Lip Filler Swelling Stages: Preventing Swelling after Lip Injections
Lip fillers are common injectables administered by a cosmetic professional to provide fuller, plumper lips. Swelling after lip injections is a common and normal process and can take up to 14 days to heal. Knowing what is expected and when to see a doctor is important.
Key takeaways:
Lip fillers are cosmetic injections used to enhance the appearance of the lips.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are most commonly used. Many different brands of hyaluronic acid fillers are available.
There are different stages to the healing process after lip injections, and it’s normal to have swelling and minor bruising for up to two weeks after injections.
Choosing an experienced practitioner and seeking medical attention when necessary to avoid long-term complications is important.
What are lip fillers?
Lip fillers are cosmetic injectables used to enhance lip appearance. The substance used is typically hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body that helps hydrate and plump the skin.
When lip fillers are injected into the lips with small, sterile needles, it adds more volume and shape, making them look fuller and more defined. The results of lip fillers are temporary and usually last between 6–12 months, depending on the filler used and a person’s body chemistry.
Types of lip fillers – how to choose the right one
Different types of lip fillers are available, but the most common are hyaluronic acid-based fillers. Some of the more popular ones are:
Juvederm. This filler is designed to add volume to the lips, smooth wrinkles and fine lines, and improve the overall appearance of the lips and skin.
Restylane. It is a hyaluronic acid-based filler that can add volume and definition to the lips. It can also smooth fine lines around the mouth and jawline.
Belotero. It is softer, more pliable, and hyaluronic acid-based, and can be used to add subtle volume to the lips and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Revanesse Versa. This filler is made of hyaluronic acid and designed to add a natural-looking result. It is typically used to add mild volume to the lips and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth.
Sculptra. It is non-hyaluronic acid-based filler and stimulates the body’s natural collagen production. It can be used to add volume to the lips and improve the texture of the skin.
Note
Each filler has unique properties and is best suited for certain lip enhancements. A qualified medical professional can determine the filler that is best for you based on your goals.
What causes lip filler swelling?
Swelling after lip filler injections is a common side effect and is generally temporary. There are several reasons why lip filler injections can cause swelling:
Trauma. The injection causes mild trauma to the lips, leading to swelling. This is a normal part of the healing process and should subside within a few days after the injections.
Inflammation. The body’s immune system responds to the filler and can cause a mild inflammatory response, leading to swelling, redness, and some warmth in the area. This, too, is normal and should subside within 2–3 days.
The type of filler. Certain types of filler are more likely to cause swelling than others. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are more likely to cause swelling than other types; however, they are more commonly used due to their long-lasting effects.
Amount of filler used. The amount of filler injected can also affect the amount of swelling. Larger amounts of filler can cause more pressure and swelling in the area and are more likely to cause swelling.
Injection technique. Depending on the technique used, the injection nurse or professional can affect the swelling seen after injections. If the needle is inserted too deeply or too much pressure is applied while injecting, this can cause more swelling.
How long does swelling last after lip fillers?
The duration of lip filler swelling can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s immune response, the type, and amount of filler used, and the injection technique. Most people experience some swelling after lip fillers, which is normal.
Lip filler swelling stages: a timeline
Many people experience swelling for days to weeks after injections and can notice different stages of healing progression.
Day 1: Immediate swelling
This occurs right after injections due to trauma to the lips. This swelling can last up to 24 hours and appear bruised, red, and swollen.
Day 2 to day 4: Subacute swelling
This occurs within the first 2 – 4 days after the injections and is due to continued inflammation and fluid buildup in the lips. This swelling may be more pronounced, and the lips may feel swollen and tender.
Day 5 to day 7: Late swelling
This occurs at the end stage of the healing process and is typically due to the body’s immune response to the injection material, hyaluronic acid. The swelling is less pronounced and may last longer than subacute swelling.
Day 14: Healing settled
Lip swelling should subside completely, and bruising and redness should be resolved. This is the best time to assess the appearance of the shape and size of the filler and will adequately represent the future look of the lips.
Week 4 to week 6: Healing complete
At this point, the filler has settled, and the lip tissue is healed. If the look is still not desired, your injection nurse may offer a top-up of filler if needed.
How can you deal with lip swelling?
If you experience lip swelling after injections, this is normal. Here is how you can manage lip swelling:
Apply Ice or cold compress.
Try to avoid using the lips too much.
Avoid heat on the lips.
Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Apply aloe vera lotion or lotion recommended by your practitioner.
Ways to prevent swelling
Swelling after lip injections is a normal side effect. However, you can take a few steps to minimize the appearance of swelling and reduce the severity.
Choose an experienced practitioner. Choosing the right practitioner is vital to avoid bruising, swelling, and prolonged healing times. Checking online reviews or visiting a practitioner known to friends and family is always a wise choice.
Avoid blood thinning medications. Avoid taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E, for at least one week before the procedure. These medications can increase the likelihood of bleeding, scarring, and swelling.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Like blood thinning medications, caffeine and alcohol can increase the chances of bleeding and can cause bruising, increased swelling, and increase the length of the healing process.
Avoid strenuous activities. Avoid lifting weights or heavy objects and bending over for at least 24 hours after the procedure. This will help to minimize the swelling and bruising seen after injections.
When to see a doctor
It’s important to note that while lip fillers are generally safe, there are risks to any cosmetic procedure. Choosing a qualified and experienced professional when considering lip fillers is essential to achieving the desired look.
If you experience excessive or prolonged swelling, severe pain or discomfort, difficulty breathing or swallowing, notice visible lumps or irregularities, or a change in the skin color around the lips — contact your practitioner immediately and seek medical attention.
Lip fillers are excellent for those seeking fuller, more pronounced lips. The procedure can last months and has minimal downtime. Swelling is normal and can last for weeks; however, it should subside after day 14, when you will notice optimal results.
FAQ
Why does my lip filler look bigger some days?
Lip filler swelling can change throughout the first and second week, sometimes making the lips look bigger due to subacute swelling. During this time, there is more build-up of fluid in the injection site, causing the lips to look bigger.
When do fillers look their best?
On day 14 of the healing process, the lips have settled completely, and this is when the lips will look their best.
Is it normal that lips swell unevenly after the filler?
It’s normal to see lip swelling unevenly during the first 1–2 weeks of the healing process. If you notice visual irregularities or hard lumps in the lips after injection, this is not normal and should be assessed by a medical professional immediately.
