Lip Filler Aftercare: What Not To Do After Lip Fillers

David Fuller

Last Updated On: March 27, 2024

What Not To Do After Lip Fillers

Just like with any other filler treatment, there’s no downtime after getting a lip filler. Instead, there is a list of important “don’ts” to keep in mind to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results. By avoiding certain activities and following the recommended aftercare instructions, you can speed up the healing process and enjoy the beautifying effects of your new lip fillers. Let’s take a look at what you should avoid.

1. Minimize Direct Pressure on the Lips

When a lip filler is injected, it requires time to fully settle, making it crucial to avoid applying direct pressure to the treated area, particularly when it’s still numb after the procedure. Refrain from biting your lips and allow ample healing time. Additionally, minimize touching your lips within the first 48 hours to reduce the risk of infection.

Regarding massages, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s guidance, as the necessity of lip massage depends on the type of filler utilized during the procedure.

2. Sleeping on Your Face

Another important aspect of lip filler aftercare is to avoid sleeping on your face, particularly directly on your lips. Sleeping on your side or stomach can put unnecessary pressure on the treated area, potentially causing the filler to shift or become uneven. To ensure the best results, sleep on your back, use a soft pillow to gently support your head, and avoid direct contact with your lips for at least 24 hours. 

3. Stop Smoking

Smoking causes vasoconstriction narrowing which reduces the blood supply going to your lips and, therefore, slows down the healing process. On top of that, the act of smoking alone can damage the filler and ruin everything you are trying to achieve. For this reason, it’s important to avoid smoking for at least a week following the procedure. 

4. Avoid Exercising and Other Strenuous Activities

Another thing to avoid after getting lip filler treatment is strenuous physical activities or exercises. As a result of the increased blood flow brought on by these activities, the treated area may experience more swelling and bruising. To promote optimal healing and minimize the risk of complications, it’s best to take a break from rigorous exercise for at least 48 hours. Instead, focus on gentle activities and allow your body to fully recover before resuming your regular exercise routine.

5. Saunas 

While on the topic of healthy living, it’s important to mention that you should also steer clear of saunas or any other high-temperature rooms. Unlike smoking, which constricts blood vessels and reduces blood supply, exposure to high heat causes blood vessels to dilate. This increased blood flow can lead to extended swelling in the treated area, prolonging the healing process after the lip filler procedure. 

Even when showering, avoid using scorching hot water in the first 48 hours after the procedure. Instead, use water at a normal room temperature. When the swelling subsides, you can indulge in warmer showers if desired. 

6. Avoid Blood-Thinning Drugs

Another thing not to do after a lip filler procedure is to take painkiller medicines with a blood thinning component. Painkillers like Tylenol are fine but avoid the likes of Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, and Motrin. The best treatment for dealing with swelling and pain after the procedure is ice. 

7. Don’t Drink Alcohol

For the same reasons mentioned before, you should avoid alcohol entirely after the lip-filling procedure because it also thins your blood. You should ideally steer clear of alcohol for at least 48 hours before and after the procedure. Obviously, you should not come to the doctor’s office intoxicated. 

8. Don’t Use Straws

Drinking through a straw can damage the filler in the same way that smoking can, so refrain from using them for at least 48 hours. The best option is to just use a drinking glass carefully and remember to stay hydrated. 

9. Avoid Hot Drinks and Spicy Food

Eating after a lip filler procedure can be difficult due to swollen lips, but it is far easier than, say, eating after the removal of a wisdom tooth.  

The food should be easy to chew and in bite-sized chunks, so you don’t have to strain to bite it off. Avoid spicy food because it can burn your lips more during the initial stages of healing, and you do not want to accidentally touch them while they are already sore. Despite being minimally invasive, the procedure still involves multiple needle insertion points that leave tiny wounds on your skin. Adding spicy food to them is like adding salt to a wound. 

While hot drinks won’t cause irritation like spicy food, they can still be uncomfortable due to the increased sensitivity of your lips. It’s best to opt for lukewarm or cool beverages to avoid any potential discomfort during the healing process

10. Kissing

While kissing is a natural and enjoyable activity, it is also on the list of things not to do after lip fillers. Kissing can put pressure on the lips, potentially causing the filler to shift or become uneven. Additionally, the area may still be sensitive, and the risk of infection should be minimized during the initial healing period. It’s best to give your lips 48 to 72 hours before engaging in any intimate activities.

11. Putting Make-up

To prevent any unfavorable side effects that makeup composition might cause, it’s best to refrain from using any kind of lipstick, balm, or gloss for the first 24 hours following the treatment. Even for cleaning your lips, you should use sterile alcohol wipes, but be warned, they’ll probably sting a bit.  

12. Postpone Laser Treatment

While some cosmetic procedures, like microneedling and LED light, go hand in hand, this isn’t the case with dermal lip fillers. Laser therapy generates heat that damages tissue at the subdermal level to stimulate collagen and elastin production, but this heat can negatively affect lip fillers by destabilizing their structure, which severely shortens their lifespan. To ensure optimal lip filler aftercare, it is advisable to postpone any laser treatments for at least two weeks following the procedure.

13. Avoid Airplane Travel

The change in air pressure during a plane flight can worsen the effects of bruising. While relatively rare, it can still happen, so it’s best to avoid airplane travel for at least a week after a lip procedure. 

14. Postpone Dentist Appointments

Dental work can potentially cause a lot of lip bruising and there is a slight chance of an infection appearing. So plan accordingly, and if you have any dental issues, it’s best to sort them out before your lip filler appointment. 

Lip Filler Aftercare Tips

Now that we know what not to do after lip injections, it’s time to take a look at a few to-do tips to ensure a quick recovery and good results. 

Ice – If you experience any bruising, itching, or swelling after the treatment, it’s best to restrain yourself from touching the area and instead apply ice. Remember to wrap the ice pack in a cloth or use a specialized cold pack to avoid direct contact with your lips, which could cause frostbite.

Massaging – The necessity of massaging after lip fillers depends on the specific type and brand of filler used. Some fillers may require a gentle massage to ensure even distribution, while others may be best left untouched. Nonetheless, you should always follow your doctor’s advice here.

Stay hydrated – Make sure to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day to maintain proper hydration levels. Hydrated skin is more plump and resilient, which can contribute to better healing and optimal results after lip filler injections. Include water-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet to further support hydration and provide essential nutrients for skin health.

Keep your head elevated during sleep – We’ve emphasized the significance of your sleeping position in our earlier discussion of what not to do after lip fillers, but it’s worth reiterating this – a proper sleeping position is incredibly important. You shouldn’t sleep on your face or your sides. Elevate your head and sleep on your back to prevent accidental bruising and reduce swelling. 

Conclusion

While the list may appear lengthy, none of the recommendations are difficult to follow or maintain. Most of them only need to be upheld for 48 hours or so, while others may require a week or two at most. However, after this initial period, you can fully enjoy the results of your lip treatment and embrace your new look with confidence and satisfaction. As long as you diligently follow these dos and don’ts after lip filler treatment, you’ll get the best possible results for any lip treatment.

FAQ

What can ruin lip fillers?

The most common way people ruin their lip filler is by applying direct pressure to it or by disturbing the filler by contracting the lip when smoking. 

How soon after lip filler can I eat?

You can start eating again as soon as the numbing cream wears off. 

What not to eat or drink after lip fillers?

Avoid eating spicy food and drinking hot beverages and alcohol. 

When can I shower after lip fillers?

You can take a shower right away if you use lukewarm or cold water. Avoid showering with hot water in the first 24 to 48 hours. 

Reference:

1. Cigarette smoking in men and vascular responsiveness; R. Butler,A. D. Morris, and A. D. Struthers; Aug 2001
2. The Hematological Complications of Alcoholism; Harold S. Ballard (MD); 1997
3. Assessment of the Efficacy and Safety of Hyaluronic Acid Gel Injection in the Restoration of Fullness of the Upper Lips; Taraneh Yazdanparast, Aniseh Samadi Hournaz Hasanzadeh, Saman Ahmad Nasrollahi, Alireza Firooz, and Mansour Nassiri Kashani; Jun 2017
4. Shaping Lips with Fillers; Amit Luthra; Jul 2015
5. Hyaluronic acid fillers in facial rejuvenation; Mary P Lupo; Sep 2006
6. Fillers: Contraindications, Side Effects and Precautions; Philippe Lafaille and Anthony Benedetto; Apr 2010
7. Minimizing Bruising Following Fillers and Other Cosmetic Injectables; Michael Shane Hamman (MD) and Mitchel P. Goldman (MD); Aug 2013!