Do you know what to expect after lip injections? Mild swelling, redness, and potential bruising within the first 24 through to 48 hours are some of the outcomes to expect. These outcomes are a big concern for some people. But with proper lip filler aftercare, it's quite easy to reduce discomfort after lip filler injections.
Note that it’s normal to experience mild to moderate swelling after lip injections. It is part of the healing process. The temporary swelling is an indicator of the natural inflammatory response of the body.
Essentially, understanding what to expect after lip injections is important as it eases worries and helps with healing. That’s why we'll explore what to expect in this article. What's more? We’ve also included expert tips for managing discomfort after lip filler injections. Delve in!
Understanding Lip Injections
Lip fillers are gel-like substances injected by a qualified, board certified practitioner into the lips to enhance volume, shape, and symmetry. And, these fillers have hyaluronic acid (HA). This is a naturally occurring substance produced within the human body.
During your lip filler appointment, your cosmetic surgeon will:
● Answer all questions you may have about the procedure.
● They’ll numb the lips.
● Finally, the specialist injects filler into the lips. Thereby adding volume, shape, and definition.
How long does a lip filler appointment take? Generally, it should only take anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours. That is, from start to finish. It includes consultation, numbing, the injection process, and post-treatment care.
And the actual injection process is relatively quick. It usually lasts anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. However, the total time can vary depending on:
● The complexity of the desired results.
● The amount of filler used.
● Individual factors.
Now, let's look at what to expect after lip injections, day by day healing process:
What to Expect After Lip Injections: Day-by-Day Healing
Day 1
On day 1 after lip injections, expect swelling, potential bruising, and some soreness or tenderness. And, your lips may feel tight and appear larger than desired due to the initial swelling. Let's break it down further:
● Swelling and fullness: You'll likely notice immediate swelling and a sensation of fullness in your lips.
● Bruising: Bruising around the injection areas is common and can last several days.
● Tenderness: Your lips may feel tender and numb.
There are several steps to take to reduce the swelling and discomforts. For example, these steps will accelerate the recovery process:
● Try a cold compress to manage this swelling and discomforts.
● Also, it's important not to touch your lips until they sufficiently recover.
● Want to minimize the healing time and lower potential risks of complications? It's important to follow the lip filler aftercare instructions your doctor will provide.
● Not engaging in strenuous exercises.
The 2nd Day
Lip swelling may intensify. Also, signs of bruising become noticeable on this day. The lips feel even more tender than they were on the first day. But this should not be a reason to worry as the swelling and bruising are normal.
At this point, even though your lips may look strange, it's important to be patient. Focusing on managing your symptoms (eg., bruising, inflammation, and tenderness) is necessary. Keep using the cold compress to soothe the symptoms.
Day 3
Swelling and discomfort is still present. Avoid touching the lips. But you can use a clean cold compress to touch the treatment area.
Similarly, continuing to take it easy and avoiding strenuous exercises is important. Why? There's a high possibility of it causing discomfort and potential inflammation after the lip filler injections.
Day 4
A bigger percentage of the discomfort should have subsided by the 4th day. But you may still feel some tenderness, especially when touching or moving your lips. However, you should be feeling much better by this day.
The lips might be still a little bit bumpy. Remember, unnatural firmness when you touch your lips is common. This should not worry you that much as the lips are still healing.
Now, when the lips appear dramatically bumpy, during this healing stage, you should check out with your filler injector. This is not normal. And the practitioner will do everything they can to ensure you're healing well, including having you do a follow-up appointment.
Day 5
At this point, you'll start noticing the swelling decreasing steadily. Your lips start looking more natural and appealing. This is where most people start admiring their new appearance after getting lip filler injections. You can check out lip fillers before and after photos across the web.
Now, at this stage of healing, you can start engaging in mild strenuous activities and exercises. However, it's important to do this with caution. And also, avoid:
● Eating spicy foods.
● Putting excessive pressure on your lips.
● Drinking hot beverages.
Note: It's important to avoid these for the first two weeks after filler injections. This gives the lips time to heal sufficiently.
Day 6 to 7
A new shape of your lips begins to appear by the 6th through the 7th day after getting lip filler injections. Here, there's minimal to near no swelling. What's more? All the signs of bruising should also have completely subsided.
But, it's quite normal to experience a little bit of tightness at this stage of healing. Especially around the treated lips. The best thing? By this time, your lips should be looking softer, smoother, and more symmetrical.
Day 8 to 14
No much inflammation, and no more bruising. And? Your lips should be looking and feeling more natural.
It’s important to visit your cosmetic specialist at this stage of the healing process. This is for analysis of the new lips shape and for the specialist to examine them. Furthermore, they'll do a comparison of your lip augmentation before and after results.
Having any concerns (eg., lumps) at this healing stage? The cosmetic specialist will help resolve them. For example, they may advise you to wait a week or two, before they give you a final solution for the lumps. The specialist advises to wait this while to give the fillers more time to settle sufficiently. In most cases, you'll notice the lumps resolve on their own during this additional time.
And if they don't, there's a solution. The specialist will probably try massaging them away. Or, sometimes, they'll have to dissolve the fillers if necessary. But, don't try massaging them away on your own as you might cause the filler to migrate to a different area.
Day 15 to 21
Here, it's important to monitor your recovery process closely during this time, and be alert for any signs of infection or other complications. For example:
● Persistent pain.
● Localized swelling.
● Increasing tenderness.
● Redness.
By now, you should be sufficiently healed post-lip filler injections. And, these signs should not be noticed, unless there's something wrong with your lips. But if any of these symptoms arise, it's important to contact your cosmetic specialist right away.
Day 22 to 30
Compare your lip fillers before and after results. Notice the final shape after lip filler injections? Probably, you're loving the new and enhanced lips by now. Here, it's important to continue with hydration. This will make your new lips stay moisturized and supple.
Depending on what to expect after lip injections, it's important to follow proper lip filler aftercare — to maintain these results.
Now you understand what to expect after lip injections, day by day healing process. And, there are several important things you might want to know about this lip enhancement treatment. These include concerns, for example, how long does swelling last from lip injections, and if you can workout after lip fillers, plus the expert tips for managing discomforts as you heal. Let's find out:
How Long Does Swelling Last From Lip Injections
Ever seen lip fillers before and after photos on the web and thought to yourself, “Those lips are too big!” Well, this is the initial swelling. The question is, “how long does swelling last from lip injections?”
Before your injector administers fillers, they have to assess the lips and your facial structure. This helps them determine the amount of filler to inject for optimal cosmetic outcomes. They'll either use a full syringe or a half, depending on their size. And as we've mentioned earlier, lip swelling is expected. You can check out your full syringe lip filler before and after photos to see how it is after the treatment.
Swelling should last for either 2 or 3 days. And the most noticeable swelling happens in the first 24 to 48 hours. But major swelling may persist for up to a week. Expect seeing the swelling subside in 5 to 7 days. And, the final, settled look of the lips is typically achieved within 2 weeks.
Can You Workout After Lip Fillers
Strenuous exercises are a no for 24 to 48 hours, if you're thinking: “Can you workout after lip fillers” This is because increased blood flow and body temperature from exercise worsens swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
What's more? It can also increase the risk of infection due to sweat. But light activities like gentle stretching, or light swimming are usually fine. These can help promote circulation without stressing the lips.
During the initial 24 to 48 hour period, you can gradually reintroduce more intense activities. However, it's important to start slowly and pay attention to how your body feels. That is, stopping if you experience pain or increased swelling.
How Long After Lip Filler Can I Use a Straw
Using a straw after filler injections might look like an effortless task. But did you know that abnormal movements and pressure can cause the filler substances to shift? And this potentially causes pain and discomfort.
So, drinking through a straw is not recommended during the early stages of the lip filler healing process. This might cause bruising or other long term problems, interfering with your healing process. Use a glass, mug, or a cup instead to quench your thirst.
Generally, don't use a straw for 24 to 48 hours after lip filler injections. And in some cases, up to 72 hours or even 2 weeks. Remember, it's always a good idea to consult with your practitioner for specific lip filler aftercare instructions related to your individual treatment and healing process.
Tips For Managing Discomfort After Lip Fillers
Managing discomfort after lip fillers is easy. Well, there are several things you need to do after the treatment, that is the first 24 to 48 hours. These include:
● Applying cold compress: It's important to apply a cold compress in 10 to 15 minute intervals with breaks in between.
● Pain relief: Here, it's important to consider taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) for relieving pain.
● Staying hydrated: Drink a lot of water. But avoid using straw as they may cause irritation to the lips.
● Avoiding alcohol and exercise: This increases blood flow, worsening the swelling.
● Gently cleansing: If necessary, gently cleansing the area with mild soap and water is important. And also, avoiding harsh scrubbing can be helpful in this case.
● Lip filler aftercare: This is the most important thing. So, using a gentle, non-irritating lip balm is necessary in keeping your lips moisturized.
And beyond the first 48 hours:
● Continue using the cold compress: You can continue applying ice as needed for relieving the swelling and discomfort.
● Sleeping position: It's important to sleep with your head slightly elevated. This is helpful in reducing your swelling.
● Don't touch or press on your lips: It causes the filler to shift to areas not intended.
● Be mindful of your diet: It's important to consider soft foods that don't need excessive lip movement.
● Avoid extreme heat: Saunas, hot tubs, and intense sun exposure increases the swelling.
● Avoid smoking and drinking through straws: These can also irritate the lips and cause discomfort.
● Follow up with your specialist: Attending any scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any concerns is important.
Conclusion
After you undergo lip injections, expect swelling, bruising, and tenderness — increasing between the 1st and 3rd day. The swelling gradually reduces by the 5th day. However, by the 1st week of healing, most inflammation should have subsided and the lip shape refined.
Week two through to the 4th week comes with natural, settled results. But don't forget to capture lip fillers before and after photos for reference as you heal.
Similarly, noting what to expect after lip injections is important at every stage of the healing process. This prepares you to deal with any arising concerns. And, remember to continue with gentle lip filler aftercare, avoid straws and strenuous activities early on, and stay hydrated. The final results potentially appear within 2 weeks, lasting anywhere from 6 to 8 months.
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