Lip fillers are a shortcut to a perfect pout. Just a quick stop at your injectors office, and you can walk out with lips that are selfie-ready. Not so fast! Your newly enhanced kisser will need some TLC after you leave their office.
The secret to a great result is taking good care of your lips in the days following your appointment. Your injector will give you lip filler aftercare instructions to ensure the delicate skin of your lips can heal from multiple injections and to give the filler time to settle beneath the skin.
Here are our best tips for lip filler aftercare:
1. Use Cold Compresses
Your skin may feel sore in the first few hours after getting fillers. Using cool compresses can soothe discomfort and help minimize swelling. Don’t apply ice directly to your lips. The ice can stick to the delicate skin of your lips or cause injuries from the cold. You can wrap an ice cube in a towel and gently apply it to your lips. You can also soak a washcloth in cold water and hold that to your lips.1
2. Treat Bruising
Bruising is a possible side effect of any injectable treatment. Cold compresses may help reduce the risk of bruising. You can also apply aloe vera, vitamin K, or arnica creams. These are all available over the counter at most drug stores.2
3. Manage Pain
It’s tempting to pop some ibuprofen to ease the pain from injections, but hold off. Some over-the-counter pain relievers act as blood thinners, which can exacerbate bruising. Don’t take pain meds for at least 24 hours before getting filler, and wait 24 hours after your appointment before taking any.3
4. Avoid the Gym
Strenuous exercise can stimulate blood flow but can also worsen bruising and swelling. Give yourself 48 hours before doing a serious workout. Stay away from the hot tub and sauna at the gym as well — the heat can have similar effects as working out.4
5. Keep Lips Bare
You might be excited to show off your new pout with a pop of color or layer of gloss, but it’s better to wait. Lipstick and even lip balm can introduce bacteria to the injection sites on your lips. Give it 24 hours for the injection sites to heal before applying products to your pout.5
6. Be Careful at Mealtimes
On the first day after getting filler, be mindful of what you put into your mouth. Choose food that isn’t too hot or too cold since temperature extremes might increase bruising or swelling. Don’t use straws because the pressure from using them can distort the newly placed filler. And steer clear of alcohol as it can make bruising worse.6
Want to know more about lip fillers? Check out My Filler Treatment’s physician-reviewed articles for more information on what to expect during and after your lip filler procedure.
SOURCES:
- HealthLine: “10 Best Aftercare Tips for Lip Fillers.”
- HealthLine: “10 Best Aftercare Tips for Lip Fillers.”
- Byrdie: “15 Lip Filler Aftercare Tips According to Plastic Surgeons.”
- HealthLine: “10 Best Aftercare Tips for Lip Fillers.”
- Byrdie: “Lip Filler 101: The Benefits, Pain Level, and Results.”
- Byrdie: “15 Lip Filler Aftercare Tips According to Plastic Surgeons.”