Lip fillers offer patients the chance to safely explore lasting lip enhancement without the more significant commitment associated with surgery. Filler procedures only take around 30 minutes, and you’ll see instant results that last for several months. By approximately the six-month mark, your body will reabsorb the filler, returning your lips to their natural look.
While our clients love how customizable their outcomes can be, we get a lot of questions about achieving the longest-lasting results possible. Proper aftercare is one of the most critical factors. During your consultation, Dr. Sayed will provide you with a full breakdown of the filler process. Below, we’ve outlined what to expect and how to care for your lips after this transformative treatment.
It’s crucial to note that every patient is different, and there’s no single post-filler timeline. The type of filler you choose, how much you get injected, your environment, and genetics all contribute to what your results will look like, and how long they’ll last. If you have any further questions, please give our La Jolla and Newport Beach, CA, offices a call today.
Immediately Following Treatment
In the first few hours after treatment, many patients experience some minor swelling. We’ll provide you with a cold compress to reduce any discomfort and inflammation. For up to six hours, you may need to reapply ice every five to 10 minutes.
While you’ll see a significant increase in your lips’ size following treatment, some of this volume will be due to swelling. As the swelling subsides, you’ll see your ultimate outcome and your glorious new pout. Depending on how much of a dramatic change you request, you may require multiple treatments to further refine the size and shape of your lips.
Lip Massage
In some cases, a gentle lip massage can be beneficial in helping create natural-looking results. Your cosmetic injector will inform you of proper lip massage techniques and how often to do so if necessary. Following these instructions is paramount to see the results you want.
If you get home and realize you have a question, don’t hesitate to contact us for clarification.
Pro tip: Purchase some all-purpose skin protectant ointment from a local pharmacy. This antibacterial cream can help speed healing and reduce any peeling.
24 Hours of Taking It Easy
During the first day following treatment, we strongly recommend taking a break from any exercise or rigorous activity. Ideally, patients should try their best to stay cool and relaxed, as excess heat or sweat can compromise ideal results. With that in mind, skip the hot shower, sauna, and steam rooms for a little while. Taking walks or engaging in your normal routine is generally fine, but try not to elevate your heart rate, which can make swelling worse.
It might surprise you, but staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet help fillers last longer and look better. Since lip fillers consist of hyaluronic acid (a substance that naturally occurs in the body), keeping your internal environment running at peak performance can prolong the life of your new pout.
Minimizing Bruising
Some patients won’t experience any bruising after dermal fillers, but if you do, that’s perfectly normal. You can treat bruising with ice packs and topical creams. Following treatment, try to sleep with your head slightly elevated to avoid any added pressure on the lips.
Mineral makeup can be useful to cover up bruising if necessary, but always use a clean brush.
Stay Grounded: Avoid Flying for Seven Days
In the interest of taking full precautions, we recommend waiting to fly for seven days following treatment. While still unlikely, exposing your new fillers to several hours of cabin pressure can compromise results. Treatment alone already creates quite a bit of pressure on the blood vessels and skin.
If you’re concerned about traveling, ask about booking your procedure three weeks before your trip. This timing ensures you’ll make it to your two-week follow-up appointment, and that your results will be at their peak beauty when you arrive at your destination.
Side Effects to Look For
Dermal fillers have a long history of safe and effective use, but there are some risks with any injectable procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Sayed will thoroughly discuss all possible side effects. Still, it never hurts to know the warning signs ahead of time.
If you experience any continuous or unusual pain, bruising that spreads, excessive heat in the treatment area, or become suddenly unwell, call our office immediately for assistance.
The Two-Week Follow-Up
Patients are welcomed back in two weeks to review their results with Dr. Sayed, if desired. This meeting allows us to be sure you’re fully satisfied with the results. At this point, all bruising and swelling should have subsided. If necessary, we can complete any adjustments. You’ll also have the chance to ask us any other questions that have come up and get “after” photos taken of your new appearance.
If you’d like to learn more about fillers or our other injectable offerings, the next step is to schedule your virtual or in-person consultation with Dr. Sayed. To get in touch with our La Jolla or Newport Beach offices, please give us a call at 858-24-SAYED or contact us online today.
