What to expect after lip fillers?

Patrick K. Sullivan

Following a lip filler procedure, it's common for healthcare providers to gently massage the lips to ensure even distribution of the filler.

Immediate post-procedure care may also involve icing to minimize swelling. Monitoring for any adverse reactions like dizziness, nausea, or significant bleeding is typical and usually continues for about 15 minutes post-treatment.

What happens after the procedure is complete?

The healing and adjustment period after receiving lip fillers can vary, but here’s a general timeline of what you can expect following the treatment:

The day you get the injection

  • Immediate post-procedure care: Your lips will likely be iced to reduce swelling and bruising. You might feel slight discomfort or numbness which is normal.
  • Possible side effects: Swelling, mild bruising, and redness around the injection sites are common.

Day 1

  • Observation of effects: Swelling may increase slightly on the first day as the anaesthetic wears off. It's important to keep your head elevated to help reduce swelling.
  • Care instructions: Avoid strenuous activities and keep your lips clean to prevent infection.

Day 2-3

  • Decrease in swelling: You should start to see a reduction in swelling. Continued icing can help expedite this process.
  • Visible results: As the swelling subsides, the initial results of your lip fillers will become more apparent.

Day 4

  • Settling in: Any initial lumpiness or uneven texture should begin to settle. If massaging is recommended by your provider, it can be done gently to smooth out the product.

After 1 week

  • Recovery progress: Most major swelling and bruising should have subsided, and your lips will feel more natural.
  • Follow-up: It’s a good idea to schedule a follow-up visit with your provider to ensure the filler is settling correctly and safely.

After the first month

  • Long-term appearance: By this time, your lip fillers should be fully integrated, providing the desired volume and contour. The results can last from several months up to a year, depending on the type of filler used and your body’s metabolism


How long do the lips take to heal?

Lip fillers typically take about a week for the swelling to subside, with up to a month for the product to fully settle into place. Proper aftercare during this time can extend the life of your fillers, ensuring the best possible results. Staying hydrated, avoiding extreme temperatures, and following your practitioner’s advice will help maintain a smooth, natural look.

Discover the Adoreal difference

Adoreal’s approach to aesthetic treatments like lip fillers focuses on precision, safety, and tailored patient care. We ensure that every client receives comprehensive instructions and support throughout the healing process, maximizing the beauty and longevity of your results.

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