Lip filler treatment doesn’t take long, but it does require aftercare. After a short healing process, you can enjoy volumized lips. Your doctor will explain the recovery process, but is there anything else you can do to help manage your healing?
Continue reading to learn more about lip fillers, including 6 tips for your recovery process.
What Are Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers can help you achieve fuller, plumper lips. They add structure, shape, and volume to the overall area.
These fillers offer greater control over how much volume your lips receive. The results are long-lasting, and there is less chance of bruising and swelling than other filler options.
How Do Lip Fillers Work?
Lip fillers are a mixture of hyaluronic acid and water. This mixture creates a gel-like volumizer. It works by filling in wrinkles and leaving smoother-looking skin.
Hyaluronic acid has several benefits—it can:
- Reduce premature skin aging
- Moisturize skin
- Help heal wounds
- Prevent wrinkles
- Increase skin elasticity
- Treat eczema
- Treat facial redness
Lip fillers can benefit your skin in many ways, but there are possible side effects to be aware of.
Potential Side Effects
While lip fillers are safe to use, there is always a chance of side effects. They’re generally mild and last up to a week.
These side effects include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Firmness
- Lumps
- Skin discolouration
- Bruising
Your doctor will explain these side effects in detail during your initial consultation. If you receive lip fillers, what can you expect during your procedure?
What Should You Expect During Your Appointment?
Your lip filler treatment involves injections of a solution consisting of hyaluronic acid, water, and lidocaine. The overall procedure is quick, taking less than an hour.
Before Treatment
You’ll have a conversation with your doctor before treatment begins. This discussion will include why you’re interested in lip fillers, the overall risks, and an evaluation of your eligibility. You may be ineligible to get lip fillers if you have any health conditions or allergies that negatively react to the treatment.
During Treatment
The lip filler procedure is straightforward. Your doctor will use a thin needle to make injections into targeted areas around your lips. These areas include the edges of your lips, the center of your upper lip, and the corners of your mouth.
You shouldn’t feel pain during treatment, but you may feel a pinching sensation. Your doctor may apply an ice pack to your lips to help minimize swelling and bruising.
After Treatment
Your doctor may gently massage around your lips to help the filler absorb after finishing your procedure. After receiving aftercare instructions, you’re free to go home.
Side effects will subside with time but may last up to a week. If you’re looking for help managing your recovery period, there are some tips you can follow.
6 Tips for Lip Filler Aftercare
The aftercare for lip fillers is longer than the procedure itself. You may have a few side effects that disappear with time. There are several ways to make your recovery more manageable during this period.
Some of these tips include:
- Applying aloe vera, vitamin K, or arnica cream to reduce any bruising at the injection site—check with your doctor before using these products
- Applying ice (via an ice pack or wrapped in cloth) to your lips to help reduce swelling, itching, bruising, & any discomfort
- Avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours after your appointment—elevated blood pressure & heart rate can worsen swelling & bruising
- Avoiding higher temperatures (steam rooms, saunas, & heated exercise classes) for 48 hours to avoid increased swelling
- Not sleeping on your face & keeping your head elevated to avoid excess swelling
- Avoiding wearing any makeup for at least 24 hours after your treatment
Besides these 6 tips, you should speak with your healthcare provider about anything else you can do to help your body recover. You can inquire about using over-the-counter medications for pain relief.
Staying hydrated with water and fruits and vegetables is beneficial for your recovery. Consider avoiding excess sodium to prevent increased swelling.
What to Avoid as You Recover
There are a few things you should avoid after your procedure. Alcohol can thin your blood, leading to inflammation, further bruising, and worsened swelling. Don’t consume any for a minimum of 24 hours after your treatment.
Avoid any flying for at least a week after your treatment. The increase in air pressure can worsen any swelling or bruising.
After you fully recover from your treatment, you can enjoy volumized lips for the next several months.
Achieve the Look You Desire
Lip fillers can help you achieve fuller, natural-looking lips to complement your smile. They help address any insecurities you may have, like lip wrinkles, in a safe, controlled manner. You can feel more comfortable in the way you look with help from your doctor.
If you’re interested in lip fillers, book an appointment.
