Lip fillers have become a popular cosmetic procedure to enhance the fullness and plumpness of lips. While they offer immediate results, it’s crucial to be aware of proper aftercare to ensure a successful outcome and avoid complications.
In this post, we’ll discuss what not to do after getting lip fillers and essential aftercare tips to follow.
What Are Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers, also known as dermal fillers, are injections used to increase lip volume and create a fuller appearance. FDA-approved lip fillers typically include hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, or polymethylmethacrylate beads. The minimally invasive procedure offers temporary results, requiring periodic injections to maintain lip fullness.
Lip Filler Aftercare Tips
Proper aftercare ensures the best results and minimizes discomfort after getting lip fillers. Here are some essential aftercare tips:
Address Bruising
Bruising is a common side effect of lip filler injections. To mitigate bruising, consult your Raw Beauty specialist about applying specialized creams containing aloe vera, vitamin K, or arnica to the affected area. These creams can help reduce the appearance of bruises and speed up the healing process. However, always seek professional advice before using any topical products.
Apply Ice
Applying ice to your lips after the procedure is a tried-and-true method for reducing swelling, itching, bruising, and pain. Wrap an ice pack or ice cube in a thin cloth to prevent direct contact with your lips, which can cause discomfort. Gently press the ice against the treated area for short intervals to soothe any post-injection discomfort.
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is key to a smooth recovery. Drinking water helps your body heal efficiently and promotes overall well-being. Hydration aids in flushing toxins from your system and can contribute to reduced swelling and a more comfortable healing process.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Your diet plays a role in your body’s response to lip filler treatment. Consume hydrating fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and vitamins to support the healing process. Additionally, limit your sodium intake, as excess salt can lead to increased water retention and worsen swelling.
Pain Medications
If you experience mild discomfort or pain after the procedure, consult your Raw Aesthetic practitioner for guidance on pain relief options. Generally, over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol are considered safe. However, avoid blood-thinning medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin, as they may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Plan Ahead
If you’re considering lip fillers for a specific event, scheduling the procedure well in advance is crucial. This allows your lips ample time to recover, ensuring any potential swelling or bruising has subsided before your special occasion. Planning ensures you can enjoy the results without unnecessary stress.
Elevate Your Head
After getting lip fillers, sleeping with your head elevated using pillows is advisable. This positioning helps reduce swelling by promoting better lymphatic drainage. Sleeping on your back and elevating your head with two or three pillows minimizes the chance of additional pressure on your lips while you rest, contributing to a smoother recovery.
What To Avoid After Lips Fillers
Proper aftercare following lip filler injections is essential to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results. Here is a list of what not to do after getting lip fillers:
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before and after the treatment. Alcohol is known to act as a blood thinner, which can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. Additionally, alcohol can cause inflammation, exacerbating swelling and making it more challenging for your body to recover from the lip filler procedure.
Flying
Wait at least a week after the procedure before flying. Changes in air pressure during flights can have a significant impact on the healing process. The reduced air pressure inside an airplane cabin can intensify swelling and bruising, making your post-treatment experience less comfortable.
Smoking or Vaping
Avoid smoking or vaping. Tobacco and nicotine products can constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow, potentially affecting healing. Smoking or vaping after lip filler injections can increase the risk of complications, slow down the recovery process, and contribute to delayed or poor results.
Intense Heat
Avoid intense heat sources like saunas, hot tubs, sunbathing, or tanning. Exposure to high temperatures can lead to increased blood flow to the face, causing swelling and potentially affecting the distribution of the filler. Avoiding these heat sources for 48 hours after your lip filler treatment is best.
Passionate Kissing and Puckering Your Lips
Refrain from passionate kissing and puckering your lips. Any excessive or forceful movements of the lips can disrupt the even distribution of the filler and potentially lead to irregularities or complications. Gentle lip movements are encouraged during the recovery period.
Overly Salty or Spicy Foods
Avoid overly salty or spicy foods. These types of foods can cause dehydration and exacerbate swelling. Opt for a balanced and hydrating diet to support the healing process instead.
Scratching or Picking Around the Injection Sites
Avoid scratching or picking at the injection sites. It’s essential to keep the treated area clean and free from irritation. Scratching or picking at your lips can introduce contaminants and disrupt the healing process, potentially leading to complications.
Strenuous Exercise
Refrain from strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours. Vigorous physical activity can increase blood flow, heart rate, and blood pressure, intensifying swelling and bruising. Light activities like walking are encouraged, but heavy workouts should be postponed until you fully recover.
Wearing Lipstick or Lip Balm
Avoid wearing lipstick or lip balm for at least 24 hours after the procedure. The injection sites need time to heal without any interference from cosmetics. Applying makeup to your lips too soon can introduce contaminants and irritate the treated area.
Drinking Through a Straw
Do not drink through a straw. Using a straw requires puckering your lips, which can put undue pressure on the treated area and potentially disrupt the filler distribution. Sipping beverages directly from a glass or container during the initial recovery period is best.
Eating Foods That Are Hard to Chew
Avoid eating foods that are hard to chew. Chewing forcefully can strain the muscles around the lips and potentially interfere with the settling of the filler. Opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods during the initial recovery phase.
Your Perfect Pout
Your perfect pout is only a filler away!
To achieve the best results and ensure a smooth recovery after your lip filler procedure, follow the guidelines provided in this blog. Avoid the activities and substances mentioned in the ‘what to avoid’ section, and entrust your lip enhancement journey to Raw Beauty Aesthetics.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward your dream lips.