Caring for Your Lips After Dermal Fillers

The use of dermal fillers is the most popular way to get a fuller pout or plumped up lips. This involves the use of injectable gels, commonly made with hyaluronic acid (HA), which are then injected in the lips or around the mouth. The placement of the fillers will depend on your goal and the current state or appearance of your lips.

After the procedure, you can expect to see some bruising or swelling at the site of the injection. It is best to follow the post-care guidelines provided by your injector or aesthetic doctor to have a safe and effective treatment. These guidelines are also important to help you get the best possible results. 

You can also check out our previous post for the 7 things you need to know before doing lip fillers.

Take note: Experiences after fillers vary from patient to patient. It is advisable to speak with your aesthetic doctor if you have any questions about caring for your lips after the procedure. Below are a few aftercare tips.

Reduce or minimize further swelling

Swelling, along with some redness and bruising, is normal. Keep in mind that the look of your lips after the injection is not the final result of the fillers. Depending on a number of factors, the swelling can last several hours or days. There are also some patients who don’t experience any bruising.

Here are some tips for minimizing swelling and bruising:

• Apply ice to the area. Use an ice pack or an ice cube covered in a cloth. 
• Drink lots of water to help your body heal.
• Load up on fruits and vegetables, and avoid sodium to help with the healing process.
• Avoid strenuous exercises for 24 to 48 hours after the treatment. Doing so may worsen swelling or bruising.
• Avoid high or sweltering temperatures for 48 hours after the injection. These include saunas, steam rooms, or heated exercise classes.
• Don’t sleep on your face. Sleep with your head elevated. 

Don’t fly too soon after your injection

Aesthetic doctors recommend avoiding flying internationally for one to two weeks after the procedure. This is because the cabin pressure in the plane can worsen any swelling or bruising. Plus, it is important to have a two-week review appointment to make sure you are satisfied with the final results. 

Other things to avoid

Apart from the tips mentioned above, there are a few other things or habits you need to avoid after the procedure. These include:

• Processed, spicy, and salty foods
• Smoking and exposure to smoke – both increase the risk of infection
• Alcohol – it acts as a blood thinner that can cause inflammation and make swelling worse.
• Blood thinning medications like Ibuprofen – ask your doctor which painkillers are okay to use.

Plan your injectables ahead before a big event 

Dermal fillers and other injectables take weeks to fully settle, so it is best to schedule your treatment at least three weeks prior. This is to avoid any swelling or bruising and make sure that you have a full recovery. If it is your first time doing fillers, it is recommended to book your appointment four to six weeks before.

Schedule a review appointment

It takes two weeks for the lip fillers to settle and completely blend with the surrounding tissues. To make sure you’re happy with the results, a two-week review with the aesthetic doctor is recommended. This allows you and your doctor to review the results and for you to ask any further questions. 

Are you considering fillers to improve the shape and size of your lips? Contact Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with our Harvard-trained aesthetic doctor, Dr. Sylvia Ramirez, to learn more or to find out if you’re a good candidate for lip fillers.