How Long Does Swelling Last After Lip Injections?

Lip injections are a hugely effective and low-risk way to achieve the perfect pout. However, there is the chance of some transient side effects—namely, swelling, bruising, and tenderness.

Thankfully, these are usually short-lived, plus there’s plenty you can do to help the healing process. 

Everything You Need to Know about Swelling, Lip Injections & Other Side Effects

• Why do you get swelling after lip injections?
• A typical timeline for swelling & lip injections
• How to reduce side effects & swelling from lip injections

Why do you get swelling after lip injections?

Lip injections, or—to refer to them more accurately—fillers, work by adding natural elements (typically hyaluronic acid) into the tissues that attract water and stimulate collagen to improve their structure. In turn, this increases the volume and you see this as fuller, plumped lips.

However, because inserting a needle into the tissue causes a minute amount of trauma to the tissues, the body’s natural defenses will spring into action. There might also be minor bleeding within the tissues, All of this is seen as swelling, reddening of the skin, and possibly some bruising. This can take a few days to subside and is completely normal.

A typical timeline for swelling & lip injections

The following is what to expect when you undergo lip filler treatment.

• The day of the treatment: In the minutes and hours after you’ve had your lip injections, you will more than likely experience some degree of swelling. It’s often uneven and you might see some redness. 
• Days 1-2 after treatment: These are the days when the side effects will be most apparent. Don’t worry if the top lip is considerably larger than the bottom one at this point—it’s completely normal. Bruising may occur and the lips might still appear uneven.
• Days 3-4: The swelling will begin to subside.
• Weeks 1-2: During this time the swelling should reduce considerably and you’ll begin to see the results of your fillers.
• Week 4: All the swelling and side effects should be gone and you’ll be taking full advantage of your beautiful new pout. If any correction is needed, it can be done after this point.

How to reduce side effects & swelling from lip injections

There are plenty of things you can do to reduce all the side effects. These include:

• Use hot and cold compresses on your lips multiple times per day. This helps stimulate blood flow to the area and speeds up the healing process. 
• Drink plenty of water.
• Massage arnica ointment into the lips and surrounding area to help reduce the skin trauma.
• Don’t expose yourself to overly hot environments for the first week (such as sunbathing or saunas). Excessive heat can increase the swelling.
• Practise impeccable hygiene and try not to touch your lips too much. Cold sores are also a risk after lip fillers—especially during days 1-3.
• Avoid any strenuous exercise for the first few days after treatment.

Most importantly, partner with an experienced, qualified provider with a great track record of administering lip fillers. This is the ultimate method to reduce the risk of unwanted side effects and swelling after lip injections.

Ready to Get the Perfect Pout? Visit Bayou City Dermatology for the Ultimate Lip Injections

At Bayou City Dermatology, we know a thing or two about the body beautiful. We’re dermatologist-led (AKA, medical doctors who specialize in all things skin-related), meaning you can rest assured that our expert clinicians have the very latest training and cutting-edge treatment options to ensure you achieve the look you desire.

Whether you want to plump up your lips, turn back time with incredible anti-aging options, or quite simply—benefit from the very best skin you can—you can trust us to put together the perfect package.

Head across to https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/services to browse all our treatment options.