Everything you need to know about lip filler care
Whether you’re considering your first lip enhancement or you’re a lip-filler veteran, understanding lip filler care is key to achieving safe and natural-looking results.
Understanding dermal fillers
Dermal fillers used in lip enhancement are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in your body that helps keep skin plump and hydrated. These soft, gel-like substances are carefully injected into specific areas of the lips to:
- Add volume.
- Enhance shape.
- Address asymmetry.
The treatment is temporary, as your body gradually metabolizes the hyaluronic acid over time. If you do not like the results, these temporary fillers are reversible with hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid.
Before your appointment
Your lip-filler journey should begin well before you sit in a provider’s chair. Patients should research and book a consultation with an experienced aesthetic injector. A trained injector can determine if a patient is a good candidate for filler and whether they have indicators that could make lip filler unsafe or inappropriate due to their health history.
Even though you may see ‘perfectly pouted’ lips on social media, lip filler results are often dependent on the patient’s age and anatomy. It may take several sessions to achieve a fuller lip, depending on your aesthetic goals.
When getting lip filler:
- Avoid blood-thinning substances that increase bruising risk, such as:
- Stay well-hydrated before and after the appointment.
- Consider using arnica or bromelain supplements prior to and after your appointment to minimize bruising and swelling.
- Plan around major events, allowing time for potential swelling and bruising to subside.
Important medical considerations
There are two important medical factors to discuss with your provider:
- If you recently had a dental procedure or have an upcoming one: These should be avoided for a month prior to and after lip filler due to risk of infection.
- If you have a history of cold sores: Patients who currently have a cold sore outbreak should not have dermal filler. If you have a history of herpes simplex virus type 1, or HSV-1, you can take a prophylactic antiviral prior to injection.
The first 48 hours after filler
In the two days following your lip filler injection, you should:
- Avoid makeup for 24 hours to reduce infection risk.
- Skip strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours to prevent increased blood flow and bruising.
- Expect some initial swelling and possible bruising.
- Not be alarmed if you feel small bumps near the injection site. However, they should not be visible.
Two-week recovery period
It can take two weeks for lips to heal and settle. During this time, you should avoid excessive pursing of your lips, as it can lead to migration of the lip filler product. It is recommended that you:
- Don't use straws.
- Avoid smoking and vaping.
- See your provider for a follow-up appointment at the end of your two-week recovery period to assess your results.
It’s important to remain patient over the course of your recovery period. During this time, the filler’s hyaluronic acid will pull water into your tissue to soften the filler product. This helps creates a more natural look and feel.
Watch for complications
While lip fillers are common, being aware of potential complications is important. Promptly reach out to your provider if you:
- Experience increased pain.
- Have a bruise that is worsening.
- Notice discoloration of the lips or skin around the lips.
While complications are rare, they must be promptly addressed. These include vascular occlusion – blockage of a blood vessel – which can be reversed with hyaluronidase.
Long-term results
Results typically last six to 12 months after the first treatment, depending on individual factors, the chosen filler and the amount used. Touch-up appointments can be scheduled at that time to maintain desired results.
With proper preparation and aftercare, lip fillers can provide beautiful, natural-looking results that enhance your appearance while maintaining safety.
