Do’s and Don’ts After Lip Filler Injections To Help You Heal

Lip fillers, also known as lip augmentations or lip injections, are a popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment that helps you achieve fuller, more defined lips through injectable dermal fillers. Whether you’re enhancing your natural shape or restoring lost volume with age, proper lip filler aftercare is crucial to achieve optimal results, and minimize side effects such as infection, swelling, bruising, or unevenness. 

If you've just had lip fillers or are planning for your first appointment, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty about what comes next. As a board-certified physician at Nur MedSpa & Wellness, I’ve helped over 200 patients through this exact journey. That's why I’m sharing my top 5 do’s and don’ts after lip filler injections, so you can feel informed, calm, and confident every step of the way.

What to Expect in the First 24–48 Hours After Lip Filler Treatment?

Though lip filler injections are considered a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment, they still involve medical procedures. That means your body needs time to respond, heal, and settle after the injection. Most dermal fillers, like Juvederm® or Restylane®, are made of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in your skin. That makes them safe, biocompatible, and effective, but your lips will still go through a short adjustment phase right after your lip filler appointment.

As every human’s body reacts differently, trust me, all initial reactions you’ll experience are completely normal and temporary. Here’s what you might notice within the first 1–2 days:

• Swelling: Your lips look puffier than you expected at first, sometimes dramatically so! This is your body’s natural response to the injections.

• Redness: The tiny injection sites will likely be red and slightly irritated, like a mild pinpoint reaction.

• Bruising: If you do see light bruising, don’t panic. It usually fades fast and can often be covered with makeup after the first day (if your injector says it’s okay).

• Tenderness: Your lips may feel sore or sensitive when you smile, touch them or eat. 

If you notice anything unusual or you’re unsure about how your lips are healing, contact your injector right away. It's better to check than to worry.

Before and After Lip Filler Injections

5 Dos: What You Should Do After Lip Fillers?

I remember one of my patients, Sarah, who returned two weeks after her lip filler treatment glowing with confidence. She couldn’t stop smiling. Because she followed every aftercare instruction. And you too can have with my 5 recommended do’s after getting lip fillers:

1. Apply Ice Packs

Mild to moderate swelling after lip filler is normal, peaking within 24-48 hours. But you can overcome it by using a clean, soft cloth-wrapped ice pack. You can gently apply the compress for about 10-15 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours post-treatment, ensuring you don’t apply direct pressure to your lips. Otherwise, this can distort the filler before it has settled.

2. Stay Well-Hydrated

Hyaluronic acid—the main component of most dermal fillers attracts water to give your lips that soft, plump effect. To maximize your results, drink 8–10 glasses of water daily for at least the first week  but avoid excess caffeine consumption, which can dehydrate your body. You can even consider using a humidifier at night to maintain moisture levels in dry environments.

3. Sleep with Your Head Elevated

For the first couple of nights after lip filler injections, avoid lying flat or face-down sleeping. Only sleep on your back with your head propped up on two pillows. This position helps prevent fluid retention and minimizes the chance of accidentally displacing the filler. But make sure your neck is comfortably supported to avoid stiffness or discomfort.

4. Use Lip Balm or Moisturizer

Your lips will likely feel dry or tight, so keep them moisturized with fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers or balms, like Aquaphor or Vaseline. Moisturize throughout the day, especially after eating, drinking, or exposure to wind/sun. But avoid exfoliating or using active skincare ingredients near your lip area for at least a week, as they can irritate the area or interfere with healing.

5. Schedule a Follow-Up Appointment

Aftercare doesn’t stop when you walk out of the spa. Most providers recommend a follow-up visit 2–4 weeks after your treatment. This check-in allows your injector to evaluate the final result, make minor adjustments if needed, and answer any questions. If you notice asymmetry, small lumps, or unexpected results, it can be corrected with gentle massage or a touch-up filler.

5 Don’ts: What to Avoid After Lip Fillers?

Knowing the do’s is only half the picture to have your best pout in a selfie you hoped for. Even my own patients have unintentionally sabotage their results by making common post-treatment mistakes. That’s why here are my 5 don’ts to remember after your lip filler treatment:

1. Don’t Touch or Massage Your Lips

It’s natural to want to feel your lips after filler, but touching, pressing, or massaging the area increases the risk of infection and causes the filler to move, leading to lumps or asymmetry. Only touch your lips if your injector specifically advises it, such as for gentle correction of minor lumps after 48 hours. Even if you accidentally touch your lips, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to minimize risk.

2. Avoid Strenuous Exercise

Skip heavy workouts, running, or hot yoga, for at least a day or two to let your lips settle. Physical exertion increases your heart rate and blood circulation, which can exacerbate swelling and delay recovery. Instead, take it easy. Opt for gentle walks or light stretching during this period. Give your body and your lips plenty of time to rest and recover.

3. Steer Clear of Alcohol and Smoke

Do not consume alcohol, smoke, or take blood-thinning medications like aspirin or ibuprofen for at least 24 hours before and after your filler treatment. Alcohol and NSAIDs thin the blood, increasing the likelihood of bruising and swelling, while smoking restricts blood vessels, slowing the healing process and raises the risk of infection or poor filler retention.

4. Don’t Apply Makeup to Your Lips

Applying lipstick, lip liner, or even tinted balm right after your filler can introduce bacteria to the freshly punctured skin and irritate the healing tissue. Wait at least 24 hours before using any lip products. However, you can stick to sterile, fragrance-free balms if moisture is needed, and follow your provider's recommendations closely.

5. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Your lips are especially sensitive after filler. So, ignore saunas, hot showers, steam rooms, or exposure to very cold weather for 48 hours to get best results. Heat can increase swelling, while extreme cold can cause discomfort and prolong recovery

👉 Bonus Tip: Postpone routine dental procedures for at least two weeks after your filler injections. Dental work can place pressure on the lips and interfere with the filler’s settling process. If urgent care is needed, make sure to inform your dentist about your recent lip augmentation to avoid complications.

Start Your Lip Filler Journey in Orlando at NUR MedSpa & Wellness

Lip fillers are more than a beauty enhancement. They’re a commitment to looking and feeling your absolute best. While the procedure itself is quick and minimally invasive, the true journey to stunning, natural-looking results begins after your treatment. That’s why knowing and following the essential aftercare dos and don’ts is non-negotiable.

At NUR MedSpa & Wellness, we believe informed aftercare is important as an expert technique. Every choice you make post-procedure plays a role in how beautifully your results settle and how smoothly your healing progresses.

📍 Visit us in person at our spa located in Lake Nona, Orlando, or call us at 407-487-8855 to schedule your appointment. Together, we’ll ensure your lip filler experience is smooth, satisfying, and leaves you feeling confidently beautiful from start to finish.

Lip Filler Aftercare FAQs

Can I Wear Lipstick After Lip Fillers?

Wait at least 24 hours before applying lipstick or other makeup to your lips. This reduces the risk of infection.

How Long Does It Take for Lips to Settle After Filler?

Most swelling resolves within 5–7 days, but final results become apparent at 2 weeks post-treatment.

Can I Fly After Lip Filler?

Short flights are okay, but avoid flying for 48 hours to allow inflammation to settle.