Have you just had lip filler? Or are you preparing for your appointment? Knowing what to do in the hours and days after treatment can make a huge difference to how your lips look and feel.
Lip filler aftercare helps reduce swelling, prevent complications, and ensure you get smooth, long-lasting results.
But what exactly should you do after you get lip filler? And what should you avoid? We’ve got you covered.
Read on for everything you need to know about lip filler aftercare, including dos and don’ts, healing tips, when to seek advice, and how long your results should last.
Why Lip Filler Aftercare Is Important
Lip filler aftercare isn’t optional – it’s an absolute must. It affects how good your results look, how long they last, and how quickly you recover.
After lip filler injections, your lips might feel swollen, tender, and slightly bruised. Following the correct aftercare advice can help to:
- Reduce swelling
- Minimise bruising
- Lower the risk of lumps or uneven texture
- Avoid infections or complications
- Maintain your filler for longer
- Ensure your lip filler looks as good as it should
If you follow the right steps early on, your results tend to settle more naturally and last more predictably.
Lip Filler Aftercare Tips: What To Do
Here are our top lip filler aftercare tips:
Apply a Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress can help to reduce swelling. We recommend you apply a cold compress in short, gentle intervals, for around 10 to 15 minutes each time.
The key is gentle pressure – never press the ice directly on the lips and avoid holding anything too cold directly against the skin. This helps reduce inflammation without disrupting filler placement or irritating the injection sites.
Keep Hydrated
Drink plenty of water in the first 24–48 hours – this will help your lips feel more comfortable and can support a smoother integration of the filler. HA naturally binds to water, making hydration key to how well hyaluronic acid fillers settle.
Keep Your Lips Clean
After treatment, your injection sites are still healing, so cleanliness is a must. Keep your lips clean and avoid touching them unnecessarily. When you cleanse your face, use a gentle, non-active cleanser and pat (don’t rub!) around the mouth.
Avoid Dental Treatment for 6 Weeks
It’s recommended to avoid elective dental procedures for at least six weeks after lip filler injections. Dental treatments such as extractions, deep cleanings, or other procedures that may cause trauma to the mouth can increase swelling, bruising, or even risk displacement of the filler.
If you need urgent dental care, tell your dentist that you’ve recently had lip fillers so they can take extra precautions.
Use Arnica or Bromelain (Optional)
Arnica gel or tablets and bromelain supplements can support the reduction of bruising for some patients. They’re not essential, but they can be helpful (especially if you’re prone to bruising!).
If you choose to use arnica, apply it around the lips in the first 24 hours.
Lip Filler Dos and Don’ts
These are the essential guidelines to follow after treatment.
| DO | DON’T |
|---|---|
| Use a cold compress for the first 24 hours | Touch, rub, or massage your lips (unless advised) |
| Stay hydrated | Drink alcohol for 24–48 hours |
| Keep the area clean | Do intense exercise for 24 hours |
| Take paracetamol if you need pain relief | Book facials, peels, or heat-based treatments for 2 weeks |
| Follow your practitioner’s personalised aftercare advice | Smoke for at least 24 hours (longer if possible) |
How Long Will My Lip Filler Results Last? (With Proper Aftercare)
Most lip filler results last 6 to 12 months. However, this can depend on:
- The amount injected (see our guide: 0.5ml vs 1ml lip filler)
- Your metabolism
- Lifestyle factors (exercise, smoking, sun exposure)
- The filler brand used
With proper aftercare, your lip filler results should last more like 12 months than 6 months.
When Should I Speak to a Professional?
You should contact your practitioner (such as our team at BU Aesthetics) if you experience:
- Severe or worsening swelling after treatment
- Intense or increasing pain
- White patches, blanching, or mottled skin
- Coldness in the lips
- Signs of infection (heat, pus, fever)
- Lumps that don’t reduce after a week or two
At BU Aesthetics, we offer dermal filler and lip filler treatments in a professional, clinical setting. We will run through everything you need to know, including lip filler aftercare guidance.
Our post-treatment advice is invaluable – and if you have any questions after having lip filler with Caroline, simply reach out for more support.
Lip Filler Aftercare FAQs
This can vary from person to person, but swelling usually peaks in the first 24 to 48 hours and gradually reduces over 3 to 5 days.
No, we recommend that you avoid applying makeup for 24 hours to reduce the risk of infection.
Yes, after lip fillers, your lips may feel slightly uneven. This should pass after around two weeks. If it doesn’t start to feel more even, speak to your aesthetician.
At BU Aesthetics, we will offer you a review appointment usually two weeks after your treatment. This is to ensure that you are experiencing no unpleasant side effects, and that your lip filler is settling as it should.
