Whether you’re thinking about giving lip fillers a try for the first time, or if you recently had them done, you may have a few questions about swelling and bruising after lip fillers. For example, you might be wondering whether it is normal, how long you should expect it to last, and whether there is anything you can do to help reduce the swelling and bruising. If you have questions such as these, you’re in the right place. Let’s get right into finding the answer to your questions.
Table of Contents
- Is Swelling Normal After Lip Fillers?
- Lip Filler Swelling Stages
- How Much Bruising is Normal After Lip Fillers
- How Do You Reduce Swelling and Bruising After Lip Fillers?
- How Do I Know If My Lip Filler Has Gone Wrong?
- How to Reduce Swelling and Bruising After Lip Fillers: Wrap Up
Is Swelling Normal After Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers can help you achieve fuller, more voluminous lips. The procedure is quick and simple, and as soon as you leave the clinic, you’ll be able to see the results.
Is swelling and bruising normal after lip fillers? Yes, it is perfectly normal to experience some swelling and bruising after getting lip fillers.
We’ll discuss bruising in a few minutes, but as for swelling, it should be expected following any invasive treatment. While the treatment for getting lip fillers is pretty basic and painless, it does still involve sticking a needle into the lips. This is more than enough to cause some swelling.
How long does it take for swelling to go down from lip filler? Everyone is different, but it often takes between three and five days for the swelling to fully clear up. However, you should notice a big improvement after 1 or 2 days.
Lip Filler Swelling Stages
Curious about what swelling looks like after fillers? Here is a brief overview of what you can expect following the procedure:
- Day of injections: The swelling is likely to be worse on the day of your injections. This is the time when it is really important to apply ice, keep your head elevated, and follow the other recommendations we’ll share below.
- Day 2: The day after your treatment, the swelling should start to subside. It should be minimal by now, and you should be able to really notice and enjoy your fuller lips. By day 2, any pain should also have gone away.
- Day 4 to 5: By day 4 or 5, the swelling should be completely gone. At this point, you can fully enjoy your fuller lips without noticing any swelling around them. After day 4, the tenderness should also have resolved itself.
How Much Bruising is Normal After Lip Fillers
Is purple bruising normal after lip fillers?
Yes, it is also normal to experience bruising after lip fillers, though not everyone will bruise. Like bruising after getting Botox, you can also bruise after lip fillers.
A bruise, also called a hematoma, occurs when our blood vessels become punctured. The blood vessels then leak into the soft tissue underneath them. When you’re getting infected, it is possible for the needle to puncture a blood vessel, which will then result in a bruise.
Lip Filler Bruising Stages
The stages of bruising following lip fillers may vary.
In most cases, you can expect the bruises to be the most noticeable in the days immediately following the procedure. By day 5 to 7, the bruises should start subsiding.
Because it can take some time for bruising to subside, it is a good idea to avoid scheduling your lip filler too close to an important event. Aim to get the procedure done at least one or two weeks before the event to give the bruising and swelling plenty of time to clear up.
How Do You Reduce Swelling and Bruising After Lip Fillers?
Now that you have an answer to, “how long does swelling and bruising last after lip fillers,” let’s discuss a few things you can do to help reduce these side effects.
While you likely won’t be able to completely avoid swelling or bruising, following the advice listed below will help them clear up as quickly as possible.
Apply Ice
Whether you’re looking for the answer to, “how do you get rid of bruising after lip fillers” or “how to minimize swelling after fillers,” one top remedy is to apply ice.
Start by icing your lips immediately following your procedure, and keep applying ice on and off for 48 hours (about 20 minutes a time for up to five times each day). Ice restricts blood flow, which is key when trying to minimize swelling and bruising.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water is important all of the time, but it can be particularly important when you’re trying to get rid of swelling.
When we swell, it is because fluids are concentrated in one area of our body. Keeping our body hydrated ensures that their fluids will be able to move around the body, rather than building up in one area.
Keep Your Head Elevated
Just as elevating an injury can help it heal, elevating your head can also help reduce swelling.
When your head is upright, the excess fluids around your lips will be able to drain away and reduce the swelling. If you lay flat when you sleep, it will be more difficult for them to drain.
Add an extra pillow and prop your head up when you sleep for the first few days following your injections.
Avoid Dental Appointments for Two Weeks
When scheduling your lip fillers, avoid scheduling them too close to a dental appointment. When you visit the dentist, it is possible for new bacteria to be introduced into your bloodstream. This can make it more likely for nodules to form in your lips. Aim to leave at least two weeks between your lip filler appointment and a dental checkup.
Talk with Your Injector About OTC Medications
Antihistamines can help reduce swelling. If you’re experiencing pain at the injection site, Tylenol (acetaminophen) can help minimize the pain you feel.
Before taking any medication, you’ll want to check with your provider. They’ll be able to offer more personalized recommendations. Most will also recommend staying away from ibuprofen, aspirin, or other NSAIDS, as they can increase the likelihood of bruising.
Avoid Strenuous Exercise and Getting Too Hot
When you’re asking “what helps with swelling and bruising after lip fillers,” you’ll want to take care to avoid engaging in any type of strenuous exercise or getting too hot. Exercise is something to avoid as well after getting botox.
When you exercise, it can cause you to sweat. If sweat gets onto the entry points of the needles, it can introduce bacteria into your system. Moreover, raising your blood pressure or heart rate can increase, rather than decrease, the bruising and swelling.
Similarly, getting too hot is also not a good idea. Heat increases swelling, so you’ll want to stay away from hot yoga classes, steam rooms, and hot showers.
Stay Away From Alcohol
Believe it or not, alcohol can actually increase the chances of a bruise developing. It can also make your swelling worse.
So, take care to stay away from alcohol after your treatment (and for a few days before getting lip fillers).
Do Not Fly on an Airplane
Avoid scheduling your lip filler appointment right before a scheduled flight. The changing pressure that occurs during a flight may cause a weird response and alter the way your fillers look. Also, flying can also cause dehydration, which isn’t good for swelling, due to the very dry air on a plane. Leave at least one week between your lip filler appointment and a scheduled flight. However, two weeks would be even better and would help eliminate concern of negative effects.
Do Not Apply Pressure to Your Lips
Too much pressure on your lips can cause the swelling to worsen.
This means you’ll want to avoid applying lipstick, drinking out of a straw, massaging your lips, and even hard kissing for at least a few days.
How Do I Know If My Lip Filler Has Gone Wrong?
Some swelling and bruising are not signs that your lip filler was botched. However, these procedures do not always go according to plan, and it is possible to end up with a botched lip filler. Here are a few signs to look out for:
- Your lips are way too full
- Your lips have a very unnatural appearance (too stiff, etc.)
- You’re experiencing a lot of pain or discomfort at the injection site
- You develop an infection around the injection site
How to Reduce Swelling and Bruising After Lip Fillers: Wrap Up
Swelling and bruising are to be expected after getting lip fillers. They are nothing to be concerned about. However, we know that the swelling and bruising may make you feel uncomfortable or more self-conscious. Following the tips we shared above will help clear up the swelling and bruising quickly, allowing you to fully enjoy your new voluminous lips!
For more after lip filler care tips, have a look on our blog!
