Whether you've just been to our clinic to have a lip filler treatment, or you're just wondering what to expect after the procedure, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll give you ten lip filler aftercare tips and show you what to do (and what not to do) after a lip filler injection.
1. No kissing
Ideally, you should avoid putting any pressure on the treated areas for the first 24 hours after treatment as this could displace the injected filler. This means that you shouldn't:
kiss, drink through a straw, smoke, bite your nails or massage your lips immediately after treatment. When applying sunscreen or washing your face, be careful not to put too much pressure on the treated areas. The goal is to allow the filler to integrate into your skin matrix unhindered.
2. Swollen lips? No need to panic.
One of the most common side effects of lip fillers is swelling of the lips. Patients often complain that their lips look swollen and much bigger than they expected. But don't panic. Swelling and tenderness after lip fillers are completely normal.
As the hyaluronic acid in the filler combines with the skin's natural water balance, the lips can puff up as the body tries to restore its natural balance. Again, the swelling is generally temporary and in most cases only lasts a day or two. However, if the swelling lasts longer than a week or causes unusual discomfort, you should contact your doctor immediately.
3. Stay away from hot yoga
Prolonged exposure to excessive heat can cause blood vessels to dilate, increase swelling and contribute to further bruising or discomfort. So if you enjoy going to the sauna or hot yoga classes, it's time to take a break for a few days. Although fitness is a wonderful thing, you should avoid strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours after your treatment. Increased blood pressure and heart rate from exercise can make the swelling or bruising worse.
4. It's time for more pillows
This advice is perhaps the hardest to follow because it's obviously difficult to control what you do while you sleep! Nevertheless, try not to sleep on your face as this can put uneven pressure on the lips and cause an asymmetrical appearance. Try sleeping on your back first. Also, make an effort to sleep in an elevated position for the first few nights after your lip filler treatment. It's easy! Simply place a few extra pillows under your head. This will allow gravity to work in your favour by preventing fluid from accumulating in your face (i.e. less swelling).
5. Don't fly too soon
We recommend that you wait at least 7 days after your lip filler treatment before flying. Air travel, especially long international flights, can worsen swelling and bruising due to the pressures in the aircraft cabin. Should complications arise, you'll be far from your preferred beauty clinic where you can get help or advice quickly. The air pressure in a plane also removes moisture from the body, which isn't good if you want to increase the volume of your lips. On the other hand, with botox injections, you don't have to wait. You can even book your flight the very next day.
6. Be careful with home remedies
A quick search on the search engine and you will find countless home remedies for swelling or bruising, such as herbal ointments, witch hazel, tea tree oil and aloe vera gels. They may or may not help. Sometimes, they might do even more harm than good. Always ask your injector for advice on what you can use. Also, don't massage the area unless your doctor advises you to do so.
Related: The Top 15 Botox and Filler Injectors in Birmingham UK
7. Make sure you eat well
Make sure you eat a healthy diet with fresh fruit and vegetables. The vitamins and minerals will help the healing process. Make sure you drink plenty of water. This is because lip fillers work by hydrating the treated area. Opt for cups or glasses that won't put too much strain on your lips, and for foods that are easy to digest. Also, avoid spicy foods, and foods high in sodium and alcohol for a few days.
8. Keep the area very clean
It's extremely important that you keep your lips clean after the treatment. First, always wash your hands before touching your lips and change your pillowcases frequently. This will prevent bacteria or infections from getting to the puncture sites.
9. Consider a small after-treatment "touch up".
Some patients love the swollen look of their lips and are disappointed after the swelling has gone down completely. In this case, you can have a little touch up to get the look you want! Lip filler top-ups can plump up your lips a little more and still look natural. But remember not to overdo it. Less is more, and it's better to start conservatively than end up looking fake or overfilled.
10. Follow Your injector’s guidelines
This is the last tip and possibly the most important for lip filler aftercare. The first nine tips are general recommendations that should not replace your injector's actual instructions. Remember that experiences with lip fillers may vary from person to person. If you want to get the best results from your lip filler, you should follow their lip filler aftercare instructions carefully.
Do you Feel Self Conscious About the Fullness, Ageing or Shape of Your Lips?
Do you want to:
- Regain your confidence?
- Recapture your youth?
- Or simply just give your look a boost?
If that sounds like you then you should Book Your Lip Filler Treatment with Birmingham's Leading Injector.
