Navigating Post Lip Filler Treatment Concerns
Uneven swelling after lip fillers is generally a normal response to the treatment and should resolve on its own as the healing process progresses.
Why Is My Lip Filler Uneven and Swollen?
It is very normal for lips to look uneven and swollen after receiving lip fillers:
- Swelling is common after lip fillers and the lips may appear uneven during the healing process.
- One side of the lips is often more swollen than the other, which can make them look asymmetric in the days following treatment.
- The swelling peaks around 2-3 days post-procedure and gradually decreases over 1-2 weeks as the filler settles into place.
- Lumps and bumps may be felt as the filler moves around beneath the skin during this settling period.
- Within 7-10 days most swelling should go down and the lips will start to look more even and defined.
- Applying ice packs can help reduce swelling in the short term.
Unless infection or an allergic reaction is present, unevenness and swelling are normal responses as the body adjusts to the lip filler. See your provider if swelling increases or lasts more than 2 weeks.
Is Immediate Unevenness After Lip Injections a Concern?
Immediate unevenness after lip injections is a common and expected concern. It is rare for lips to look perfectly symmetrical immediately after injections as swelling can cause one side to look larger than the other.
This is usually temporary and the lips will even out within a few days as the swelling goes down.
What Causes Uneven Swelling After Lip Filler?
Swelling is the body’s natural inflammatory response to the minor trauma of injections. It can cause the lips to look uneven during the healing process.
One side may be more swollen than the other in the first few days after treatment. This asymmetry is usually temporary and should improve within a week.
The swelling peaks in the first week as the body adjusts to the filler. Lumps and bruising can also make the lips appear uneven initially.
Swelling and potential unevenness do not necessarily indicate a problem, as they are normal parts of the body’s healing response.
How To Fix Uneven Swelling After Lip Filler
To help reduce uneven swelling after lip filler faster, you can apply an ice pack or cold compress to your lips for 10-15 minutes multiple times a day for the first 2 days.
You can also:
- Drink plenty of water to help the body reduce swelling faster by staying hydrated.
- Massage the lips gently to encourage even distribution of the filler
- Be patient as the lips will continue to settle in the first week after injections
If the unevenness persists after 1-2 weeks, see your doctor who may recommend a touch-up procedure to even things out.
Unevenness After Lip Injections: Swelling Progression Over Days
The swelling progresses through different stages over the course of days and weeks as the body responds to the injections.
In the first few days, the lips can look quite swollen, bumpy, bruised and uneven. This is because swelling may occur more on one side of the lips than the other, causing temporary asymmetry. The swelling peaks within the first 2-3 days and can make the lips look enlarged.
By about a week after the injections, the swelling usually begins to go down but the lips may still appear a bit uneven. At the two week mark, there is generally no visible swelling remaining.
How Many Days Does Swelling Last After Lip Filler?
Swelling after lip filler is most significant in the first 2-3 days post-treatment.
- Swelling will be at its peak in the 1-3 days following lip filler.
- Redness and swelling don’t usually last more than just a few hours after the treatment for most people.
- Swelling should go down within 2–3 days after your lip filler treatment, and should subside completely within 2 weeks post-treatment.
- Swelling is starting to disappear between days 5-7.
The swelling should disappear and the final results will be visible within about a week of treatment.
What To Expect Day by Day Swelling After Lip Injections
Here is what you can generally expect on a day by day basis after lip injections:
Day 1: Immediately after the treatment, your lips will be swollen and may appear bruised. Swelling peaks within the first 24 hours.
Day 2-3: Swelling may worsen or remain the same during this time period as the body continues to respond to the injection. Lips may feel firm or look bumpy.
Day 4-7: Swelling should begin to subside but your lips may still feel tender. Some small bumps under the skin may be visible or feelable.
Week 1-2: Most swelling and bruising should be gone by 1 week post-treatment, but lips may still feel slightly fuller than normal. Final results will be visible after 2 weeks as any remaining swelling subsides fully.
Keep in mind the timeline can vary slightly between individuals. Applying ice, avoiding touching/massaging the lips, and taking over-the-counter medications can help reduce swelling more quickly. Contact your provider if swelling worsens or does not start improving after a few days.
When To Seek Help for Swelling After Lip Filler
Swelling should begin to subside after 2-3 days and be gone within 1 week for most people.
Swelling may last up to 2 weeks in rare cases, but a fair amount of swelling for 3-4 days is considered normal.
You should seek help from the clinician who performed the treatment if the swelling does not improve or gets worse after 1-2 weeks.
Other signs that warrant contacting the clinician include pain, redness, or discharge from the injection sites.
In summary, mild swelling for the first week is common and expected. But if swelling persists or worsens after 2 weeks, or other symptoms arise, it is recommended to consult the clinician.
Signs To Get Medical Attention Post Lip Filler Swelling
This table provides a clear and concise guide for patients to understand when to seek medical attention after experiencing swelling from lip fillers.
It outlines the potential signs of complications and the recommended actions to take.
| Sign to Watch For | Action to Take | Reason for Concern |
| Severe Asymmetry | Contact your practitioner or seek medical attention | Could indicate improper filler placement or an allergic reaction |
| Persistent Swelling | Seek medical advice | Swelling should typically subside within a week; if not, it could be a sign of infection or other complications |
| Increasing Pain | Consult with a healthcare provider | Pain should decrease after the procedure; increasing pain could suggest infection or hematoma |
| Unusual Patterns of Bruising | Get medical evaluation | Could be a sign of vascular occlusion or hematoma |
| Fever or Chills | Visit a doctor or emergency room | May indicate an infection that requires immediate treatment |
| Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing | Seek emergency medical care | Rare but serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, need urgent treatment |
| Prolonged Redness or Heat at Injection Site | Contact your practitioner | Could be signs of inflammation or infection |
Best Practices for Lip Filler Swelling Management
The best practices for managing swelling after lip filler injections are:
- Apply an ice pack or ice cubes wrapped in a clean cloth to the lip area. This should be done immediately after the procedure to help reduce inflammation.
- Apply ice for 10-15 minutes, 4 times per day for the first day only.
- Keep your head elevated above the level of your heart to minimize swelling.
- Avoid hot drinks, spicy foods, and strenuous activities for the first 24 hours as these can increase swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications as recommended by your provider to help reduce discomfort.
Expect some swelling, bruising, and tenderness for the first 3-5 days as these are normal side effects of the procedure as your body responds to the filler.
Swelling generally peaks at 24-48 hours post-treatment.
