Best Tips after Lip Injections
Are you considering plumping up your pout with lip fillers? Welcome to the club! Lip fillers are a popular cosmetic procedure that can enhance your natural beauty. But before you take the plunge, it’s essential to understand what exactly lip fillers are and how they work, including all about lip fillers aftercare.
Lip fillers are a type of injectable dermal filler that adds volume and shape to your lips. They are typically made from hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body that helps hydrate the skin and add volume. When injected into your lips, it can give them a fuller, more youthful appearance.
However, as with any cosmetic procedure, there are things you should know before going under the needle. In this blog, Chester Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna will provide you with tips for effective post-treatment care after getting lip fillers, ensuring you get the best possible results from your procedure.
Why Are Post-Treatment Care Tips Essential after Lip Injections?
Post-treatment care is a crucial part of any cosmetic procedure, and lip fillers are no exception. Proper aftercare can significantly impact the results of your lip injections, helping to minimise side effects and maximise the longevity of your new pout.
Following the recommended post-treatment care tips can help reduce swelling and bruising, which are common side effects after lip injections. These tips can also help prevent complications such as infection or asymmetry, ensuring your lips heal correctly and look their best.
Post-treatment care can help prolong the results of your lip fillers. Although lip fillers are temporary and usually last between 6 to 18 months, proper aftercare can help maintain the volume and shape of your lips for as long as possible.
More about the Lip Filler Procedure
Before diving into the post-treatment care tips, it’s essential to understand the lip filler procedure itself. Being well-informed about the process can put you at ease and help you better prepare for the recovery period.
The lip filler procedure usually takes about 30 minutes and begins with a consultation with your practitioner. They will discuss your aesthetic goals, answer any questions you have, and assess your lips to determine the best approach.
Next, a numbing cream is applied to your lips to minimise discomfort during the procedure. The practitioner then uses a fine needle to inject the filler into your lips, sculpting them into the desired shape.
After the procedure, you can expect some swelling and bruising, which typically subsides within a few days. It’s also normal for your lips to feel tender or tight for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Immediate Aftercare Tips for Lip Fillers
Now that you have a better understanding of the lip filler procedure let’s move on to immediate aftercare tips. These tips are crucial for the first 24 to 48 hours after your procedure, as this is when the most significant healing occurs.
It’s vital to keep your lips clean to prevent infection. Avoid touching your lips with your hands unless necessary, and when you do, make sure your hands are clean. It’s also recommended to avoid wearing lipstick or other lip products for the first 24 hours.
Try to keep your head elevated, especially when sleeping. This can help reduce swelling and promote faster healing. You should also avoid strenuous exercise and heat, such as saunas or hot tubs, which can increase swelling and bruising.
Stay hydrated and eat healthy foods. Proper nutrition can aid in healing and reduce inflammation.
Long-Term Post-Treatment Care for Lip Fillers
In addition to the immediate aftercare tips, there are also long-term care tips to keep in mind. These tips can help maintain the results of your lip fillers and ensure your lips stay healthy and beautiful.
Avoid excessive sun exposure, as this can degrade the filler and shorten its lifespan. Always apply a lip balm with SPF when going outside, even on cloudy days.
Keep your lips moisturised. Hydrated lips not only look plumper, but they also help maintain the filler longer. Use a hydrating lip balm daily, and consider using a lip mask once a week for an extra boost of hydration.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Smoking, alcohol, and an unhealthy diet can all negatively impact the longevity of your lip fillers. By living a healthy lifestyle, you can help prolong the results of your procedure.
Do’s and Don’ts after Getting Lip Fillers
Let’s summarise the do’s and don’ts after getting lip fillers. Following these guidelines can help ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results from your procedure.
Do’s:
- Do keep your lips clean and avoid touching them unnecessarily
- Do keep your head elevated, especially when sleeping
- Do stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet
- Do avoid excessive sun exposure and use a lip balm with SPF
- Do keep your lips moisturised with a hydrating lip balm
Don’ts:
- Don’t wear lipstick or other lip products for the first 24 hours
- Don’t engage in strenuous exercise or expose yourself to heat for the first 48 hours
- Don’t smoke or consume excessive alcohol, as these can degrade the filler
Tips to Maintain the Results of Lip Fillers
Now, let’s have a look at some extra tips to maintain the results of your lip fillers:
- Get regular touch-ups. Lip fillers are not a one-time solution. They are temporary, and their longevity varies from person to person. Regular touch-up appointments, as recommended by your practitioner, are crucial to preserving the volume and shape of your lips. During these sessions, your injector can assess your lip’s condition and make necessary adjustments to maintain your desired look. By staying consistent with touch-ups every 6 to 18 months, you can ensure that your lips continue to look naturally full and youthful
- Consider using skincare products that support the health and appearance of your lips. Incorporating lip-specific skincare products into your daily routine can significantly contribute to maintaining your lip filler results. Look for lip balms or serums enriched with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which not only helps retain moisture but also supports the filler’s longevity. These products can enhance your lips’ hydration and overall appearance, making them appear more supple
- Continue to follow the post-treatment care tips even after the initial recovery period. Following the post-treatment care guidelines provided by your practitioner is vital, and it’s essential to continue these practices beyond the initial recovery period. Consistency in post-treatment care, such as avoiding excessive heat, cold, or strenuous exercise immediately after treatment, can prevent complications, reduce swelling, and enhance the results. Even as time passes, maintaining these habits will help ensure your lip fillers continue to look their best
When to Seek Medical Help after Lip Injections?
While lip fillers are generally safe, complications can occur. It’s essential to know when to seek medical help after lip injections.
If you experience severe or prolonged swelling, pain, or bruising, or if you notice lumps or unevenness in your lips, contact your practitioner immediately. These could be signs of a complication that needs to be addressed.
Additionally, if you develop a fever, chills, or other signs of infection, seek medical attention right away. While infections are rare after lip fillers, they can occur and require prompt treatment.
FAQs about Lip Fillers and Aftercare
Is lip filler high risk?
- Lip fillers, like any medical procedure, carry some degree of risk. However, when administered by a qualified and experienced practitioner, the risks are generally low. Common side effects include swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which usually subside within a few days. Serious complications are rare but can occur if the filler is injected improperly or if the patient has an adverse reaction. It’s essential to choose a licensed and reputable provider to minimise the risk of complications.
What is the success rate of lip fillers?
- The success rate of lip fillers is generally high. Most people achieve the desired results, which include fuller and more defined lips. Individual outcomes can vary based on factors such as the type of filler used, the injector’s skill, and the patient’s anatomy. A consultation with a qualified professional can help determine if lip fillers are suitable for you and what results you can expect.
Are lip fillers safe long term?
- Lip fillers are considered safe for most individuals when administered by a trained and qualified practitioner. The long-term safety of lip fillers is still being studied, and there may be some concerns about the potential for filler migration, lumps, or changes in lip texture over time. It’s essential to have realistic expectations and follow-up with your provider for periodic assessments to ensure the ongoing safety and satisfaction of your lip fillers.
What happens if you stop getting lip fillers?
- If you decide to discontinue lip fillers, your lips will gradually return to their natural state. The filler material is typically absorbed by the body over time, causing a gradual reduction in volume. Your lips will not deflate suddenly, but rather, the process is gradual and varies from person to person. Regular maintenance sessions may be required if you wish to maintain your desired lip appearance.
How long does it take for lip fillers to settle?
- Lip fillers usually take about 1 to 2 weeks to fully settle. During this time, you may experience some swelling and potential asymmetry, but these issues should resolve as the filler integrates with your natural tissue.
Can I wear lipstick 12 hours after getting lip fillers?
- It’s generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours after getting lip fillers before applying lipstick or any other makeup to your lips. This allows the injection sites to heal and reduces the risk of infection or irritation. Always follow the specific post-procedure instructions provided by your injector to ensure a safe and smooth recovery.
How long after lip filler can I shower?
- You can usually shower or bathe right after getting lip fillers, as long as you avoid hot water, steam, or any other activities that might increase blood flow to the treated area for the first 24-48 hours. Hot water and steam can potentially exacerbate swelling and bruising. However, it’s best to consult with your injector for personalised guidance on when it’s safe to resume your regular skincare routine after lip filler injections.
Further Reading about Injectable Procedures at Cheshire Cosmetic Surgery
- Read more about Dermal Fillers
- Read more about Skin Relaxing Injections
- Read more about Lip Fillers
- Read more about Lip Flip
- Read more about Facial Rejuvenation Options for an Ageing Face
- Read Anca’s Blog about Smokers Lines – Causes and Solutions
- Read Anca’s Blog about All You Need to Know about Lip Fillers
- Read Anca’s Blog about Recovery after Dermal Fillers
- Read Anca’s Blog about Treatments and Solutions for Thin Lips
Medical References about Lip Fillers
- Assessment of the Efficacy and Safety of Hyaluronic Acid Gel Injection in the Restoration of Fullness of the Upper Lips
- Safety and Effectiveness of the Hyaluronic Acid Filler
- Effectiveness and safety of hyaluronic acid fillers used to enhance overall lip fullness
- Lip Fillers: What to Expect, Types, Benefits & Side Effects
- Lip Augmentation: Types, Side Effects, Risks – WebMD
