Lip Filler Aftercare: Do’s & Don’ts

Lip filler treatment involves more than adding volume to the lips. It creates a controlled injury within a highly vascular and mobile area of the face.

How the tissue responds during healing has a direct impact on swelling, bruising, comfort, and the final aesthetic result. Correct lip filler aftercare supports tissue recovery, reduces inflammation, and allows hyaluronic acid filler to integrate evenly into the lips.

This guide explains what to do after lip filler, how lip filler recovery works biologically, and why certain actions are encouraged or avoided.

Most lip fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a sugar molecule that binds water and provides structure to the skin. When injected, it attracts fluid, which contributes to post treatment swelling.

The injection process also causes minor trauma to capillaries, leading to bruising, a local inflammatory response that increases swelling, and temporary disruption of tissue planes while the filler settles.

Aftercare aims to control inflammation, protect healing tissue, and prevent unnecessary mechanical stress while the filler stabilises.

Normal post treatment responses include swelling that may be uneven, tenderness caused by inflammation, firmness at injection sites, small lumps that soften over time, and bruising from capillary injury.

Swelling typically peaks between 24 and 48 hours. During this time, lips may appear larger or less symmetrical than expected. Final results are usually assessed after 10 to 14 days, once inflammation has resolved.

Keep the lips clean and minimise touching
Injection points create small breaks in the skin barrier. Avoiding unnecessary contact reduces the risk of introducing bacteria while the skin heals.

Use cold compresses with care
Cold constricts blood vessels, reducing swelling and bruising. Compresses should be clean, gentle, and brief. Excess pressure can interfere with filler placement.

Maintain good hydration
Hyaluronic acid requires water to function effectively. Proper hydration supports even filler expansion, tissue recovery, and comfort during healing.

Sleep with the head elevated
Elevation helps reduce fluid accumulation by improving venous and lymphatic drainage, particularly during the first few nights.

Follow personalised medical advice
Aftercare recommendations may vary depending on injection depth, volume used, and individual anatomy. Personalised guidance should always take priority.

Do not massage the lips unless directed
Filler remains soft in the early healing phase. Unnecessary manipulation can shift placement and affect symmetry.

Avoid lip products for 24 hours
Lipstick, gloss, and non sterile products can introduce bacteria into healing injection sites. Waiting allows the skin barrier to close.

Avoid heat and intense exercise
Heat and physical exertion increase blood flow and inflammation. Avoid saunas, hot baths, and strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours.

Avoid alcohol
Alcohol thins the blood and increases bruising. It should be avoided for at least 24 hours after treatment.

Delay dental and facial treatments
Dental work and facial procedures can apply pressure or introduce bacteria near healing tissue. These should be postponed for two weeks unless cleared by your practitioner.

First 24 hours
Inflammation begins immediately. Swelling, tenderness, and firmness are expected. Bruising may start to develop.

Days 2 to 3
Inflammation typically peaks. Temporary asymmetry or over fullness is common due to uneven fluid retention.

Days 5 to 7
Swelling reduces, bruising fades, and filler begins to soften. Lip shape becomes more predictable.

10 to 14 days
The filler has integrated with surrounding tissue. Swelling has resolved and the final result can be assessed.

Seek medical assessment if you experience increasing pain rather than improvement, pale or dusky skin, severe one sided swelling, blistering, skin breakdown, fever, or spreading redness.

Early evaluation is essential. Prompt treatment significantly reduces the risk of long term complications.

The first 48 hours are critical for swelling and bruising control, but filler continues to integrate for up to two weeks. Gentle care during this period supports stable placement and optimal results.

Lip filler aftercare supports normal physiological healing while protecting the outcome of treatment.

Understanding what to do after lip filler and why those steps matter allows patients to recover more comfortably and achieve natural, balanced results.

At Dr Hass Clinic, aftercare guidance forms part of a medically led approach designed to prioritise safety, anatomical understanding, and realistic outcomes.