Lip Filler: Tips Before Injection and Aftercare

How do I get natural-looking lips?

Natural lips suit your facial features and keep the balance between the upper and lower lip, the lip border and the Cupid's bow. Usually the lower lip is slightly fuller than the upper.

Many doctors prefer to start with a small amount, reassess once swelling settles, and add more at a later session if needed. This step-by-step approach is safer and avoids an overdone look.

What happens at the consultation?

Your doctor asks about your goals and medical history and examines the shape of your lips, teeth and chin. It is your chance to ask about the product, how long it lasts and possible complications. Be sure to tell your doctor about:

• All medicines and supplements you take.
• Any history of cold sores (herpes) around the mouth, as your doctor may decide you need a preventive prescription medicine.
• Any previous lip injections and the product used, if you know it.
• Pregnancy, breastfeeding, autoimmune conditions or allergies; injections are usually postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What should I avoid before treatment?

The aim is to reduce the chance of bruising and bleeding. But never stop a prescribed medicine on your own, especially blood thinners such as aspirin prescribed for a heart condition, because stopping can be dangerous; that decision is only made with the agreement of the doctor who prescribed it.

• Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen for several days beforehand, if they are not prescribed for a medical condition.
• Some supplements that can increase bruising, such as fish oil and vitamin E, after checking with your doctor.
• Alcohol for a day or two before treatment.
• Major dental work for about two weeks before and after, to lower the risk of infection.
• Treatment right before an important occasion; leave at least two weeks.

How do swelling and bruising progress?

Swelling is expected. It is usually at its worst in the first few days and then eases gradually over about a week. Lips may look uneven at first, which is usually due to swelling rather than the final result. This is an approximate timeline, and it varies between people:

• Days 1 to 3: noticeable swelling, possible bruising and tenderness.
• Days 4 to 7: swelling eases clearly and bruises start to fade.
• Week 2: the result has usually settled and can be reviewed with your doctor.
• You may feel small lumps at first; they usually improve as swelling goes down.

How should I care for my lips after filler?

Care in the first few days reduces swelling and protects the result. Follow your doctor's instructions first, as they can vary with the product and technique.

• Apply a cold compress wrapped in a cloth for a few minutes at a time on the first day.
• Do not press or massage your lips unless your doctor asks you to.
• Avoid lipstick and make-up on the area for about a day.
• Avoid intense heat such as saunas, direct sun and strenuous exercise for about two days.
• Sleep with your head slightly raised on the first night and avoid sleeping face down.
• Drink plenty of water and use a gentle lip balm, especially in dry air-conditioned rooms.

What are the warning signs, and when is filler dissolved?

A rare but serious complication is filler blocking or pressing on a blood vessel, which stops blood reaching the skin. This is an emergency, and the sooner it is treated the better the outcome. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of these signs:

An advantage of hyaluronic acid filler is that it can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which a doctor injects in emergencies, or for bothersome lumps or an unsatisfactory result. Dissolving is a medical procedure that your doctor decides on after examining you.

• Severe pain that keeps increasing and is out of proportion to normal swelling.
• Whitening or paleness of the skin, or a blue, grey or mottled colour.
• Coolness of the skin in the area, or slow return of colour after pressing on it.
• Blisters or scabs appearing in the following days.
• Any change in vision, which is very rare and needs emergency care immediately.