Lip injections, known as lip fillers or dermal fillers, plump your lips and make them bigger, fuller and more appealing.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four types of dermal fillers:
- hyaluronic acid
- calcium hydroxylapatite
- poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)
- polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads suspended in bovine (cow) collagen
Side effects after lip injections
Potential side effects of having lip fillers include swelling, pain, and bruising, but these should be mild and will fade within a few days.
Tips on Aftercare for Lip Fillers
Simple aftercare is needed after having lip fillers. Knowing what to expect after the treatment can be helpful if you're unsure whether the lip fillers are right for you.
- According to a 2015 review, using aloe vera, vitamin K, or arnica lotions on the injection site may help reduce bruising. Before using these, speak with your healthcare provider.
- Apply cool therapy to your lips with an ice pack or an ice cube wrapped in a tiny cloth (to avoid sticking to the lip and causing pain). This helps to relieve swelling, itching, bruising, and any other pain.
- After getting lip or other dermal fillers, avoid hard exercise for 24 to 48 hours. Exercise increases blood pressure and heart rate can exacerbate edema (swelling) and bruising. It's fine to do some modest exercise, such as walking.
- Make sure you drink plenty of water. Water helps to improve and speed the healing process.
- Consume plenty of hydrating fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid too much sodium and salty foods, which can exacerbate swelling.
- For the next 48 hours after treatment, stay away from hot environments including steam rooms, saunas, and heated fitness sessions. Extreme heat can worsen swelling.
- In the days following your treatment, talk to your doctor about which pain medications are safe to take. Tylenol is usually safe, but blood thinners like ibuprofen and aspirin are not.
- If you're getting lip fillers for a special occasion, allow plenty of time between the treatment and the event so your lips can heal fully.
- To minimize swelling, sleep with your head raised on pillows. Avoid sleeping on your face.
- For up to 24 hours following the treatment, avoid wearing lipstick on your lips.
Before & After Lip Injections by Dr. Doshi
