Lip Filler Aftercare: 20 Top Tips From an Expert

Overview: Lip filler aftercare plays a crucial role in how well your results settle and how quickly your lips heal. With the right care in the days and weeks following treatment, you can minimise swelling and bruising while achieving the best possible outcome. In this guide, expert injector Sarah Murphy shares her top aftercare tips to help your lips recover smoothly.

Sarah Murphy is a fully licensed and accredited Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner offering a wide range of anti-ageing treatments. She is also the owner of Anti Ageing Aesthetics clinic in Garstang, Lancashire.

Having carried out hundreds of dermal filler injections to the lips, Sarah shares her 20 top tips for lip filler aftercare to help your lips heal faster and settle beautifully.

After getting lip fillers, do…

The first day

• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated to support healing.
• Choose easy-to-eat foods to avoid excessive wiping or pressure on the lips.

The first week

• Sleep on your back if possible and avoid sleeping on your face.
• Use soothing topical treatments such as Bepanthen or Arnica cream up to three times a day if needed.

Generally

• Allow plenty of time before any special events — lip filler can take 2–4 weeks to fully settle.
• Sleep with your head elevated on pillows to help reduce swelling.
• Enjoy beautifully plump lips that can last up to six months.

After getting lip fillers, don’t…

The first day

• Don’t use harsh cleansers or exfoliants near the lips.
• Don’t drink through a straw, as this increases pressure on the lips.
• Don’t apply makeup to the lips.
• Don’t drink alcohol, as it can thin the blood.
• Don’t consume excessive salt, which may worsen dehydration.
• Avoid kissing or massaging the lips.

The first few days

• Don’t worry if bruising or slight lumpiness appears around days 3–4 — this is normal.
• Don’t sleep on your face.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours; light activity is fine.
• Avoid high heat environments such as saunas, steam rooms, hot showers, or heated workouts.

The first week

• Avoid NSAIDs, aspirin, and vitamin E supplements as these may increase bruising.
• Don’t fly, as air pressure changes can worsen swelling.

The first two weeks

Avoid facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, IPL, waxing, or laser treatments on the face for two weeks after lip fillers. Future treatment plans can be discussed during follow-up appointments.

Summary

Following proper aftercare is essential to achieving the best possible lip filler results. By supporting healing, avoiding unnecessary pressure or heat, and allowing adequate time for swelling to settle, you can enjoy smoother recovery and beautifully enhanced lips.