​BASIC AFTERCARE

• Starting the day after you get lip filler, gently massage the lips 3 times a day for 3 minutes each time. Do this for 14 days or as long as you have "lumps/bumps". Massage lightly. If masspainful, use less pressure but do not stop, even if you are only lightly rubbing.

• Do not manipulate/massage any area of bruising for 48 hours as that can increase swelling/bruising.

• No puckering (straws, smoking, vaping, etc.) for the first 7 days. Minimum puckering for next 7 days as it can push filler out of your lips. After 14 days, resume all normal activities.

• No flute or other wind instruments for 14 days, this can cause your lips to become round and puckered.

• No ice on lips! If you feel you really need it, use it very sparingly. It decreases inflammation and inflammation helps the filler integrate.

• For swelling, take an antihistamine (Allegra, Zyrtec, Claritin, etc).  You can begin on day one and take one daily as long as there is swelling.

• Sleep with your head slightly elevated to decrease swelling.

• Stay well hydrated.

• If possible, avoid lipstick for the first 24 hours. You may use lipstick after the first 24 hours as it will cover bruises.

• No strenuous activity for at least 24 hours.

• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours as it can cause bruises to blossom and/or get worse.

• Avoid any over-the-counter pain medication EXCEPT Tylenol/acetaminophen for 24 hours (otherwise bruising could get worse or develop).

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NATURAL COURSE

• Swelling can increase at any time. It tends to get worse over the first 3 days and generally resolves within 5 - 7 days. This is different for different people though, so you may not fit the pattern.

• If you have a bruise, it can last for 14 - 21 days. The best thing to do for bruises is to take oral Arnica. You can purchase it at Whole Foods or other health food stores (one brand name is Boiron). Make sure to follow the directions.

 COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Lumps, bumps, swelling, and bruising.

• Oddly shaped lips due to swelling (like "duck lips"). This is temporary.

• Everyone's lips are asymmetric, and this can be more obvious when lips are swollen. Asymmetry generally resolves once swelling resolves.

• Most "seeming” distortion of the lips is usually due to filler integrating and/or swelling. It generally resolves in 2 weeks. The process is smoother and faster with massage.

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AFTER THE FIRST 2 WEEKS

• It takes about 2 weeks for the filler to integrate 90-95%, which is why your lips are not considered "stable" until then.

• If you still have some bumps, continue to massage them.  If they do not integrate after an additional 2 weeks, please make an appointment for a follow-up exam. 

• The follow-up exam is free. 

• If you need any treatment, charges will most likely apply.

• NOTE: A follow-up is not an appointment to get more filler. If you want more filler, you must make a NEW filler appointment.

 

AFTER YOUR FIRST LIP FILLER INJECTION

• The first injection of 1 cc of filler is what we call "hydration".

• After 2 weeks, 95% of patients notice that their lips will have only subtle changes, including smoothing of some of the vertical lines and a very subtle enhancement/fullness.  They may look unchanged from before filler because the swelling has resolved. They will NOT look like they did when they were swollen.

• If, after 2 weeks, you want your lips to look similar to how they did when they were swollen or even if you just want a bit more volume/fullness, you will need more filler.

• If you want more filler, please make an appointment to return no sooner than 1 month after the original appointment.

• NOTE: If you want your lips to look as full as they did when they were swollen, this will likely require more than 2 filler injections.

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AFTER YOUR NEWEST INJECTION

(assuming this was not your first injection)

• Wait at least 3-4 months for more filler.

• The way to tell if your lips are ready for more filler is to feel your lips. They should feel soft and "pinchable”.

• Take your thumb and forefinger and try to grab a piece of lip. If you can separate the lip with a gentle pinch, then they are ready. If the lips seem to be one unit and there is no give/softness, they are not ready.

• If your lips have absolutely no vertical lines and/or have an obvious line above the top lip and/or are very firm, you absolutely are not ready.

 

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