Lip filler injections may be non-surgical procedures, but following an aftercare regimen is still essential to ensure you heal as smoothly as possible, so you can show off your beautiful lips with confidence.

What not to do after lip injections

To ensure the most positive outcome after lip injections and maximize lip filler after care, here are several things you should avoid:

• Smoking or vaping
• Scratching around the injection sites
• Exercising strenuously (for 1-2 days)
• Wearing lipstick or lip balm (for at least 24 hours)
• Eating hard foods
• Undergoing dental work or invasive procedures (for at least 2-3 weeks)

8 hacks for post-lip filler care

Our board-certified dermatologists at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York share eight tips to avoid complications and enhance your lip filler aftercare.

Avoid alcohol

Alcohol acts as a blood thinner and can increase the likelihood of inflammation, bruising, and swelling –that’s why it is also recommended to avoid it a few days before your appointment. Avoid alcohol for at least 24-48 hours after lip fillers have been injected to avoid complications and allow faster healing.

Avoid kissing/massaging/touching your lips

Avoid applying pressure to your lips. Kissing, massaging, or touching your lips can increase the risk of infection and interfere with how the fillers settle into your lips.
You need time to allow the puncture holes to heal, so bacteria can’t travel through them. In addition, the pressure from massaging or kissing can potentially cause the filler to migrate, leading to unevenness or the filler traveling past the upper lip. Your lips may be a bit tender and swollen too, so minimize pressure whenever possible.

Don’t use straws

Avoid drinking through straws in the immediate 24-48 hours after your lip filler treatment. The pressure and motion required to use a straw may cause the lip filler to distort. In addition, using a straw may cause some discomfort, since there will be swelling after the lip injections.

Limit foods high in sodium

Cut as much sodium out of your diet for the first 48 hours following your lip filler treatment. Salt increases swelling, and since you are also avoiding exercise and sweating, your body won’t be naturally ridding itself of the excess salt. Salty foods can also irritate the lips.
Focus on healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables. These nutrient-rich foods help keep you hydrated while speeding up your healing process.

Apply ice

Apply ice to your lips during the first 48 hours following your procedure. You can do this several times during the day, but make sure you are not applying the ice directly on your lips. Use an ice pack or an ice cube wrapped in a thin cloth. Applying ice helps ease swelling, bruising, and itching.

Avoid hot environments

Heat can cause blood vessel dilation, which may worsen swelling. Don’t expose yourself to direct sun sunlight and places or activities with high temperatures. Avoid hot saunas and baths, steam, or heated exercise for at least 48 hours after your lip filler treatment.

Refrain from flying

Wait at least a week before traveling by air. The air pressure in a plane can intensify swelling and bruising, and the air inside the plane may dehydrate the skin on your lips, affecting your results.

Drink water

Drinking water supports your body’s recovery process. Water keeps your body hydrated and improves the delivery of nutrients around your body to promote healing.

In addition, lip fillers like Juvederm® Volbella and Restylane® Kysse are typically made of hyaluronic acid, which binds with water to help skin retain moisture and produces plumper skin cells. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated helps the filler integrate into your lips’ tissues better for a more optimal outcome.

Lip filler injections in New York

Before even considering the best tips for post lip filler care, be sure your injections are first performed by board-certified dermatologists with an excellent track record.

The board-certified dermatologists at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York perform all treatments themselves and remain committed to providing superior medical and cosmetic care –even participating in research at our research center. Contact us to schedule a consultation at our Manhattan or Southampton offices and learn more about the benefits of lip filler injections.