Lip Filler Aftercare: What to Avoid & How to Maintain

Introduction

Plump, well-defined lips add beauty and confidence to your face — and it’s no surprise that many women dream of having fuller, more symmetrical lips. If your lips are naturally thin or uneven, or their volume is lost due to low collagen production with time, lip fillers (a type of dermal filler) offer a non-surgical way to achieve the look you want.

However, the longevity and final result of your lip enhancement largely depend on proper aftercare. Let’s read in-depth about lip fillers, their popularity, and how to keep your lips full for the long term.

What are Lip Fillers?

Lip fillers are a type of dermal filler used to enhance the volume and shape of your lips, making them appear fuller and more defined. They help restore lost volume caused by aging or genetics, giving lips a naturally plump and youthful look.

While lip fillers can contain different ingredients, the most popular and widely used is hyaluronic acid (HA)—a substance that naturally occurs in the body. HA works by retaining moisture in the skin and enhancing the plumpness effect, adding volume to the lips.

With proper aftercare, the results of lip fillers can last for several months, helping you maintain beautifully enhanced lips for longer.

How can lip fillers improve your appearance?

Lip fillers help make your lips appear more pouty, fuller, and naturally beautiful. After the filling, your lips will become soft, plump, and youthful. However, you must do proper aftercare to maintain the results for several months, keeping your lips looking fresh and attractive.

Lip fillers can improve your overall appearance in many ways:

Harmonize lip balance
Sharpen lip edges
Smooth fine lines around the lips
Hydrate the lips for a soft, dewy look.
Correct lip asymmetry
Boost your self-esteem and confidence.

Lip Filler Aftercare: What Not To Do After Lip Fillers

Here are some important things to avoid after fillers.

Avoid Drinking or smoking.

Drinking or smoking can break down lip fillers by thinning the blood, while nicotine affects the blood flow. These habits can cause adverse symptoms, such as swelling and bruising on the lips. Avoid alcohol, vaping, and smoking for at least one week before receiving lip fillers. Then, after the lip filler treatment, to maintain long-lasting results, you must also stay away from such things for at least 24-48 hours.

Avoid Touching/Kissing Your Lips

After getting lip fillers, small puncture holes appear on the lips, which need time to heal. The lips also become softer and more sensitive, so pressure in the first two days can affect the fillers’ results.

Applying pressure — such as touching, massaging, or kissing — increases the risk of infection. Furthermore, the filler is more likely to migrate, distorting the lips’ shape.

That’s why it’s important to avoid kissing, touching, massaging, or sucking through a straw for 24–48 hours after getting lip fillers for better results.

Avoid Using Lip products

After lip filler injections, you may experience irritation or swelling in your lips. In such cases, using makeup, lip balm, or lip gloss can worsen these symptoms, and bacteria from the injection site may enter the body, causing infections.

Therefore, after receiving lip fillers, you should refrain from using any lip products for at least 24 hours.

Don’t Use Blood Thinners

If you are using blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil, you should stop taking them according to expert guidance. Because they can increase bleeding and swelling after lip fillers. Such medications may delay the healing process, so it’s better to avoid blood thinners for 24–48 hours after getting lip fillers. You can ask your provider if it’s necessary to take any medication.

Avoid Laser Treatments

Laser facial treatments are non-surgical treatments that improve skin tone and texture using laser technology. Laser treatments produce a lot of heat that can dissolve lip fillers quickly. You should avoid laser facials or other cosmetic treatments for at least 2 weeks after the procedure.

Stay Away from Sun Exposure and Heat

Direct sun exposure and heat can break down lip fillers and may cause sunburn, swelling, or bruising. Avoid sun exposure, high temperatures, saunas, and hot showers for at least 48 hours after lip filler injections. Keep your lips cool and protected to minimize complications. If you need to go outside, apply a high-SPF sunblock.

Avoid High-Sodium Foods

Sodium-rich foods can cause dehydration and swelling of the lips after the treatment. Salty food also irritates the injection site. Avoid salty and high-sodium foods for some days after treatment. Try to eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables and low-sodium foods to protect the new, enhanced lips.

Refrain From Flying

Traveling by air can be harmful after lip filler treatments, as high pressure can cause swelling and bruising. So, to reduce infection or complications, try to avoid flying for at least two weeks.

What To Do After Lip fillers?

1. Keep your lips hydrated:
Drinking plenty of clean water is crucial to keep your lips hydrated. Use a beneficial lip balm to moisturize for better and longer-lasting results.
2. Apply ice regularly:
Use an ice pack or wrap ice cubes in a clean, thin cloth. Gently apply to your lips — avoid rubbing to prevent irritation.
3. Keep your lips clean:
Maintaining excellent hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection. Do not touch your lips with unwashed hands.
4. Follow-up appointments:
Regular follow-ups with your injector are essential to monitor results and ensure proper healing.
5. Sleep elevated:
Avoid sleeping on your stomach. Try to sleep on your back with your head elevated to reduce swelling and avoid pressure on your lips.

FAQs

Can I smile after lip fillers?

Yes, it’s fine to show the facial expressions like smiling or laughing after lip fillers. You can smile gently, but avoid massaging your lips for 48 hours.

Can I brush my teeth after lip fillers?

Yes, you can brush your teeth after lip fillers. But be careful and do not apply any pressure on the injection site. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Can I lick my lips after fillers?

Licking your lips and blowing air (through a straw) can dehydrate your lips and irritate them. So, be strict to avoid licking your lips for 48 hours after the treatment.

Can I apply Vaseline to my lips after receiving fillers?

After fillers, lips are more fragile and have pores in them. Any product can cause infection. So it is better to avoid putting vaseline on the lips for 24 hours after fillers.

Best Lip Filler Clinics

You can achieve soft, full, and well-shaped lips without surgery through lip filler injections. Just follow the aftercare instructions to maintain your desired results and enjoy your new look for months to come. If you’re considering the treatment, be sure to choose a trusted clinic for your appointments. Here is a list of some reputable clinics you can consider: