Are you looking for the best lip fillers to correct lip thinning and asymmetry? These cosmetic enhancements have moved from a beauty trend to a cultural phenomenon. However, amidst this growing demand, safety and quality matter more than ever. Therefore, we look at what lip fillers are and how to minimise post-treatment downsides.
What are Lip Fillers?
These are HA gels injected into the lips to add volume and minimise wrinkles. As we age, our lip volume depletes, leaving a thinner and flatter appearance. Therefore, lip fillers give us a quick and non-surgical solution to correct aging signs and improve the symmetry of the lips. This restores lost volume, enhances lip definition, and reduces wrinkles. The injections also contain active ingredients, particularly hyaluronic acid, that improve lip hydration and elasticity.
How Long Do Lip Fillers Take to Settle?
A lip filler treatment usually takes about 20 minutes but add an extra 20 for prep and numbing. You will experience plump lips right away and peak swelling within 24-48 hours. However, the effects subside within a week, with any irregularities settling after 2-4 weeks.
What Can and Can’t You Do After Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers can sound scary at first. But we guarantee it is one of the quickest and safest treatments to regain complete and shaped lips. Therefore, always stick to the following after care for lip fillers for the best results.
What to avoid after lip fillers
After administering lip filler injections to many clients, we recommend you avoid the following to minimise post-treatment complications.
- Drink hot water: Heat can dilate blood vessels, worsening post-treatment swelling and bruising. Hot water can also scald your lips, which are temporarily numb and more susceptible to injury. Avoid hot drinks for the first 24-48 hours to minimise swelling.
- Drink alcohol: Alcohol is a blood thinner that increases bruising and swelling, delaying healing. Skip alcohol for at least 48 hours to allow your lips to recover since even moderate consumption can heighten these risks.
- Eat hot food: Hot food raises temperature and blood flow, aggravating swelling at tender injection sites. Stick to cooler meals for the first day or two to monitor the symptoms.
- Eat spicy food: Spices may irritate sensitive tissues, increasing discomfort. Excessive sodium may also increase lip dehydration. Avoid spicy foods for at least 48 hours and focus on healthy meals that keep you hydrated and speed up natural lip filler healing.
- Exercise (strenuous physical activity): Refraining from strenuous physical activities tops the list of lip filler aftercare. Intense workouts elevate heart rate and blood pressure, which can amplify swelling around injection sites. Avoid rigorous exercise for 24-48 hours and opt for light activities.
- Have lip fillers when pregnant: It is wise to avoid some filler agents and associated risks until after pregnancy. Moreover, always consult the doctor before proceeding with any cosmetic treatment when pregnant.
- Kiss (especially passionately): Deep kissing puts direct pressure on tender lips, risking filler displacement and increasing infection risk. Avoid all kissing for at least 48 hours, and keep any close contact light and gentle.
- Smoke and vape: Cigarette smoke and vaping introduce vasoconstrictive toxins, reducing blood flow and slowing healing. Lip movements and suction from vaping can also displace filler. It is best to avoid smoking or vaping for a few days to support optimal recovery.
- Use sunbeds: Exposure to intense heat, especially in sunbeds, saunas, or direct sunshine, dilates blood vessels. This intensifies swelling, redness, and bruising. Avoid all heat exposure for 48 hours and protect your lips with SPF and shade during recovery.
- Use a straw: The pressure and lip motion required to drink through a straw may cause lip filler migration. Using a straw can also cause some discomfort as there will be swelling after treatment.
What you can do after lip fillers
Proper after care for lip fillers is vital for optimal recovery. Here is what we think you can resume and why it matters.
- Drink coffee: You are free to enjoy your favourite coffee, whether it is lukewarm or cold. Avoid hot beverages for at least 24 hours to reduce swelling risks.
- Drink cold drinks: Cold drinks are ideal right away as they soothe swelling, reduce inflammation, and support hyaluronic acid integration. Avoid too cold beverages as they can cause sensitivity issues.
- Eat ice cream: Soft, chilled ice cream provides relief, reducing discomfort and swelling. Only eat it after numbness subsides, ideally 3-5 hours post-treatment.
- Laugh: Light smiling and laughter are perfectly acceptable. Avoid wide yarns or forceful mouth movements in the first 48 hours to prevent strain on injection sites.
- Use Vaseline: Applying a clean dab of Vaseline after 24 hours helps moisturise, protect, and reduce lip dryness and irritation.
- Wear lipstick and makeup: We would suggest you avoid lip products and makeup near the mouth for 12-24 hours. However, if you want to apply them, do it gently using disposable applicators to avoid applying pressure or introducing bacteria.
- Drink water: Hydration before and after lip filler is crucial to support hyaluronic acid integration and recovery. Always sip from an open cup to avoid suction pressure.
- Eat: Eat soft or lukewarm foods that do not require vigorous chewing. This protects tender lips and hastens the healing process.
- Fly: Flying immediately after lip filler injections is possible. But we recommend you wait for at least 48 hours before air travel as the pressure and dry cabin air can intensify discomfort.
- Shower: Showering is also fine immediately after the procedure, though in lukewarm water with gentle cleansing around the lips.
How Long Do Lip Fillers Last?
Most of our new clients always ask, how long does lip filler last? Lip fillers typically last 6-12 months, with some individuals experiencing results up to 18 months. Several factors may influence the longevity of the results, including the product type and individual metabolism.
How To Make Lip Fillers Last Longer
Regular touch-ups can prolong your results and keep your lips looking healthy. Moreover, following these tips can extend result longevity and minimise potential side effects.
- Avoid excessive sun, heat, smoking, and alcohol for a few days post-treatment.
- Stay well hydrated to support HA function.
- Eat a low-sodium, nutritious diet.
- Avoid irritating skincare products and use gentle lip massage only if advised.
How Much Do Lip Fillers Cost?
Lip fillers cost ranges from 490 GBP depending on the type and amount of filler you need. Check our pricing page to understand how much it might cost you to get fuller and smooth-looking lips.
Where to Get Trusted Lip Filler in London?
When it comes to getting lip fillers London, choosing the right practitioner is non-negotiable for your safety and for quality results. That is where Dr Michael O’Gorman stands out in the saturated cosmetic market. With his expertise and natural approach, he uses premium lip fillers with minimum side effects and a smooth treatment experience.
His dedicated after care for lip fillers and personalised consultation ensures you undergo the best expert-guided procedure for natural-looking results. Book your appointment today with Dr. O’Gorman and enjoy natural and professional services tailored to your desires. Here are our clinic details:
- Address: 19 Wimpole Street, Marylebone, London W1G 8GE
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM
- Booking: Consultations and quotes are available upon request. Visit our clinic website or call +447588385133 to schedule an appointment.
