Lip fillers are a quick, affordable, and safe way to achieve fuller, plumper lips. No doubt, a perfect selfie constitutes a set of luscious, smooth lips. Youthful and inviting lips can also make the colour of your lipstick pop.
However, as you’re dreaming about the sensational look that you’ll achieve, you might be dreading the treatment itself. The lip filler swelling timeline is what patients want to know the most when they’re getting this treatment.
That’s because the swelling makes the lips look twice as large as their original size post-treatment. However, fortunately, you’ll be able to enjoy the true results of your treatment in just a short while. Swelling does not always mean that things have gone wrong. It is a normal part of the treatment.
What Is The Procedure for Getting Lip Fillers?
For the lip filler injection, your practitioner will begin by cleaning your lips with an antibacterial.
Following that, a numbing cream or local anaesthetic will be applied to your lips so you don’t feel pain. Once it’s taken effect, 0.5-3mL of dermal filler will be injected into your lips.
Hyaluronic acid is used in lip fillers because it helps increase the volume of the lips by binding to water molecules. It is a humectant and draws moisture from the air to keep the skin hydrated.
It’s also a naturally occurring substance that is found in the eyes and skin. Your lips will feel soft and smooth after it has been injected.
The entire treatment takes around 30 minutes. It’s also called a “lunch-hour” procedure because it doesn’t require a lot of time at the clinic.
Are Dermal Fillers Results Instant?
Lip filler injections will give you instant results. The shape and size of your lips will subtly or noticeably look different soon after the injections.
However, these are not the final results. That’s because you will have some swelling and bruising for the first few days. It can, of course, make your lips look quite puffy, but once the fillers settle down, it will get better.
But keep in mind that lip fillers are not permanent. They last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Afterwards, you can get new fillers to retain the new shape or size of your lips.
Why Does Swelling Occur After Lip Filler Injections?
In the event of an injury to the skin, the body will direct fluids as well as white blood cells there. That’s what causes swelling.
However, when it comes to lip fillers, that’s not all that causes swelling. Remember that hyaluronic acid in dermal fillers is a humectant. It retains moisture and can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water. That also makes the lips plumper.
Swelling is a part of the healing process. It’s nothing to worry about. It can be quite noticeable because it’s right on the face. But it should, eventually, go away.
What Is The Lip Filler Swelling Timeline?
Here’s a breakdown of the lip filler stages of swelling:
Day 1-2
Because of swelling, your lips can look quite large for the first two days following lip filler injection. It might also cause some problems in eating and drinking.
Understandably, it can cause some anxiety about the final results. But it’s only temporary and will get better with time.
Other than swelling, you might also experience sensitivity in the first few days after treatment.
Day 3-7
Bruises and lumps on the lips may appear on the third or fourth day after lip injections. However, this should go away after a week has passed.
That’s when you’ll start seeing your lips taking their final shape. But you’ll still have some lingering swelling at this point.
Day 7-14
Two weeks after lip filler injections, the swelling should have completely subsided. Of course, that will make your lips look relatively smaller. But that’s the final result of the treatment.
Swelling is only a natural reaction to trauma. While it will go away on its own, make sure to follow your practitioner’s aftercare instructions for the best results.
Also, if your swelling persists longer than 14 days, make sure to get in touch with your aesthetician.
Summary
The following is a summary of the stages of healing lip filler swelling timeline:
| Timeline | Lip Filler Recovery |
| Day 1-2 | Swelling and sensitivity |
| Day 3-7 | Bruises and lumps till the end of week |
| Day 7-14 | Final result (swelling subsides) |
Lip Filler Aftercare: Do’s and Don’ts
To help with the swelling after lip filler injections, you can consider using an ice pack. But be careful not to put it directly on your lips.
It can stick to your lips and rip the skin off. So, it’s better to wrap it in a cloth (not tissue paper) and then use it. Other than that, you should also:
- Elevate your head while sleeping.
- Avoid saunas and hot baths.
- Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol.
- Avoid applying anything on your lips (lipsticks, lip balms, scrubs, etc.)
Other than that, make sure to stay hydrated. Also, avoid any foods that are too hot and/or salty as they can worsen swelling.
It’s usual for people to return to their daily routines shortly after lip fillers. Nevertheless, you might need to refrain from exercising for a few days.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has made you familiarised with the lip filler swelling timeline and given you an idea of its aftercare. You need to discuss the full details of aftercare with the doctor.
And now that you know, if you’re thinking of getting lip fillers for a special event, do make sure to keep the lip filler swelling timeline in mind.
Lastly, and most importantly, make sure to find a licensed practitioner who’s actually experienced in doing lip fillers.
