As more and more people begin their journey to plumper and fuller lips with lip filler injections we are finding that more people are asking about some of the side effects, specifically the best ways to reduce swelling after lip filler injections.
Lip fillers are a great way to add volume and achieve a softer, fuller and perfectly kissable lips, then use a small injection which places a small amount of hyaluronic acid into your lips. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring chemical in your body and so is perfectly safe and healthy to use.
There are however sometimes some side-effects to the lip injection treatment.
How much swelling is normal after lip fillers
After any invasive treatment, even if it is a small needle there is likely to be a small amount of swelling afterwards. This should be reduced very rapidly, often within hours.
For the full effect of the filler treatment to become apparent you will need to wait approximately 3 or 5 days in order for any initial swelling to completely subsided.
How to hide any swelling
Try these following tips to hide and reduce swelling:
Apply ice to the area to restrict blood flow, place it in a plastic bag to prevent getting wet and then wrapped the plastic bag in a tea towel to avoid direct ice contact with your lips.
Make sure you drink lots. Keeping fully hydrated allows your body to mobilise fluids, rather than store them in single places (swelling) staying hydrated keeps the flow of fluid around your body.
Avoid strenuous exercise and increasing your heart rate.
Rest and protect your lips. This means no hard kissing for 48 hours!
Avoid drinking through a straw for 2 days, this can also put pressure on your lips and exacerbate any swelling.
Do lip injections damage lips?
If the injections are done professionally then no, they don’t damage the lips. The injections use a naturally occurring acid (hyaluronic acid) which is readily absorbed back into the body, with no common side-effects.
Swelling After Fillers
Inflammation and swelling are common side effects of facial fillers. The popular non-invasive injectables are used for anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, collagen stimulation and adding volume to select areas of the face. While the treatment is common and safe, injecting dermal fillers into the skin is likely to cause swelling. Don’t stress, it’s normal For the most part, swelling is a non-issue and nothing more than a typical side effect of injecting. It can occur right away with the treatment and last up to a couple of weeks, or it might show up later on after treatment. If you experience swelling after a month of having had the treatment, it’s a good idea to call your doctor and let them know.
Reasons for Swelling
Natural body reaction: Swelling is a natural body reaction, anybody undergoing treatment might find they react this way. Some clients will be more prone to swelling than others.
Injection quality: The pace and place at which the physician injects make a big impact on the likelihood of swelling.
Anti-swell measures: Doctors who use ice during or immediately after injection can help keep swelling at bay for clients who typically experience inflammation. If you are prone to swelling, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor and see if there are any additional measures that can be taken to effectively reduce the chance of swelling.
What You Should Do if You Notice Swelling After Lip Filler Treatment
Final lip filler results are seen once the swelling goes down, usually 7-10 days after the cosmetic injections Melbourne. You can apply these easy tips to speed up swelling recovery.
Apply Ice
This is likely the first advice you’ll receive from your injector. Ice helps ease swelling, bruising, and itching. Apply ice to your lips immediately after the procedure to restrict blood flow, and then continue doing so for the next 48 hours.
You should first cover the ice in a cloth or a towel so that the cold surface does not touch your lips, as it could cause mild frostbite. That’s the last thing you want with freshly injected lips! If ice wrapped in cloth still feels too cold for you, soak a cotton ball or a cotton cloth in iced water and gently apply it to your lips.
Ice your lips as often as you can for the first several days, up to five times a day, for 20 minutes at a time.
Keep the Area Very Clean
Keeping your lips clean for the first 24 hours after injection is extremely important. Always wash your hands before touching them, change your pillowcase before going to bed, and do not use an old Chapstick or lipstick.
DO Avoid Routine Dental Work Two Weeks After Lip Injections
Dental work can introduce bacteria into your blood stream and may increase your chances of developing nodules in your freshly injected lips. Please plan your routine dental work accordingly.
Drink Water
Swelling is actually the storing of fluids in one concentrated place. Being hydrated allows your body to mobilize fluids and let them move freely, keeping their flow. Remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Drinking a lot of water also helps your body heal.
Eat Well
This is our general advice all the time, but it also comes in handy when dealing with lip filler swelling. Eating healthy and hydrating with fruits and vegetables assist with the healing process. Avoid high-sodium foods because they may worsen swelling.
Elevate Your Head
What to do to reduce and avoid swelling after lip fillers.
You know how, when you sprain your ankle, you put your feet up? That is so that the fluids can drain away and reduce the swelling. It’s the same with lip filler-induced swelling. Use an extra pillow, because the added elevation will help prevent fluids from pooling in the face.
Take a Pill
Consult with your injector about the recommended painkiller. Over-the-counter antihistamine pills may reduce swelling and OTC Tylenol may help control post-procedure pain. Most practitioners advise patients to avoid NSAIDS such as Motrin/Ibuprofen and Aspirin since it may increase the chances of bruising. Always talk to your provider before taking any medication.
Be Patient
Swelling after lip fillers usually goes away within a week. Some patients love the swollen look of their lips and are disappointed when their lips settle to the full effect of fillers. If that’s the case, you can have a small top-up to give you your desired look. In any case, be patient for the first several days after the treatment—soon you will be able to enjoy the final look of your filled lips.
