What to Expect After Lip Injections
Hi Ladies! One of the most common questions patients ask me is what to expect after they receive lip fillers for the first time. Having anything injected into your lips can be intimidating 😬. Despite this treatment being minimally invasive, it understandably can make some people a bit uneasy. A common theme that you will pick up on throughout this article can be summed up in three words: “Trust the Process.” It will be easy to panic when you notice your lips feeling a bit tender and swollen. However, you’ll need to remember that it is all part of the process. Based on my years of experience as an Aesthetic Nurse Injector in Ontario, Canada, I will give you a quick rundown of what my patients experience after their first round of lip injections (aside from the obvious boost in confidence and the most perfect pout they’ve ever seen 💁🏼♀️).
What Should I Expect Immediately After Injections?
The most common side effect immediately following lip injections will obviously be swelling. But please do not be alarmed 😅. It’s all about trusting the process, remember? 😊 Most of my patients report a decrease in swelling in as little as 24 hours! There are always ways to expedite the healing process (I go over some tips in the next section). Some patients freak out the day after their treatment when they see how big their lips are and others love it, but begin to freak out when their lips begin to shrink over the next week. This is due to the swelling, which is natural. An experienced Aesthetic Injector (like myself) will take into account the exaggerated volume the patient will experience because of swelling, and they will adjust the filler dosage accordingly.
Another common side effect will be a sort of “tightness” in the lips, especially if you had virgin lips prior to this treatment. Again, no need to panic! Your lips are obviously going to feel a little tight, due to a new substance (HA (hyaluronic acid) fillers) being placed inside of them. Your lips will just need a bit of time to adjust to their new, beautiful structure. As the expand, that tight feeling will dissipate.
If any of the side effects last for more than a week, and have not lessened in intensity, that is when there should be a bit more of a cause for concern. Do not hesitate to check in with me if that is the case. Even if you notice some swelling or tightness that just feels “abnormal”, give us a call! It’s extremely rare that you will have swelling after a 48-72hr period.
How Can I Minimize These Side Effects?
Set aside some extra time to ice and just relax...maybe catch up on some Netflix 😄. Other basic healthy habits will always help too. Drink enough water, eat hydrating fruits and vegetables, and rest up. Ask your significant other to rub your feet and tell you how pretty you look with your voluptuous new pout 👄🤣. (You think I’m kidding? I’m not. You are a queen 👸🏼.)
In a previous blog post, I also went over things to avoid before and after lip fillers... it is a bit of a scandalous post, I might add 😏, but it’s also our most-read blog to-date (according to The Google), YA NASTIES❗️😅. Feel free to open this post in a new tab, and get ready for some sound advice and comical genius, “Thank you, thank you, I’ll be here all night 🤣”. No, but seriously, it’s good stuff.
Things to Avoid After Lip Injections:
🚫🚬 No smoking (especially weed before your appointment)
🚫🥤 No sucking on a straw
🚫🛁 No ultra hot baths or showers
🚫🥣 Please try to avoid hot foods as well
🚫💪🏻 No gym or strenuous activities
🚫🍆 No extracurricular oral activities 😉
Should I Receive A Second Treatment?
It totally depends on your goals! Some of my patients simply want more definition on the edges of their lips, whereas others want their lips to appear drastically larger. Usually, those in the latter category will need a bit more work done.
You usually won’t get a totally accurate picture of what your lip’s final size is until around a month after the initial treatment. That’s the best time to decide if you want an additional touch-up treatment.
Additional time may still be needed, especially if this is your first time getting a lip filler treatment. A common side effect for someone with virgin lips is tightness, even a month after the treatment in some cases. Again, there is no need to worry, just take some extra time to let your lips fully adjust and expand. It will be worth waiting an additional few months.