Lip filler aftercare: the first two weeks

Lip filler results are visible straight away, but the first two weeks are when your lips settle into their final shape. Knowing what is normal, and what is not, makes that time much easier. This guide walks you through it, from the day of treatment to the end of week two.

If you are still deciding whether to have lip filler, our treatment page explains how it works and the options available. This post is for when you have booked, or have just had it done.

Straight after treatment

Your lips will look fuller than the final result. Lips swell more than most areas of the face, so do not judge the result in the mirror on day one. You may also notice small bumps or uneven areas, a little tenderness, and redness or small marks at the injection points.

For the rest of the day:

• Avoid touching, pressing or massaging your lips
• Avoid hot drinks and drinking through a straw
• No makeup or lipstick over the injection points for twelve hours
• No alcohol, strenuous exercise, saunas or steam rooms for 24 hours
• Sleep slightly elevated for the first night or two if you swell easily

Days one to three: peak swelling

Swelling is usually most noticeable for the first two to three days. It is common for one lip, or one side, to swell more than the other, so your lips may look uneven for a while. This is normal and is not a sign of how the result will look once it has settled.

Bruising can appear in this window too. A cold compress, wrapped in a clean cloth and held gently against the lips for short periods, can help with comfort. Avoid pressing hard.

Days four to seven: settling

By the end of the first week most of the swelling has gone down and you will start to see the shape of your lips more clearly. The filler continues to settle and integrate over these seven days.

You may be able to feel small firm areas when you press your lips together. These are common and usually soften over the first fortnight as the filler beds in. Try not to keep pressing or squeezing them to check.

Days eight to fourteen: your result

Any bruising can take up to two weeks to fade fully, and by the end of week two your lips should be close to their final result. This is the point at which it makes sense to judge the shape and balance.

For two weeks after treatment, avoid facials, peels or other treatments around the mouth, and avoid dental work if you can, as both can put pressure on the area while the filler settles.

If you feel something is not quite right at this stage, get in touch and Annie will arrange to see you.

When to call Annie straight away

Serious complications with lip filler are rare, but they need to be recognised quickly. The most serious is vascular occlusion, where filler blocks or compresses a blood vessel. Contact Annie straight away, day or night, if you notice:

• Pain that is severe or getting worse rather than better
• Whitening, dusky or mottled skin on or around the lips
• Any change in your vision
• Increasing redness, heat or discharge, which could be a sign of infection
• A cold sore developing on or near the treated area

You are given a number to call at your appointment. Annie is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, an independent prescriber and a member of the Aesthetic Complications Expert (ACE) Group, so she is trained to recognise and manage complications. If you cannot reach the clinic and it is urgent, call NHS 111 or go to A&E.

How long will my lip filler last?

Lip filler typically lasts six to twelve months, as lips move constantly and the filler breaks down naturally over time. How long it lasts varies from person to person. Because the filler used is hyaluronic acid, it can be dissolved if it ever needs to be.

Lip filler at the clinic is £185 for 0.5ml and £240 for 1ml, and you can compare all dermal filler treatments on our prices page. If you are new to filler, Annie will usually start conservatively, as it is always possible to add a little more later.

A quick checklist

• Expect swelling, peaking over the first two to three days
• Expect some unevenness while the swelling settles
• Allow up to two weeks for bruising to fade and the final result to show
• Avoid booking lip filler just before a big event, and give it a week or two to settle
• Call straight away if you notice severe pain, skin colour changes or any change in vision

You can also find the full written aftercare on our lip filler aftercare page, and more on what lip treatments can do on our lips page.

Thinking about lip filler?

Annie treats clients from Wymondham, Norwich and across Norfolk, and her approach is subtle: lips that look like yours, only refreshed. Every treatment starts with a free consultation to talk through the shape you would like and the right amount for you. When you are ready, you can book online at any time.

General information, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. Suitability is decided in person after an assessment, and the consultation for that is free.