LIP FILLER SWELLING STAGES: WHAT TO EXPECT?
You’ve just had your lips done and they’re swollen, right? But you didn’t want your lips to be this big. What are you going to do? Let us answer that for you… You’re going to remain calm! Why? Because this is totally normal!
There are many reasons why our lips swell immediately after lip filler, such as injection technique, tissue trauma due to the injections and the type of filler used. So, how long will the swelling last and what should you expect? Read our blog to find out!
What Are Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers (also known as dermal fillers) are made from hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance found in the human body. They are used to enhance the shape and volume of your lips.
When injected into the lips, hyaluronic acid attracts water molecules, which allows the lips to look smoother, firmer and more hydrated.
What to Expect From Your Lip Filler Procedure?
We offer a free consultation to discuss your goals, concerns and side effects you should be aware of.
This way, you can make an informed decision as to whether you want to go ahead with your treatment. However, if you wish to book a consultation and receive treatment on the same day, this will cost £30.
Lip Filler Swelling Stages
Once you have received lip fillers, you are more than likely going to notice swelling, some redness, and possibly bruising. However, swelling isn’t a bad sign; it’s simply a healing process.
Swelling after lip fillers can occur because the skin and tissues are reacting to the injections, which increases blood flow to the area to encourage healing. Swelling varies from person to person and depends on their healing response. Here’s what to expect during the healing process:
Day 1: Your Lips Will Appear Very Swollen
During day 1, your lips may feel puffy, firm or even uneven. However, this shouldn’t be anything to worry about and should resolve itself within a few days. During this day, try to avoid:
- Strenuous exercise
- Excessive heat (sunbeds and saunas)
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Caffeine
This is because they can slow down the healing process and increase swelling and bruising.
Day 2: Swelling is Still Noticeable
As it’s only been 2 days since your appointment, your lips will still appear swollen and possibly bruised. You may be worried because your lips are still swollen; however, this is completely normal and not a cause for concern.
You may start to ask yourself, ‘What have I done… Are my lips going to look this big forever?!’ Don’t worry! Your lips won't stay like this forever; it’s just a common side effect of lip fillers and they will begin to settle down within a few days.
Days 3-4: Swelling Starts to Calm Down
During days 3-4, you should begin to notice a decrease in swelling as your body accepts the filler and realises it’s not a foreign substance. You may find that your lips seem uneven as the swelling begins to settle; again, this is nothing to worry about.
Days 5-7: Visible Changes
The swelling after lip filler is usually worse during the first 24-48 hours after treatment. During days 5-7, you should notice a significant reduction in swelling. Who knows, you may even miss how big your lips looked during the swelling stage!
Day 14: Your Lips Should Have Settled by Now
After 2 weeks, your lips should have settled, and any lumps, swelling or bruising should have resolved themselves. At this point, the final shape of your lips should become apparent.
If you have any concerns or issues with your lips during this time, make sure to get in touch with your practitioner so they can assess your lips and come up with a solution.
4 Weeks Later
By now, your filler should’ve completely integrated with the tissues and your lips should have completely healed! Make sure you leave enough time in between your filler appointments so you don’t cause any migration in the future from excessive filler.
We would recommend you leave a few months in between each appointment.
How to Manage the Swelling Process
The swelling process after any sort of filler is unavoidable; however, there are some things you can do to reduce the swelling and manage the process. Here are some tips for you to follow:
- Maintain an elevated position at night: Doing this reduces swelling and bruising by promoting circulation and preventing fluids from building up in the treated areas.
- Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is key to reducing swelling. This is because it supports circulation and lymphatic drainage.
- Avoid blood-thinning medications: These can increase bruising and swelling.
- Apply a cold compress: This can help with swelling and inflammation.
When Does Swelling Become a Concern?
As briefly mentioned before, swelling after fillers is a normal side effect and should be expected after your treatment. However, there are a few side effects you should look out for during this process, such as:
- Swelling that doesn’t resolve within a week: Contact your practitioner for advice.
- Discolouration of the skin: Make sure to contact your practitioner if you experience this, as it could be a sign of a vascular occlusion and requires immediate attention.
- You can still feel lumps after 2 weeks: This will need to be assessed and resolved with your practitioner.
Book Your Next Lip Filler Appointment at Hannah McCoy
Here at Hannah McCoy, we offer a range of aesthetic services, including lip fillers. All of the practitioners here at Hannah McCoy come from medical backgrounds with years of experience, so you can rest assured you’re in safe hands.
So, if you would like to book in for lip fillers or to receive your consultation, don’t hesitate to contact us today at 0151 332 3333. We look forward to hearing from you!