A type of dermal filler is lip fillers. They contain hyaluronic acid (HA) in them. HA is produced by your own body and helps maintain skin hydration. Many individuals who get lip fillers do for the following reasons:
- To correct unevenness or the existing lip shape
- To increase lip size/add volume (as you age your lips start to thin out)
This can result in boosting your self-esteem as you get the desired look you dream of if that is what you wish to achieve.
Lip fillers usually last a few months at a time before you need to retouch them or add additional volume in order to top it off!
Your lip filler healing process can take some time, but with the right tips we got for you here, you can make the most out of your lip fillers!
BEFORE your lip fillers:
Now, you may be asking what are some tips to consider before I get my lip fillers to help me achieve the best healing?
Well, make sure to review if you are a good candidate for lip fillers and this includes making sure you do not have a history of cold sores (as lip filler needle pricks can aggregate and increase the risk of recurrence), avoiding your dentist (not because you hate them but to avoid swelling and irritation from any dental procedures), waiting till after your healed if you have an active infection, and letting your practitioner know if you have any allergies to the lip filler.
Find an experienced injector with the rightful credentials and qualifications to provide the best treatment for what you are looking for!
One Week Before Your lip Filler Appointment:
Medications:
Avoid any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve or any blood thinners as they increase the risk for bleeding (with the needle pricks during your lip filler procedure)
Beverages:
Avoid alcohol (as it is a vasodilator which means that it can dilate your blood vessels and increase the chances of bruising)
Tea: such as green tea should be avoided as it also acts to thin the blood increasing bruising at injection site.
Supplements/foods: Vitamin E, fish oils, chia/flax seeds, garlic, and ginger (as as blood thinners and increase the chance of bruising).
2 Days or 48 Hours Before Your lip Filler Appointment:
Procedures:
Avoid shaving, threading, and waxing around the lip filler area.
Foods:
If you find yourself prone to bruising then avoid the foods mentioned above before your appointment.
Day of or 24 Hours Before Your lip Filler Appointment:
DO:
- Cleanse and wash your face (start with a clean base) using the EFFACLAR PURIFYING FOAMING GEL CLEANSER
- Hydrate (drink plenty of water)
- Eat before coming (as the swelling can interfere after the procedure with food consumption)
DON’T:
- Wear any makeup
- Take any blood thinners (in food or medication form as mentioned above)
- Smoke or drink alcohol
Lip Filler Healing Process After Your lip Filler Appointment:
DO:
- Apply sunscreen to avoid any sun damage around treated area
- Hydrate and drink plenty of water using the LULULEMON I Training Back to Life Water Bottle which comes in such pretty colours
- Moisturize your lips and keep them hydrated with the FIRST AID BEAUTY | Ultra Repair Lip Therapy
- Use Arnica cream I Boiron to reduce bruising
- Do a 3 second capillary refill lip test to check adequate blood flow to lip area (if blood flow returns after pressing your finger on your lips in less than 3 seconds it means you passed the test and if after pressing the lips it still remains white for greater than 3 seconds consult with your injector)
- Ice your lips for only 5-10 minutes at a time to decrease swelling using the I DEW CARE | Rolling With It Ice Massager. However, do not press on the lip fillers with pressure or apply directly without a barrier between your lips and the ice
DON’T:
- Touch the lip filler area where their was needle pricks as the wound site can be open and susceptible to infection
- Use makeup as the lip filler area is sensitive and has just been treated
- Smoke as it can delay healing
- Drink alcohol as it can delay healing and increase the chance of swelling
- Exercise for 24 hours to decrease the chance of swelling/bruising
- Hot yoga, saunas, hot tubs and any strenuous activity that increases the heat within the body and the chance of bruising/swelling
- Have any foods/beverages/medications that can thin the blood (green tea, garlic, ginger, vitamin E, chia/flax seeds, NSAIDs and fish oils)
What to Expect After My Lip Filler Procedure?
It is normal to have bruising and swelling given that you just had a needle prick your lips multiple times. This swelling should completely be gone after a couple of days. You will also feel some firmness around the area as the product was injected into your lips.
When to Contact Your Injector?
- Frequent pain to the lip filler injection site that is increasing in severity
- Non-blanching lip area (i.e., you are not passing the 3 second capillary refill lip test)
- Continue to bleed from the needle prick area sites
- Are experiencing a fever (a possible infection)
- Need to schedule/book your next lip filler appointment (around 4 months after the recent one or depending on what your injector advises you)
For any inquiries about a lip filler consult or are looking to book a lip filler appointment, give us a call to speak with one of us or book online!
