigating bumpy terrain
A little bit of texture in your lips right after getting injections is probably nothing to worry about. The filler feels malleable for several days after injection, so it can be smoothed out easily. However, hard, painful lumps that don't go away within a few days should be addressed with your provider.
Don't like the final look? Fear not
When it comes to lip injections, the good news is that they're temporary. Filler dissolves naturally within six to 12 months, leaving your lips back to their original state. If you're unhappy with the final results or experience unexpected complications, your provider can accelerate the dissolving process using hyaluronidase, a substance that breaks down hyaluronic acid filler. Just remember that it takes some time for lip filler to fully set in, so be patient with the results.
When will your lips look their best?
You might be disappointed when you look in the mirror right after your lip injections and don't see the transformation you were expecting. Swelling, redness, and/or bruising can be common, and it might take time for your lips to achieve their final look. It usually takes two to four weeks for swelling to fully resolve and the filler to integrate into your lip tissue.
If you're planning a big event, schedule your lip injections far enough in advance to allow for proper healing and displaying the full effect.
By following these guidelines, you can minimize bruising and ensure optimal healing after your lip injection treatment. Enjoy your new look!
- To alleviate immediate side effects after lip injections, you can apply a cold pack to your lips, wrapping it in a washcloth first to prevent direct skin contact.
- Dr. Murray advises taking a dose of acetaminophen, such as Tylenol®, after lip injections to manage any pain or discomfort.
- You might choose to make some modifications to your daily activities based on your comfort level, but temporary discomfort shouldn't stop you from going about your everyday life.
- It's best to avoid strenuous exercise for several days after lip injections, as intense exercise can increase blood flow to the treated site and may intensify swelling and bruising.
- Prior to and after lip injections, it's advisable to abstain from dental work for two weeks to minimize the risk of infection and filler displacement. Keep an eye out for potential complications such as extreme pain, paleness, or purple discoloration of the skin around your lips, which could indicate a vascular occlusion.
