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Swollen Lips After Filler: Tips to Reduce Post-Filler Swelling

Published Categorized as Beauty Tips

If you’re thinking about getting lip fillers soon, or recently had the procedure done, you may be worried about swelling. Swollen lips after filler procedures are completely normal and to be expected. If you want to find out more about how long the swelling should last, what you can do to reduce how swollen your lips are, and signs that indicate that you should be concerned, keep reading!

Table of Contents

what to do with swollen lips after filler

Is It Normal to Be Swollen After Fillers?

As we mentioned above, swollen lips are a common side effect of lip fillers.  The reason that swelling is so common with lip fillers is due to how the procedure is performed.  A needle is used to inject the lip fillers.  Because your lips have lots of nerves and blood, they are very sensitive and will swell after being pricked with the needle.

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In most cases, you shouldn’t be concerned with swelling after lip fillers.  Along with bruising, it is one of the more common side effects of fillers and should resolve itself before too long.

How long does swelling last after fillers?

One of the most common questions individuals who get lip fillers ask is, “how long will my lips be swollen after filler?”  Because everyone’s body responds differently and goes through the healing process at its own pace, there is no one set answer to this question.  For most individuals, the swelling will be gone or completely gone within four to seven days, though it may take up to two weeks for others.

Will lip filler swelling go down overnight?  Do lip fillers look better over time?  If you’re worried about the swelling changing the way you look for a whole week (or more), try not to fret too much.  Thankfully, the swelling should start to go down a lot after just the first day.  While some swelling may stick around for several more days, it won’t look nearly as noticeable as it does immediately following the procedure.

Lip Filler Swelling Timeline

How long do fillers take to settle down?  Like we shared above, there is no one set answer to the question, “how long are lips swollen after filler?”  However, there are some general trends that can help you get an idea of how your body may respond to the procedure.

Take a look at this timeline for the lip filler healing process as it relates to swelling to learn what you can expect:

  • Day of procedure: Swelling will be the greatest on the day of the lip filler procedure.  Don’t be alarmed if your lips look much fuller than you had in mind; it is likely just the swelling tricking you.
  • Day 2: Much of the initial swelling from the lip filler treatment will have already subsided by day 2.  There will still be some swelling present, but it will be much more mild and won’t impact the way your lips look very much.
  • Day 3: The minor swelling that is left will continue to decrease on day 3.
  • Day 4 to 7: Depending on your body, the swelling will likely be gone between days 4 and 7.  However, since everyone is different, it may take up to two weeks for the swelling to completely disappear.

How to Reduce Swelling After Lip Fillers

Following the lip filler aftercare recommendations provided by the clinic that completed your procedure is key.

Veering from these directions can irritate your lips or mess with the way they will look.  If you’re trying to reduce swelling after lip fillers, here are a few things you can do:

Ice

Applying ice to your lips right after your procedure is probably the most important answer to the question “how do you get rid of swelling after lip fillers?”  Stay on top of icing the area, especially the day of the procedure.  How long should you ice lip after filler?  Try to keep the ice on for about 10 to 15 minutes at a time.

Cold and Hot Compresses

In addition to icing the lips, alternating between hot and cold compresses can also help with reducing swelling.  Try icing the area for about 15 minutes, then switch to a hot compress for about 15 minutes.

Stay Hydrated

What helps swelling after lip fillers?  Keeping your body hydrated is also important when trying to decrease swelling.  When your body is hydrated, fluid will flow more easily throughout your body, rather than staying in one location and causing swelling.

Avoid Exposure to Excessive Heat

Wait to do hot yoga or spend time in the sauna until the swelling on your lips has subsided.  Putting yourself in an overly hot environment can prevent the swelling from going down as quickly as possible.  Don’t worry, these changes to your routine are only temporary.  After the swelling is down, you can return to your favorite activities.

Avoid More Strenuous Forms of Exercise

Do lip filler swelling go down?  Lip filler swelling should go down on its own over time, but staying away from strenuous exercise for the first few days can help prevent the swelling from getting worse.

Use Arnica

If you’re not familiar with arnica, it is a natural herb.  Arnica can be very effective at reducing inflammation.  You can purchase arnica gel or mix pure arnica with coconut oil or jojoba oil before applying it to the lip area.  Even if your lips don’t appear that swollen, you may also decide to use some arnica.  In addition to reducing swelling, it can also help prevent swelling from occurring.

Don’t Drink Out of a Straw

Avoid using a straw (or smoking cigarettes) for at least the first two days.  The position you put your lips in to do either of these activities places more pressure on your lips, which can make the swelling worse.

Rest Your Lips

One of the most important things you can do to reduce swelling is to let your lips rest.  Don’t put pressure on them and give the swelling some time to go down.

When to Be Concerned About Swelling

While swelling is normal after getting lip fillers, there are a few signs to look out for that may indicate that something is wrong.  These include:

  • Swelling that lasts more than a month after your procedure
  • Pain that persists more than a week after your procedure
  • Any pain following a procedure that is unbearable
  • Extreme redness around the lips

How do I know if my lip filler is going wrong?

How do I know if my lip filler is botched?  Some of the symptoms of a bad filler job include:

  • Asymmetry
  • Persistent swelling
  • Lips that are overfilled (referred to as “duck lips”)
  • Infections

Can your body reject lip fillers?  It is rare for a body to reject fillers.  Many lip fillers are made using hyaluronic acid.  Since our bodies naturally produce hyaluronic acid, it is less likely for the fillers to be rejected.

What does an allergic reaction to lip filler look like?

Allergic reactions to lip fillers are rare, but not impossible.  Allergic reactions can manifest themselves in different ways. But some symptoms to look out for include itchiness or redness around the lips.  Allergic reactions can also cause swelling, though remember some swelling is normal with lip fillers.  If you suspect an allergic reaction, contact your physician right away.

FAQs

Do lip fillers get bigger after a few days?

Yes, lip fillers often expand a bit after the first few days.  If you aren’t satisfied with how full your lips are, consider waiting a few days before requesting a touch up.

Why are my lips so bruised after lip fillers?

Bruising is common after lip fillers.  When the needle with the fillers is inserted into your lips, it can puncture blood vessels, which will cause the bruises you see.

Why are my lips so swollen after lip injections?

Swelling is another common side effect of lip injections.  Inserting the needle into the tissues in the lips results in minor trauma to the area.  When faced with trauma like this, the body responds by swelling to help facilitate healing.

Does ibuprofen reduce swelling after lip fillers?

While ibuprofen is frequently recommended to reduce swelling in other areas of the body, you should not take it right after getting lip fillers.  Ibuprofen and other NSAID pain relievers also thin your blood.  This can lead to increased swelling and bruising following your procedure.  If you are in pain after getting lip fillers, Tylenol would be a safer and more effective choice.

Swollen Lips After Fillers: Closing Words

If you have swollen lips after fillers, don’t worry!  Swelling is a natural reaction to the procedure.  Fortunately, most of the swelling should subside after the first day, and then the rest should go away within a week or two, if not sooner.

Interested in learning more about taking care of your lips?  Check out these related posts on our blog:

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2 comments

  1. Ice can really do wonders for swelling! Thanks for sharing these tips.

    I’m wearing a fun graphic dress in my new post, would love to hear your thoughts!

    -Ashley

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