One common concern patients have after a lip filler procedure is, “How long does lip filler swelling last?” The truth is, it is normal to experience post-injection lip puffiness due to the body’s natural inflammatory response. However, understanding the typical lip filler swelling stages and how to relieve discomfort quickly is essential for a steady recovery.
In this guide, we cover everything from the causes of swelling and its stages to warning signs.
What Causes Swelling After Lip Fillers?
Swelling after lip injections is a completely normal reaction, which shows your lips are healing. The primary cause is the immune system’s response to the injected hyaluronic acid (HA). When HA-based lip fillers are introduced, the body recognises them as a foreign substance, even though they’re biocompatible. This triggers a mild inflammatory response as the immune system tries to fight it.
The lips are also extremely vascular, or rich in blood supply. During the procedure, needle injections cause minor localised trauma beneath the skin. The underlying tissues react by releasing the chemical compounds that increase blood flow and fluid retention around the area. This causes swelling as part of the healing phase.
Post-injection lip puffiness may seem dramatic at first. However, it is typically short-lived and follows a predictable healing pattern. The degree of swelling also varies based on various factors, including:
- Type of filler used: Hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm produce more immediate swelling than other fillers. That is because HA attracts water molecules and expands more after injections.
- Injection technique: More injections and deeper placements into the dermis and subcutaneous fat result in more swelling.
- Individual factors: Individuals with an inflammatory tendency are more likely to experience swelling and bruising.
Lip Filler Swelling Stages: What to Expect
Understanding the lip filler swelling stages can help you manage recovery expectations. Immediately after lip augmentation, your lips may appear uneven or overly plump. This is a normal and temporary reaction, which marks the start of the healing process. Swelling can appear uneven as the degree of swelling is not necessarily uniform or symmetrical.
The initial swelling does not indicate the final results. Instead, you should expect a peak 48-hour lip filler swelling, where your lips may seem firm, lumpy, and unnatural. The intense swelling is the body’s natural response to the tissue trauma and hyaluronic acid induced by the lip injections.
You will start noticing a significant decrease in inflammation by days 3 and 5. This stage is crucial in the healing journey, and coincides with your lips beginning to feel softer. During this time, it is possible that you may experience bruising lip injections, though accompanied by noticeable improvements in the swelling. Full resolution often occurs within 10-14 days. Discomfort should be minimal throughout.
Here is a summary of the lip filler swelling stages:
| Day | What to expect |
| 24 hours | Initial mild swelling and tenderness begin immediately after injections. |
| Day 2 | Swelling reaches the peak as the lips feel tight and lumpy. |
| Day 3-5 | Swelling starts to reduce while bruising may appear. |
| Day 6-9 | Most visible swelling has resolved. Lips look more natural. |
| Day 10-14 | Swelling subsides completely as the lips show their final volume, definition, and symmetry. |
How to Reduce Lip Swelling Fast
Many patients search for how to reduce lip swelling fast, especially when the discomfort peaks at night. Normal swelling typically subsides on its own after two weeks. However, the visibility of the swelling can be difficult for some, pushing one to look for how to reduce lip edema after filler. Therefore, here are actionable tips on how to reduce lip filler swelling overnight:
- Apply cold compresses: Using clean, cold compresses immediately after lip fillers significantly reduces swelling by constricting the blood vessels. An ice pack can also be used.
- Sleep in a balanced, elevated position: Maintaining a balanced and elevated position after lip injections minimises fluid accumulation overnight.
- Skip intense workouts: Strenuous activities can increase blood flow to your lip tissue, potentially triggering swelling and affecting the desired outcomes.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine: These can dilate blood vessels, increasing swelling.
- Hydrate and moderate salt intake: Proper hydration facilitates optimal fluid circulation, crucial for managing swelling. Meanwhile, high sodium worsens water retention, prolonging swelling and negatively impacts recovery.
- Arnica: If bruising is present, arnica can speed up it’s resolution, in either a topical format or an oral formal – speak with your doctor.
When Is Lip Filler Swelling Not Normal
Some visible swelling is expected immediately and for a few days after lip injections. However, it is essential to recognise when symptoms may indicate a complication rather than a typical healing process. So, when is lip filler swelling not normal?
The answer lies in duration, severity, and associated symptoms. Knowing the difference between a normal healing response and early signs of an adverse reaction can prevent long-term damage. Here are signs that may point to abnormal and bruising lip injections. If you notice these signs, seek immediate follow-up appointments to address them.
- Persistent or increasing swelling after day 5-7: If the swelling remains unchanged or worsens beyond one week, it could suggest an inflammatory reaction or infection.
- Severe pain, heat, redness, or pus: Intense or worsening pain accompanied by warmth, redness, or pus discharge could indicate cellulitis or an abscess and requires early attention..
- Colour change: Pallor (whiteness) or livedo reticularis around or beyond the treated area requires immediate review. This change can lead to tissue necrosis (skin death) if not treated immediately.
Where to Get a Trusted Filler in London
Choosing a skilled, medically trained practitioner is critical if you are considering lip augmentation in London. This increases the chances of achieving balanced results and minimising complications. Luckily, Dr Michael O’Gorman stands out as a trusted expert with his clinical excellence in lip injections.
With a background in medicine and years of hands-on experience, Dr. O’Gorman brings a precision-based approach to cosmetic injectables. His technique prioritises artistry and safety, leading to natural lip enhancement. His tailored consultations and evidence-based aftercare also appeal to those worried about infection vs. swelling after lip filler. His clinic details are as follows:
- Address: 19 Wimpole Street, Marylebone, London W1 8GE
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM
Booking: Consultations and quotes are available upon request. Visit the clinic website or call +447588385133 to schedule an appointment.
