Lip Filler Swelling Stages & Tips To Reduce Swelling

Written by aesthetic content writer Catherine. Reviewed by Medical Director Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai
Published on: November 13, 2024
Lip Fillers

Lip Filler Swelling Stages

If you’re getting lip fillers for the first time, you may not have known about the various stages of swelling you’ll experience. It’s normal to feel anxious about the procedure and concerned about swelling in the days after the injections. Within a few days, the swelling will go down, and you can enjoy plumper, beautiful lips. 

However, understanding the different swelling stages can help you recognise your body’s natural & healthy responses. Here, go through our handy guide for each week after getting lip fillers and how to deal with any swelling.

Different Lip Filler Swelling Stages

Even though everyone heals differently based on factors like their body, immune system, and medical background, there are some common stages that people go through when it comes to swelling after lip fillers. The main difference for patients who’ve had lip filler treatments is how long they spend in each of these stages.

Immediate Aftercare: Week-1 Post-Lip Fillers

The first week after getting lip fillers is very crucial because that’s when swelling is most obvious. It’s just your body reacting to the treatment. Know about the healing process of 1 week lip filler swelling stages below. 

Days 1-2

Using a cold compress can be really helpful during the initial two days after your treatment. The cold helps numb the area, easing any discomfort & reducing swelling. Make sure not to put ice directly on your lips. Instead, wrap it in a soft cloth & gently press it against your lips for about 10-15 minutes at a time.

Days 3-7

Staying hydrated is key during your recovery. It helps your body work better, including handling any inflammation. So, drink lots of water every day. Also, aim to sleep with your head slightly raised. This easy tip lowers the blood flow to the treated area, which helps cut down swelling. You can use an extra pillow or a wedge pillow made to prop up your head while you sleep.

Adjustment Phase and Ongoing Care: Week-2 Post-Lip Fillers

In the second week, your body begins to adapt to the fillers, and you should notice the swelling starting to decrease.

Days 8-14

It’s important to keep up with staying hydrated during this time. Avoid consuming alcohol because it can make bruising worse. Also, try to skip intense workouts for at least a week after your procedure. Too much activity can boost blood flow to the treated area, causing more swelling and bruising. While gentle activities are fine, aim to rest as much as you can.

Settling Phase and Swelling Observation: Week-3 Post-Lip Fillers

During the third week, you should notice the swelling going down as your lips adjust to their new shape.

Days 15-21

This is the best time to monitor your healing progress. Check for any signs of complications, such as uneven swelling, severe pain & signs of infection. If swelling continues or you notice anything serious, get in touch with your doctor right away.

Complete Outcome: Week-4 Post-Lip Fillers

At the end of the fourth week, you should notice the complete results of your lip filler procedure and begin to enjoy your enhanced, beautiful look.

Days 22-30

With the swelling completely gone, you can fully appreciate the results of your treatment. However, it’s crucial to keep protecting your lips by avoiding too much sun exposure & ensuring they stay hydrated for their best health. So, to get the best results without a long downtime, opt for lip filler treatment london.

0.5 ml Lip Filler Swelling Stages

It’s common for 0.5 ml of lip filler to induce swelling post-injection. Swelling is a natural response to the procedure and usually diminishes within several days to a week. While the degree of 0.5 ml lip filler swelling stages may differ based on individual factors, it’s generally minor with this smaller filler volume.

During the initial days following the procedure, you might notice some swelling and potential bruising, which generally resolves within the week. While many can resume regular activities right after treatment, adhering to post-procedure instructions is very important for optimal healing, such as ensuring lip hydration and refraining from applying excessive pressure to the treated region. 

5 Best Tips To Reduce Lip Filler Swelling

Consider these basic tips to minimise your lip filler swelling – 

Avoid Sun and Heat Exposure

High temperatures and UV rays can make swelling and discomfort worse. In the initial days after your procedure, steer clear of direct sunlight, tanning beds, saunas, and hot yoga classes.

Stay Hydrated

Staying well-hydrated by drinking ample water can effectively reduce swelling. Adequate hydration promotes the optimal functioning of your body, such as inflammation management. Also, avoid alcohol consumption for at least 1 complete day post-procedure, as it can exacerbate swelling.

Refrain Intense Exercise

While gentle activities are acceptable, it’s best to avoid vigorous exercise for 24-48 hours following your lip filler treatment. Overexertion can boost blood flow to the treated area, resulting in heightened swelling.

Apply a Cold Compress

After your treatment, applying a cold compress to your lips can bring notable benefits. The cold provides a numbing relief to ease discomfort & helps in reducing inflammation. Avoid the direct application of ice on your lips, just wrap it in a soft cloth and gently apply it to your lips.

Sleep with Your Head Raised

This simple tip method can have a significant impact. Elevating your head while sleeping decreases blood flow to the area, which can help reduce swelling. You can achieve this by using an additional pillow or a specially designed wedge pillow to keep your head elevated during sleep.

To Sum Up

Swelling after getting natural lip fillers takes time to go away, usually over a few weeks. By following this handy guide to swelling stages & tips to minimise swelling, you can effectively manage the swelling and admire the beautiful results. As with any aesthetic treatment, if you have any concerns, always consult with your doctor for advice. 

Keep in mind that everyone heals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, personalised care, patience, and listening to what your body needs are essential during the healing process. Your journey to looking and feeling better should be a positive & thrilling experience.

Frequently Asked Questions on Lip Filler Swelling Stages

Q: How long does swelling last after lip fillers?

A: Patients often find that lip swelling is worse on the first day, especially in the morning. Typically, swelling should be minimised within two to three days following your lip filler treatment and should completely disappear within two weeks after treatment.

Q: Will I notice 0.5 lip fillers?

A: Usually, using 0.5 ml of lip filler will give the lips a slight change that you can notice. It typically increases the volume by about 5-10%. This amount of filler is great if you want your lips to look natural, without making them too full or adding too much volume. 

Q: Can I use Vaseline after lip fillers?

A: You can apply Vaseline or any gentle moisturiser if your lips feel dry after the procedure. Use a brush or your fingertip to apply a thin layer and refrain from pressing down too firmly on your lips.

Q: What not to eat after lip fillers to minimise swelling? 

A: Avoid salty and sugary foods as they may prompt excessive licking of the lips which potentially leads to sensitivity or infection. Refrain from consuming hot or cold drinks as they may result in blisters or burns, given the heightened sensitivity of your lips.

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About the Author

Catherine

Expert Aesthetic Writer At Perfect Skin Studio Catherine is an expert content writer. Specialised in the aesthetic industry, she deeply understands aesthetic concepts and crafts informative and accessible content about them. At Perfect Skin Studio, Catherine's writings cover diverse skin, eyes, beauty, and aesthetic concerns, providing clear insights and practical solutions. She explores and addresses the latest trends, techniques, and treatments to keep our readers informed and engaged.

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Director, Perfect Skin Studio

Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai

With over 24 years of experience in both surgical and non-surgical procedures, Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai is widely acknowledged as one of the most trusted and experienced practitioners in the UK. Her expertise, extensive training & compassionate approach have earned her the reputation as the preferred choice for patients seeking top-tier cosmetic treatments.

Dedicated to enhancing each patient’s natural beauty and instilling confidence at every age, Dr. Sabrina and her team customise treatment plans to achieve the best possible outcomes for each individual.

Dr. Sabrina’s excellence has been recognised through prestigious awards like the UK Safety in Beauty Diamond Award for “Aesthetic Doctor of the Year 2023” and the Aesthetic Award for “Highly Commended Consultant Surgeon 2022,” and “Best Consultant Surgeon 2021” & “Best Surgical Result 2021”. As a well-respected figure in aesthetics, she was honoured as one of the Global 100 Most Influential Aesthetic Practitioners of 2019 by the My Face My Body Awards.