A degree of swelling and bruising after lip filler injections is perfectly normal, and this article will outline the information you need to understand the swelling and bruising you can expect and how to keep it to a minimum.

Our team of aesthetic practitioners are experts in dermal filler treatments. Contact the CREO Clinic today and book a consultation with our team to find out how they can improve the shape and volume of your lips.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Omar Tillo MD, MS, EBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast)

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Will I Bruise and Swell After Getting Lip Fillers?

Some swelling and bruising after getting a lip filler procedure is inevitable, but this will vary from person to person, and will depend mostly on the skill and experience of your cosmetic practitioner.

Is Bruising And Swelling Normal After Lip Fillers?

Bruising and swelling is a routine physiological response to skin and tissue damage, so it is perfectly normal that puncturing the skin with needles would result in some bruising and swelling. Fortunately, the minimal damage made by injections means that any inflammation and bruising will heal quickly.

Do Different Types Of Lip Fillers Impact Swelling and Bruising?

One of the most common types of gel lip filler – hyaluronic acid – is a glycosaminoglycan found naturally in the body that can be used to attract and retain water, resulting in improved hydration and volume of the skin. Use of this filler can result in slightly more swelling than other fillers as a result of its water retention properties.

How Long Does Swelling And Bruising Last After Lip Fillers?

The peak of lip swelling will occur on the day of your injections and last for up to three days. Swelling and bruising should disappear within a week but in some cases it can last up to ten days.

How Long Does It Take For A Needle Injection Wound To Heal?

The needle injection does not cause a significant wound as the needle used to inject your dermal fillers will not go any deeper into the lip than approximately 2.5 mm. The puncture itself may take around 1-2 days to fully heal.

Day By Day Timeline Of Lip Filler Swelling And Bruising

Day 1

After your first filler injections, you’re likely to notice some swelling – this is just your body responding to the injections and bringing extra blood supply to the lips so they can heal.

Try to avoid exercise for the first 24-48 hours as this could exacerbate the swelling. Our aesthetic team suggest light exercises such as walks that won’t interfere with the healing process.

Day 2

The peak of the swelling in your lips will be seen around between days 1-3. You may feel that your lips look somewhat unnatural at this stage – overly firm, or uneven – but this is completely normal and will subside. You may also feel a little discomfort at this stage, but you should not feel significant pain.

Days 4-5

This is the point where the swelling begins to subside and the shape and volume of your new lips begin to stabilise.

After 1-2 Weeks

You should now start to be able to enjoy the new volume and shape of your lips, as the swelling and bruising should have almost completely disappeared.

After 4 Weeks

After a month has passed, your filler should have fully settled and your lips will have taken their final form. Should you have any concerns about unevenness or the shape of your lips, now is the time to speak with our aesthetic team so that touch ups can be made if necessary.

Tips To Reduce Bruising And Swelling After Lip Fillers

Use Ice Or Cold Compresses On Your Lips

Using ice after your filler treatment can significantly help to reduce swelling and bruising. You can ice your lips several times a day for up to ten minute periods, being careful not to do it for longer than this as this may damage your lips or the blood vessels in them.

After the first day of downtime, you can start to alternate between applying ice and a warm compress – this helps to keep bruising to a minimum.

Avoid Heat For First 24 Hours

In the first 24 hours after your lip filler treatment, strong heat can actually increase the swelling of your lips and make bruising worse. After the first 24 hour period, a warm compress can be used to help resolve bruising.

Take Arnica Or Apply Arnica Cream

Arnica is available over-the-counter at most pharmacies and health food shops. This herb is often used to treat swelling and bruising and is available in tablet and cream form, but evidence for its efficacy is limited.

Avoid Ibuprofen

While ibuprofen is often used to combat inflammation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also work as a blood thinner, which in turn can increase blood flow and bruising around the lips. Try to avoid these 48 hours before treatment and as you recover.

Keep Your Head Elevated

Try to keep your head up when awake or sleeping – sleep on your back and keep yourself upright and comfortable with pillows so you’re able to get a good night sleep while keeping your head elevated.

Drink Lots Of Water And Avoid Alcohol

Try to stay hydrated throughout your downtime – this will help your body heal and keep swelling to a minimum. Alcohol should be avoided prior to treatment and as you heal, as it works as a blood thinner that can cause increased swelling and bruising of the lips.

Stay Away From Salty Foods

As the hyaluronic acid used in fillers works to retain water in the lips, it is important to avoid salt, as this can cause the skin of your lips to become dehydrated. It can also cause you to lick your lips more often, which is best avoided whenever possible during your downtime.

Don’t Touch Your Lips

A key piece of advice is to avoid touching your lips while they are healing. The healing process makes your lips very tender, and touching them could cause further damage that further lengthens the healing process.

When Should I Worry About Swelling And Bruising After Getting Lip Fillers

The bruises and swelling that result from lip filler injections tend to resolve themselves after around two weeks. If your bruising and swelling increases during this period or continues, make sure you contact our aesthetic team so they can make a clinical assessment and advise you appropriately.

Do lip fillers hurt during or after injections?

During the lip filler injection you may feel a slight pricking sensation from the treatment, but you are unlikely to feel any significant pain. To minimise discomfort, numbing cream can be used to anaesthetise the lips prior to injection. After the injections, you will experience some swelling which may feel uncomfortable, but this should not be painful.

Can I go back to work after getting lip fillers?

Lip fillers require no downtime at all, meaning you can return to work and your daily routine immediately after the treatment.

How safe are lip filler injections?

In the hands of an experienced aesthetic doctor, lip filler injections are extremely safe. Finding a practitioner who has performed many successful lip treatments is key – experienced practitioners are able to perform the treatment safely and effectively.

What are the risks associated with lip filler injections?

There are some risks associated with that fillers, such as: bleeding and discomfort, the activation of coldsores, changes in pigmentation, infection, tissue necrosis, asymmetry and filler migration (filler moving away from the lips into other areas).

Do lip injections damage lips?

The risk of doing damage to your lips is minimal in the hands of an experienced practitioner. However some permanent change is possible, such as stretching, tissue necrosis or infection.

Contact CREO Clinic Today To Learn More About Lip Fillers

Book a consultation today with the CREO Clinic and find out what our doctors can do to improve the volume and shape of your lips. As an expert in creating artful improvements to the lips, you can feel sure that in her hands you are being treated by a highly experienced cosmetic practitioner.