Lip fillers are a popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that can enhance the shape and fullness of lips. As with any cosmetic treatment, proper aftercare is crucial for achieving optimal results and avoiding complications.
A common question patients have is whether they can or should use lip balm after getting lip filler injections.
How long should I wait before applying lip balm after lip fillers?
Wait at least 24 hours (1 full day) before gently applying a simple, fragrance-free lip balm like Aquaphor. Wait 1 week for gloss, tinted balms, and lipstick.
While lip balm can provide moisture and protect delicate tissue, applying it too soon after injections can increase the risk of infection or irregularities in the filler.
In this post, we’ll provide a complete guide to lip filler aftercare, including when and how to use lip balm, what to eat, activity restrictions, and more tips to ensure your lips heal beautifully.
What happens if I put lip balm on too soon after lip fillers?
You risk infection or filler irregularities from applying lip products too soon. Follow your injector’s advice and wait 24 hours minimum for lip balm.
How do I moisturize my lips before I can use balm after fillers?
Use sterile saline spray or a saltwater soak if your lips are dry during the first 24 hours. Ice packs also soothe and hydrate swollen lips. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water as well.
What Lip Fillers Are For
Lip fillers like Juvederm and Restylane are injectable fillers made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally-occurring substance in the body that gives structure and volume to the skin. They are injected using a fine needle into specific areas of the lips to add fullness and definition.
Some of the benefits of lip fillers include:
- Plumping thin or aging lips
- Smoothing out vertical lip lines
- Creating more balanced and symmetrical lips
- Boosting lip projection or pout
- Enhancing the cupid’s bow
Lip fillers produce subtle, natural-looking results when performed by a skilled injector like Dr. Soni. The procedure takes 15-30 minutes and results last 6-12 months before a touch-up is needed.
Lip Filler Aftercare Timeline
The aftercare period is critical for allowing lip fillers to properly integrate and the injection sites to heal. Here is a general timeline of what to expect and tips for each phase:
Immediately After Lip Injections
It’s normal to experience some swelling (edema), redness, and bruising around the injection sites and lips immediately after your treatment. To help minimize these side effects:
- Apply an ice pack – Dr. Soni recommends icing for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off for the first few hours. This constricts blood vessels to reduce bleeding and inflammation. Never apply ice directly; wrap in a clean towel first.
- Use pain relief if needed – Over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can relieve discomfort. Avoid aspirin, which can increase bruising.
- Sleep elevated – Keep your head elevated on 2-3 pillows the first night to minimize swelling. Sleep on your back as well.
Avoid touching, massaging, or manipulating your lips for at least 6 hours after lip filler injections, as this can displace the HA filler.
Day 1 After Lip Fillers
Swelling may peak on the first day after your lip injection treatment. Continue applying ice packs on and off as needed. Elevate your head when resting.
It’s important to follow Dr. Soni’s eating instructions after lip filler injections:
- Stick to a soft, liquid diet like smoothies, milkshakes, broths
- Avoid chewing hard or crunchy foods for 2-3 days
- No drinking through straws or smoking
This prevents excessive motion and pressure on the injection sites. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
You can gently cleanse your face using lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Avoid getting water inside your mouth. Gently dab your lips dry, don’t rub.
Also avoid strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours as this can increase swelling and bruising. Rest as much as possible.
Day 2+ After Lip Fillers
Swelling and tenderness should gradually subside each day. Slowly reintroduce soft, chewable foods like eggs, yogurt, bananas. Use a mirror when eating and chew slowly on both sides.
You can ease back into light activity but avoid anything strenuous for one week. This includes:
- Exercise and sports
- Saunas, jacuzzis, steam rooms
- Dental work
- Sun exposure or tanning
Exposure to heat can worsen swelling after lip injections. Wear SPF 30+ daily. Sleep with your head elevated and avoid sleeping face-down.
1 Week After Lip Fillers
Most visible swelling and bruising should be resolved within 5-7 days. You can gradually return to your normal diet, skincare, and activities at this point.
However, avoid these high-risk activities for 2 weeks post-injections:
- Kissing or oral sex (to prevent infection)
- Playing wind instruments that require pursing lips
- Getting facials, chemical peels, or laser treatments
Your lips may feel lumpy or firm during the second week as the filler integrates. This will smooth out as it settles. Avoid massaging your lips, which can cause bumps.
2 Weeks After Lip Fillers
Your lips should look and feel natural by now with minimal residual swelling. At the 2-week mark, Dr. Soni typically schedules a follow-up visit to check your results.
This is a good chance to address any concerns, like asymmetry or irregularities. He may recommend a small touch-up injection if needed.
You can resume all normal activities at this point. Take care not to over-expose your lips to sun or extreme cold, which can damage the filler material.
Always avoid rubbing, picking, or peeling your lips as this can cause migration of the filler. Let any scabbing or dry skin naturally exfoliate away.
When Can I Apply Lip Balm After Lip Fillers?
Dr. Soni recommends waiting a full 24 hours (1 day) after your lip filler appointment before applying any lip balms, ointments, or cosmetics.
Why the wait? Applying lip products too soon after injections increases the risk of:
- Infection – Lip balms and makeup can introduce bacteria into the micro injection sites that haven’t sealed yet. This may lead to an infection that could damage the results.
- Filler irregularities – Rubbing lip balm too vigorously over freshly injected filler can cause it to shift. This may create bumps or unevenness in the lips that are hard to correct.
- Lip distortions – Certain ingredients in lip balms and lipsticks, like peppermint oil, may provoke swelling or irritation in freshly treated lips.
After 24 hours, you can begin applying a simple lip balm like Aquaphor. Use a clean finger or Q-tip to gently dab it on. Avoid heavily fragranced, tingly balms as well as gloss or matte liquid lipsticks for one week.
Always wash hands thoroughly before touching your lips to prevent bacteria transfer.
If your lips feel dry during the first 24 hours, you can use a sterile saline spray or soak to provide moisture without directly applying products.
How to Care for Lips After Lip Fillers
Follow these lip care tips during your recovery:
- Stay hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily
- Use a humidifier if indoor air is dry
- Avoid licking your lips, which dries them out more
- Gently exfoliate lips with a wet washcloth after 1 week
- Apply SPF 30+ lip balm before sun exposure
- Take oral vitamin E and vitamin C to support healing
- Avoid irritants like smoking, excess alcohol, spicy foods
- Use a gentle toothpaste after 24 hours
See Dr. Soni immediately if you experience severe swelling, redness, pain, fever or pus – this may indicate an infection or vascular occlusion, a rare but serious complication.
With proper aftercare overseen by our specialists at Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness, your lips will heal beautifully and you’ll be able to enjoy your plump, rejuvenated pout!
Schedule a consultation with us to determine if lip fillers are right for you. Our compassionate team provides exceptional skill and artistry so you can achieve your aesthetic goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lip Balm After Lip Fillers
Can I use Chapstick or Vaseline after lip injections?
Yes, plain Chapstick and Vaseline are fine to use after the initial 24 hour healing period. Avoid medicated balms that contain phenol, menthol, or citrus oils.
When can I wear lip liner or lipstick after fillers?
Wait one full week before applying lip liner, matte liquid lipstick, or any long-lasting lip color. The lip skin needs time to heal before makeup application.
Why can’t I wear lip gloss right after lip injections?
Thick glosses and slippery formulas can migrate filler material during the initial healing phase. Stick to simple balms and gradually work up to glosses after one week.
Can I use lip scrub after getting lip fillers?
Gently exfoliating with a wet washcloth is okay after 1 week. Avoid harsh lip scrubs or toothbrushes for at least 2 weeks post-injections to prevent damaging the treated tissue.
What ingredients should I avoid in lip balm after injections?
Avoid lip balms with phenol, menthol, eucalyptus, peppermint, citrus/lemon oils, and artificial flavors for 2 weeks after lip fillers. They may irritate.
When can I kiss after getting lip fillers?
Avoid kissing and oral contact for 2 weeks post-injections while your lips fully heal. Follow all of Dr. Soni’s aftercare instructions to minimize the risk of complications.
How soon after lip injections can I drink from a straw?
No drinking through straws or smoking for at least 2 weeks post-treatment. The suction motion can displace and disrupt freshly injected filler. Drink and eat slowly and carefully over the first few days.
Be sure to follow all of Dr. Soni’s recommended guidelines for using lip balm and caring for your lips after receiving lip filler injections. Proper aftercare ensures you heal quickly with beautiful, natural-looking results.
Contact our caring team at Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness today to learn more or schedule your lip filler consultation.
