Getting lip fillers can be a quick and relatively painless way to enhance your lip shape and plumpness.
However, proper lip filler aftercare is crucial to ensure your lips heal properly and you achieve the best possible results.
In this comprehensive guide, Dr. Soni from Ethos Spa will share important dos and don’ts for lip filler recovery based on expert advice.
Avoid Activities that Increase Pressure on the Lips
After undergoing a lip filler treatment, it’s imperative to avoid specific activities that can adversely affect the outcome. Dr. Soni outlines the key points to adhere to during the crucial healing period:
Some things to refrain from in the initial healing period include:
- Kissing or massaging the lips – Applying direct pressure can disrupt how the filler integrates into the lips. The lip tissue needs time to heal without interference.
- Using drinking straws -Dr. Soni doesn’t recommend using straws during this period. The suction pressure can stress the lips and alter how the filler settles, which can lead to complications.
- Smoking or vaping – The motion of puffing applies pressure that’s best avoided. Smoking also delays healing and alters lip shape long-term.
- Rigorously exercising – Activities that increase blood pressure and heart rate through elevated body movement or impact should be limited for 1-2 days. This prevents excess swelling and potential bruising.
Allow yourself a few days to heal without unnecessary stress or strain. Listen to your body, and allow for extra rest as needed. Resume normal activities gently, only when all discomfort and swelling have fully subsided.
By adhering to these guidelines and insights —you can ensure optimal results and a smooth recovery process.
Reduce Swelling with an Ice Pack
We suggest applying an ice pack as it’s one of the most effective natural remedies for managing swelling after lip fillers. The cold temperature causes vasoconstriction of blood vessels, decreasing circulating volume in the area. This directly reduces pressure in the lips.
To use an ice pack safely:
- Wrap ice cubes or a commercial cold pack in a thin, clean towel or cloth
- Apply gently to the outer lip area for 10 minutes, pausing to give skin a break
- Repeat every few hours as needed for the first 2 days
- Avoid placing ice directly on lips, as it can damage delicate skin
Icing diligently after your procedure promotes faster healing by minimizing inflammation. Make it part of your daily lip filler aftercare routine until swelling subsides.
Keep Your Lips Gorgeous. Book Your Post-Filler Care Consultation With Ethos Spa Today!
Stay Hydrated with Water
Proper hydration assists the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Dr. Soni advises drinking plenty of water supports cellular activity, nutrient delivery, cytokine signaling, metabolism of waste products and thermoregulation. Additionally, water helps plump skin for a fuller lip appearance.
He also suggests that maintaining proper hydration allows lip fillers, such as Juvederm Volbella and Restylane Lysse, which contain hyaluronic acid, to integrate optimally into your lip tissue. This integration leads to long-lasting and natural looking results.
To ensure optimal healing and efficacy, Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness suggests drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day during the initial 2 weeks after your treatment.
Additionally, incorporating hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables into your diet can contribute fluids without adding extra sodium. By following these recommendations, you can promote efficient healing and give your lips the care they deserve.
Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine and Smoking
Consuming alcohol, caffeine or smoking can interrupt your body’s recovery processes and minimize lip filler benefits:
| Substances to Avoid | Reasons |
| Alcohol | Thins blood, prolongs bleeding/bruising, causes dehydration |
| Caffeine | Acts as a mild diuretic, increases fluid loss |
| Smoking | Delays healing, alters lip shape, introduces toxins |
These substances that dehydrate or alter circulation are best enjoyed well after your lips have fully recovered their natural shape, texture and color. Listen to your injector’s guidance on wait times.
Avoid Pressure from Heat
We strongly remind our clients the importance of avoiding pressure from heat after your procedure. Elevated temperatures can have a negative impact on swelling, as they cause blood vessels to dilate and increase local blood flow. To ensure optimal results, it is essential to be cautious of certain activities that can overheat your face.
Dr. Soni recommends avoiding hot showers or baths, saunas, steam rooms, heated yoga or exercise classes, and direct sun exposure for at least 48 hours after your procedure. By giving your lips a gentle and cool environment to heal, you can minimize the risk of extra swelling or potential bruising resulting from challenges in thermoregulation.
Respecting these thermal boundaries provides the best opportunity for filler injections to integrate smoothly into your lip tissue. You’ll be grateful when you admire the smooth and plump results in the mirror.
Limit Sodium Intake
Salty foods cause the body to retain water through osmosis. Since swelling minimization is the goal in the short-term, limiting sodium in your diet aids the process. Some ways to cut back include:
| Ways to Cut Back on Sodium | Benefits |
| Avoiding fast food, canned goods, and snacks | Reduces fluid retention, lessens pressure |
| Opting for fresh, whole foods | Naturally contains less sodium |
| Using little to no salt in home cooking | Decreases sodium intake in meals |
| Avoiding restaurant meals with hidden sodium | Ensures lower sodium consumption when dining out |
Retaining less fluid lessens pressure around injection sites. Your lips heal cleaner with less salt-induced bloat. Moderate intake for a few days and then gradually expand your options.
Apply Arnica or Vitamin K Cream Gently
Dr. Soni may recommend some topical treatments such as arnica montana or vitamin K cream helpful for minimizing bruising when applied correctly:
- Only use on intact skin around the lips, not on or inside where filler was placed
- Test for allergy/sensitivity with a small patch first
- Gently smooth a pea-sized amount onto the perioral area with clean fingers
- Limit application to a few times per day as needed
While research supporting these home remedies is limited, they offer a natural complement to other aftercare steps when bruising occurs. Discontinue use if any irritation develops.
Don’t Wear Lip Products for 24 Hours
We advise that for a period of 24 hours after your treatment, it is important to refrain from wearing any lip products. This includes lipstick, gloss, tint, lip balm, moisturizer, and even direct application of toothpaste on your lips.
By allowing your skin to heal without the added risk of infection, you give your lips the best chance to recover optimally. During this time, it is recommended to let the natural secretions and fluids nourish your lips without the interference of additional ingredients.
This clean approach, as recommended by Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness, supports the proper integration of your filler injections into the structure of your lip tissue. After the initial 24-hour period, you can gradually reintroduce lip products based on your comfort level.
- Lipstick, gloss or tint
- Lip balm or moisturizer
- Toothpaste (use a smear on your finger instead of direct application to lips)
Let natural secretions and fluids nourish without extra ingredients for at least 24 hours. Then, transition back to products gently as comfort allows. This clean approach supports your filler injections properly integrating into the lip tissue structure.
When to Seek Medical Attention
In the rare event that you experience any severe symptoms after your lip filler treatment, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. While most side effects are mild and can be resolved with proper care, it is important to contact Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness, if you notice any of the following:
- Intense pain not relieved by over-the-counter analgesics
- Dramatic swelling or bruising spreading beyond the lip area
- Changes in skin color like blanching (whitening) or cyanosis
- Tenderness or lumps forming under the skin at injection sites
- The presence of a fever, which may indicate a potential infection.
In rare cases, there can be serious complications like vascular occlusion, which can cut off blood flow. If you suspect any such complications, it is essential to seek immediate medical evaluation and intervention.
Remember, your health and the success of your treatment are of utmost importance. Do not hesitate to reach us with any concerns you may have. We’re here to ensure your well-being and the best possible outcome for your lip enhancement journey.
Follow-Up Consultation is Key
While proper aftercare is essential for maximizing your results, it is important to acknowledge that minor touch-ups, adjustments, or additional filler volume may be required to achieve ideal symmetry and satisfaction. By maintaining an open line of communication with your injector, you ensure the best possible long-term cosmetic and health outcomes.
Dr. Soni encourages you to take advantage of this follow-up consultation to address any concerns, ask questions, and discuss your desired outcomes. Your satisfaction and well-being are Dr. Soni’s top priorities, and this follow-up visit plays a vital role in ensuring that you achieve your desired results.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lip Filler After Care
Does smoking delay healing after lip fillers?
Smoking cigarettes can potentially extend the healing period after lip filler injections.
Nicotine disrupts the recovery process, while smoking toxins can slow down the integration of filler at the injection site, posing risks to the durability of results.
What temperature should I avoid after lip fillers?
To regulate body temperature and minimize extra puffiness, it’s best not to expose lips to warm or hot environments such as saunas or steam rooms for a period after lip fillers.
Elevated heat can worsen edema by dilating blood vessels and increasing local blood flow around the injection region.
Can salt make swelling worse after lip fillers?
Consuming high sodium foods that cause the body to retain water through osmosis should be limited.
Retained fluid may foster more pronounced swelling around the lips as the filler settles in and additional pressure could distort results or prolong discomfort.
How long after lip fillers can I drink?
It may be wise to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours after lip filler treatment to minimize risks.
Ethanol acts as a blood thinner to prolong bleeding and bruising by interrupting the healing timeline, further drying out delicate lip tissue.
Can I kiss after getting lip fillers?
It’s generally advised to avoid activities like kissing that apply pressure to the lips immediately after injections.
Such actions can potentially disrupt the initial settling of the filler or push it around, affecting symmetry and the smooth integration of the product into the lips.
How do I ice my lips after lip fillers?
Gently apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin, clean cloth to the outer lip area after injections. This cooling therapy induces vasoconstriction, reducing circulation to ease puffiness, bruising, pain, and inflammation.
How much water should I drink after lip fillers?
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to support healing, cellular functions, nutrient delivery, and counteract swelling. Hyaluronic acid injections integrate better with well-hydrated lip tissues.
How long after lip fillers can I wear lipstick?
Avoid additional lip products like lipstick for about 24 hours to allow undisturbed skin recovery, maximizing symmetry and desired outcomes.
When should I schedule a follow up after lip fillers?
Schedule a follow-up with the injector 1-2 weeks after the procedure. Assess filler settling, identify irregularities, and fine-tune results through touch-ups for optimal satisfaction.
Enhance Your Lip Filler Aftercare Knowledge
With correct post-lip filler care, you can significantly reduce side effects and complications to enjoy smoother healing. Focus on avoiding pressure, minimizing swelling through icing and hydration, limiting blood flow interrupters, and allowing sensitive skin to restore undisturbed.
Visit Ethos Spa today and embark on a journey to enhance your natural beauty and wellness!
