Lip Filler Swelling Stages: Here’s What To Expect!
Lip swelling and discomfort can be a little concerning after your procedure, but it’s perfectly normal in most cases. Knowing what to expect after the procedure can help ease your mind, and proper aftercare can help expedite the healing process.
Thinking about hyaluronic acid lip fillers? While the procedure is relatively quick and painless, recovery is more complicated. Lip filler injections are a little more invasive than botox, so you will need to schedule more R&R after your procedure.
The biggest question most people ask in the days after their procedure is, ‘Is this normal?’
So, let’s dive into everything you can expect on your journey to juicy lips!
Day of the Procedure
Immediately after your dermal fillers, things won’t seem so bad. The process doesn’t take too long, and you might notice a little bit of swelling.
If your swelling seems uneven – that’s ok! It doesn’t mean that your fillers are uneven. It just means that your body is reacting unevenly.
Go home, ice up, fire up Netflix, and patiently await the next stage of your healing journey.
Lip Filler Swelling Stages:
Day 1
Most people that have had lip fillers get a little anxious the morning after the procedure. At this point, your lips will be very swollen and sensitive to the touch.
It’s important to note that the state of your lips on day one is not the final result. It’s simply your body’s way of healing.
Swelling is often uneven, and you may notice that your upper lip is much more swollen than your lower lip. This asymmetry is normal. Try not to panic, ice up, and take it easy.
Day 2
You will continue to see increased swelling, inflammation, and even a little bruising. Again – these are common side effects. There may even be some bumpiness on your lips, but this isn’t a sign of concern. Keep icing those lips!
The hard part is almost behind you.
Day 4
On the fourth day, the hardest part is finally behind you! Your lips will still be swollen around the injection site and sensitive to the touch, but it will be easier to eat and talk.
If you find that your lips haven’t improved even a little, it’s never a bad idea to consult your doctor.
Everyone’s body reacts differently, but it never hurts to ask to ease your mind.
Day 7
After around the 1-week mark, you can finally start to see the actual results of your procedure. The swelling will have gone down significantly, and you can begin to resume life as usual.
There will still be a small amount of swelling that will subside in the coming weeks, but many patients feel confident enough to head out to dinner with friends and even take some glamourous selfies.
Day 30
On day 30, you are completely healed, and the swelling is likely gone. At this point, you can access how you like your new lips.
If you feel that they aren’t quite what you wanted, or if they are a little uneven, you can head back to your doctor to plan a new course of action.
4 Tips for a Speedy Recovery
To make your recovery more manageable, you must care for your lips after your treatment. After your lip filler treatment, the most significant side effect is swelling.
Before you head in for your lip filler procedure, make sure you have the proper healing tools at home!
Below, I have gathered a few lip filler aftercare tips to help deal with swelling.
1. Cold Compress
Immediately after your cosmetic procedure (and in the following days), make sure you keep your lips iced. Invest in a cold compress or an ice pack to place on your lips for one week after your treatment.
Leave the cold compress on your lips for about 10 to 20 minutes, and then place a warm washcloth for 10 minutes—cycle between hot and cold to keep swelling at a minimum.
2. Apply Topical Ointments
A great way to soothe pain and inflammation is to apply a topical ointment to your lips. Arnica or Bromelain is a natural herbal remedy known to lessen pain and inflammation.
3. Keep Cool
You may be tempted to draw a hot bath to calm your nerves after the nerve-wracking procedure, but avoid this! When your lips are exposed to too much heat, it will worsen your swelling.
Once the swelling subsides (in about a week), it’s ok to reach for your favorite bath bomb and take a much-deserved bath.
4. Don’t Panic!
The few days after your procedure will be unnerving. Your lips will be swollen and painful, and they will often be uneven and much larger than the lips you were expecting.
It’s perfectly natural to feel a little uneasy given the state of your lips – but remember that it’s all part of the process.
Be kind to yourself in the following days after your procedure, and view your recovery as a wave that you need to ride out.
Hang out on the sofa and watch Netflix, or do a little online shopping for a new lipstick to rock when you finally feel good enough to debut your new lips!
