What To Do After Lip Filler?

Your first lip filler appointment is booked! Wondering what comes next? We sat down with our expert nurse practitioners to answer your FAQs and discuss best practices for maintaining and maximizing your results. At Defy Aesthetic, we understand the importance of post-lip filler care, and we’re here to make it simple and guide you through every step of the process! So, keep reading to learn everything you need to know to maintain and protect your results!

Understanding Lip Fillers:

Before delving into post-treatment care, let’s recap what lip fillers are and how they work! Lip fillers, also known as dermal fillers, are injectable gels used to add volume, shape, and structure to the lips. The most common type of lip filler is hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body that helps retain moisture and add volume.

We love using lip filler to help enhance the size and shape of the lips, to create a more defined cupid’s bow (the little dip or curve in the middle of your top lip), smooth out fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, boost your natural lip shape, and improve the overall symmetry between the upper and lower lip.

During your treatment, your Defy provider injects the filler into specific areas of the lips to achieve your desired fullness and contour. The amount of filler used depends on factors such as your anatomy, and aesthetic goals!

Think of lip filler like putting air into a balloon. The results don't last forever because your body slowly breaks down the filler over time,  which means your lips gradually return to their original shape and size. If you want to maintain your results after treatment, you'll likely need to get a touch-up every few years or so!

Right After Your Treatment:

Hands Off: Try not to touch or rub your lips because that can make the swelling worse and increase the risk of infection. This also applies to makeup. Avoid putting on makeup for the rest of the day after your treatment. You can resume your normal skincare and makeup routine 24 hours after treatment - just be gentle around the mouth area!

Hydration Is Key: Keep your lips happy by keeping them hydrated! Drink plenty of water to keep yourself and your lips moisturized from the inside. After getting lip filler, drinking water is a good idea to help with healing and reducing swelling. No need to stress about drinking a specific amount just because you got lip filler - just listen to your body and sip away! You can also use a hydrating lip balm or ointment, such as Aquaphor or Vaseline, regularly to prevent dryness or chapping.

Gentle Cleansing: When it comes to cleansing your face after lip filler, gentle is the name of the game. Use a mild, non-abrasive cleanser to wash your face, being careful to avoid the lip area. Pat your face dry with a clean towel (this is a must!), avoiding any rubbing or scrubbing motions around the lips.

Sun Protection: After getting lip filler, your lips need extra care in the sun! You should always use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on your lips before going out. Reapply often, especially if you're outside for a long time. Your lips might be more sensitive and swollen after the treatment, making them even more prone to sun damage. So, keep them protected!

Skip the Gym: Give your lips a break on any workouts right after getting filler. Working out hard can make your lips swell more and feel uncomfortable. Plus, things like lifting weights or doing high-impact exercises might pose more of a risk of infection. It's best to avoid intense exercise for about a day or two after getting lip filler to let everything settle in place and lower the chances of any issues. And remember, steer clear of smoking, using straws, and spicy foods or alcohol for a bit, too. Just take it easy to help your lips heal nicely!

Wait Before Traveling: Hold off on flying for about a week after getting lip filler. The intense pressure in the plane can make swelling and bruising worse, and the dry air dehydrates your lips, which means they might not look as plump and smooth as you'd like after getting filler. This also gives us time to quickly address any (unlikely) issues that may pop up after treatment!

Ice Packs Are Your Friend: Immediately after your lip filler treatment, most patients typically experience some minor swelling, redness, and tenderness around the injection sites. Don’t worry, this is completely normal and will subside within a few days! In the meantime, to help minimize any swelling and discomfort, we recommend applying ice packs or cold compresses to the lips for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day about 4 hours after your treatment. Just remember to keep your ice pack nice and clean before putting it on your freshly injected lips!

Patience is Key: Patience is perhaps the most important aspect of post-lip filler care! While you may be eager to see the final results of your treatment, it’s essential to give your lips time to heal and settle into their new shape. Remember that swelling and minor asymmetries are normal in the days following treatment and will typically resolve on their own. So, be patient and let your lips do their thing!

Schedule a Follow-Up Appointment: Most importantly, don’t forget to schedule your follow-up appointment with your Defy injector. This appointment allows your injector to assess your results, address any concerns or questions you may have, and make any adjustments to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome. It's a crucial step to make sure everything looks just right!

By following these easy post-treatment care tips and staying in close communication with your Defy injector, you can ensure a smooth and successful recovery process! 

Whether you're interested in lip filler, collagen-boosting skin lasers, or want to learn more about our Defy Annual Membership (a perfect choice for those who want to transform their skin without the price tag over the course of a year!), we’d love to see you in our Bethesda medical spa soon!