Lip Filler Aftercare: Dos and Dont’s

We often get asked lots of Can I’s after lip fillers, here’s a couple of our answers:

How can I reduce swelling after lip fillers?

Swelling after lip filler treatment is completely normal, and the size of your lips immediately after treatment is not a true reflection of how they will look.  Minor swelling can last between a few hours or even up to a week. The lips can look crooked until they settle from the swelling but we say the true result is in 2 weeks. There are however, some ways of reducing swelling…

Lip Filler Aftercare To Reduce Swelling: Do’s

• Apply ice to the treated area after treatment.
• Taking an antihistamine after treatment has been shown to help with some swelling.
• Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water. When you’re dehydrated your body holds onto water
• Sleep slightly upright by sleeping on a few pillows.
• If swelling is excessive and pain can’t be relieved by panadol, seek medical treatment. If you’re thinking “maybe I should call”, then do! Most practitioners would rather you call for something minor than end up with a complication.

Lip Filler Aftercare To Reduce Swelling: Don’ts

• Don’t do strenuous exercise whilst lips are still swollen.
• Don’t go into extremes of hot and cold environments while swollen
• Don’t fly for 2 weeks after lip fillers. The pressure in the plane and the dry environment in planes can cause increased swelling
• Don’t drink alcohol for 24 hours after treatment

Can I drink after getting lip fillers?

Often lip fillers have lidocaine in them which is a local anesthetic. This will make the lips feel numb for around 30 mins after treatment. It is advisable not to drink anything while the numbness is present as it can be difficult to drink. You can also burn yourself if have a hot drink

In regards to alcoholic drinks , it won’t affect your treatment but as alcohol dilates our vessels (this is why our cheeks go red when we drink) and it also dehydrates us, it can lead to increased swelling and bruising, so it’s not advisable.

As a rule of thumb once swelling has gone, alcohol is fine.

Can I exfoliate my lips after fillers?

Yes, gentle exfoliation is fine. In fact, we encourage you to gently massage the lips for 30 to 60 second a few times a day to smooth out any lumps. You could exfoliate at the same time. If it is painful though, it’s advisable to not exfoliate

Can you eat directly after lip fillers?

Again, like drinking, it is advisable to wait for the local anesthetic to wear off so you don’t accidentally burn yourself or bite your lip. It is advisable to also avoid overly spicy or salty foods as these can dehydrate you and increase swelling. The healthier you eat the better you will heal.

Can I have filler if I have cold sores?

Yes, but there is always a chance that the filler procedure can trigger a cold sore so we advise getting some preventative tablets such as acyclovir from the chemist prior to treatment. After treatment, cold sore cream can be applied to the area you would normally get a cold sore.

Can I kiss after fillers?

A normal kiss is ok but prolonged passionate kissing isn’t recommended for 24 hrs. Even though those great new lips are going to have your partner dying to kiss them, they will need to wait 24 hrs or this can increase bruising and swelling. So just a peck for now.

If you have any other questions, give us a call or book an appointment.