If you’re reading this article, you’ve probably considered lip fillers. These hyaluronic acid compounds are injected beneath the skin to restore volume and are a quick and effective solution. But, like any treatment, they can come with side effects – one of the most common being swelling.
Swelling after lip fillers is a perfectly natural response. It’s your body’s way of reacting to the treatment, much like how it reacts to a paper cut. But how long does lip filler swelling last? Well, that’s where it gets interesting. The duration of the swelling can depend on a number of factors, from your body temperature to your level of physical activity.
In this article, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of lip filler swelling, helping you to understand what to expect and how to minimise the downtime. So, let’s get started.
Factors that can affect lip filler swelling
The level of swelling experienced after lip fillers is contingent on numerous factors. One such influencer is the type of filler used. Fillers based on Hyaluronic Acid (HA), for instance, are known to provoke additional swelling. That’s not just my take. Scientifically, HA behaves as a water magnet, absorbing up to 1000 times its molecular weight in water. This can trigger more swelling due to water retention. Two commonly used lip fillers, Juvéderm and Restylane, are HA-based, meaning they could potentially lead to heightened swelling.
However, the way our bodies react to lip fillers can differ greatly. For some, the swelling may subside within hours. Others might have to wait for days before seeing a reduction.
Preparation for the procedure also has a significant impact on the amount of swelling. While you can’t change your genetic makeup, you can control other factors that contribute to swelling. An excellent pre-procedure practice to consider is steering clear of blood thinners.
Additionally, your habits post-filler can influence swelling. Things to avoid include physical activities that elevate body temperature, such as exercise, sauna, tanning or hot tubs. They may worsen the swelling and increase your risk of infection by causing you to sweat more.
Giving into the urge to touch your newly amplified lips also isn’t a wise choice. Any manipulation worsens the body’s inflammatory response, possibly delaying recovery time. So for 48 hours post-procedure, it’s best to avoid:
- Kissing
- Drinking directly from a cup – opt for a straw instead
- Sleeping on your face
- Resting your lips on your hands
- Facial massage
Lastly, the method of injection has a bearing on the degree of swelling. Lip filler techniques that use multiple injection sites tend to cause more swelling. This is due to the higher number of trauma sites. So, when planning the lip filler journey, it’s crucial to not only consider who’s doing it but also how they’re doing it.
Immediate effects of lip filler injections
Upon getting a lip filler, many clients ask, “how long does lip filler swelling last?” It’s important to note that swelling is a common reaction to these injectables but it varies case by case.
You might be wondering, why does this happen? When a filler is injected, the body undergoes a tiny healing process around the injection site, which can lead to temporary swelling and inflammation. Rest assured, it’s just the body’s way of reacting to the treatment. Don’t stress, these are normal effects and nothing more than usual side-effects of fillers.
Let’s talk about the immediate after-effects. Straight after receiving lip fillers, you might experience some soreness, redness or even slight bruising in the area. It’s crucial to remember that the lips are a particularly sensitive part of the face, and any swelling or bruising is likely to be more apparent than in other areas.
But don’t lose heart! There are steps to those pout-worthy lips. One of the most effective ways to minimise swelling is ice application. Applying an ice pack restricts the local blood supply, thereby reducing swelling. It’s a simple but efficient trick to get the best aesthetic results.
Even though getting fillers is a walk in the park these days, it’s not all said and done. Swelling might pop up later on, even months after the procedure. If you do experience this, best to get in touch with your doctor for proper advice.
So in answering, “how long does lip filler swelling last?” – it’s vital to remember that swelling duration varies between individuals and can range anywhere from hours to weeks. And, as always, maintaining the recommended aftercare is the key to minimising swelling and achieving the best possible results.
How long does lip filler swelling typically last?
The length of lip filler swelling can vary greatly between individuals. Nevertheless, there are some general patterns and expectations that can provide a good point of reference. Keep in mind, everyone is different and the specific timeline may not be the same for all.
Soon after lip filler treatment, it’s common to experience swelling. In a majority of cases, this block is the most intense within the first 24-48 hours post-procedure. The swelling then tends to decrease and become less noticeable. For most people, lip filler swelling tends to be unnoticeable within a week.
To provide more clarity on this, I’ve prepared the table below outlaying the general timeline.
| Timeline | Swelling Stage |
|---|---|
| 24-48 hours | Most intense |
| 3-5 days | Begins to subside |
| 1 week | Barely unnoticeable |
| 2 weeks | Fully resolved |
Although the swelling usually subsides by day 3, complete resolution takes a bit longer. Most patients find that their swelling has entirely disappeared within two weeks post-treatment.
Besides swelling, patients often feel their lips being a bit firmer than usual. This is because the lip filler is usually slightly harder than the natural lip tissues. Again, this is completely normal and only a temporary phase. It’s often referred to as the filler settling. This stage lasts for a few days, with lips regaining their soft, fleshy, and natural feel within 1-2 weeks after the treatment.
Lastly, it’s also quite natural to notice a small amount of bruising following lip fillers. While the degree of bruising can vary between individuals, it’s typically very minimal and not a cause for concern. As the treatment area heals, swelling and minor bruising are quite normal reactions from the body.
In sum, the duration and intensity of swellings are mainly individual-specific, though following this general timeline can give you a fairly good idea of what to expect after having lip fillers.
Tips for reducing lip filler swelling
Let’s discuss some proactive measures you can take to both ease and reduce swelling after your lip filler procedure. While it’s true that certain factors are out of our control, like genetics, it’s also true that there are factors within your direct influence.
First and foremost, keeping your body temperature in check is key. Activities that raise your body temperature – think exercise, sauna, tanning, or hot tub – should be strictly avoided. Why? Elevated body temperature can significantly worsen your swelling. Additionally, sweating can even increase infection risk!
Another common pitfall is the impulse to touch your newly plumped lips. As tempting as it may be, avoid manipulating the treatment area since this can provoke your body’s inflammatory response and potentially delay recovery. Not just your fingers, though! Here’s a handy list below of a few things to steer clear of for at least 48 hours post-procedure:
- Kissing
- Drinking directly from a cup (–use a straw instead!)
- Sleeping on your face
- Resting your lips on your hands
- Facial massage
And last but not least, applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth gently to your lips can ease swelling quite a bit. It’s a simple yet effective way of managing swelling.
Final thoughts on lip filler swelling
My journey with lip fillers has taught me one important lesson—it’s imperative to manage expectations. If you’ve stumbled upon lip filler before and after photos on social media, you might think that the swelling you see is the final result. It’s crucial to understand that this isn’t so. Lip filler swelling is completely normal—each person will experience this in varying degrees, depending on numerous factors.
My initial reaction immediately after my lip filler procedure was fear, seeing my lips look puffy, and questioning if it’s all been a mistake. It’s characteristic to notice redness and swelling at the injection sites, which are principally natural responses. After all, your body is reacting to the trauma caused by the needles and the foreign materials, albeit natural ones, injected into your skin. Most of the time, this discomfort shouldn’t last more than a few hours, and if it hasn’t mainly subsided within three to five days of the procedure, my advice is to contact your medical provider without delay.
In those early days, remember, it’s not unusual for your lips to appear asymmetric, due to the swelling. While it can be easy to fall into the trap of wanting to massage or touch the treated area, the risk of moving the filler into unintended areas is too great. That said, you might be relieved to know, this period of asymmetry is temporary and will normalise as your lips gradually settle into their new shape over several weeks.
Another key aspect to understand about lip filler swelling is its interaction with water due to hyaluronic acid, commonly used in fillers. To improve its volumising action, hyaluronic acid interacts with the body’s water. That’s why drinking plenty of water, particularly during recovery, is essential. Staying fully hydrated aids in reducing swelling effectively.
Conclusion
So, we’ve navigated the ins and outs of lip filler swelling, from managing expectations to practical tips for recovery. We’ve learnt that swelling is a normal response to the procedure, and it’s essential to refrain from activities that could exacerbate it. It’s crucial to avoid touching treated areas and maintain hydration for effective swelling reduction. Remember, while the discomfort and asymmetry may be alarming, they’re temporary and should resolve within several weeks. If swelling persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to a medical professional. This journey may seem daunting, but with the right knowledge and care, you’ll be flaunting your new look in no time.
