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Cosmetic surgeries are in boom. Of many different types of surgeries, lip fillers are very popular. But many people are concerned with lip swelling post-surgery and want to know about lip filler swelling stages. Here we will talk just about that. Read on!
As the social media giants gear up to host a majority of the world on their platforms, demand for cosmetic surgeries and beauty treatment procedures has gone up. More and more people are going in for nose jobs, breast implants, and even lip filler treatments.
In the era of the selfie, everyone craves a camera face with minimum hassles. The lip filler procedure has caught the attention of youngsters who do not shy away from anything that adds to their personalities.
Lip filler injections are quite common with this age group fed on a stable social media diet. And if you are a part of this demographic then probably you are planning to go in for one. And you would most probably be wondering about two pertinent questions – the lip filler swelling stages and the lip filler aftercare process. This article will help you understand both. It will also give you tips on lip filler aftercare.
What Is Lip Filler?
This is a temporary procedure that people pay for to get more plump lips. A naturally endowed lip gives the face a lift and those who are not blessed with fuller lips go in for this cosmetic procedure which involves an injection.
More and more people are becoming non-averse to the lip filler procedure as it’s a quick non-invasive procedure resulting in fuller lips that add to the beauty of their face. The gel which is injected uplifts and shapes the tissues in the lips, giving them a well-rounded look.
The most common substance that is used in a lip filler injection contains hyaluronic acid, which is an ingredient found in the body itself. This ingredient gives your lips volume, shape, and a fuller structure.
Since it’s a temporary procedure, the effect of a lip filler treatment lasts for a period of 6 to 8 months. One of the positives of the procedure is that it rarely gives any scars, swellings, or external lip filler bruising that might mar your looks. This is true for all the lip filler swelling stages.
Why Do You Need A Lip Filler Aftercare Guide?
Lips are strategically placed on your face by nature to immediately grab attention. Any fiddling with this part would therefore stand out. Once you have zeroed in on a qualified cosmetic surgeon and a credible facility, you need to ensure you understand fully well what would be the changes to your face. A well-done lip filler procedure will amplify your looks with a sensuous lip without exaggerating any changes to your facial features.
Since only natural ingredients are used, any changes you experience in the form of swelling or lumps are normal. However, you need to take good care after the procedure.
You will start seeing the changes almost immediately once the procedure is done. You will pass through different lip filler swelling stages. Initially, there will be lip filler bruising inside and that will result in swelling. This swelling is just part of the healing process and will give you your desired shape and volume within a few days.
Lip Filler Swelling Timeline
Many who go undergo this procedure worry about the lip filler swelling timeline. Once the procedure is done, seeing the lips swell and go reddish in color can make even the toughest people anxious. However, this is all part of the treatment process and the lip filler healing process.
Many even forego eating and drinking while they pass through the lip filler swelling stages. This is again quite common after the procedure. Make sure you consult the surgeon about what can be consumed during the post-treatment phase.
If the lip filler swelling timeline was to be plotted then, the first day would be a numb experience followed by experiencing a slight tingling in the injection area owing to the anesthetic applied before the injection. The next day would see swelling and reddening of lips. This is a precursor to the next three days. There might surface some bruises (which is normal and nothing to worry about) and you might feel the presence of lumps.
Many raise a question on how to massage lip filler lumps? It is not advised to massage the injected lip area as it can aggravate the swelling. The doctor might gently massage the lips to remove the lumps. However, be warned not to self-treat the lumps on your lips by reading how to massage lip filler lumps on the internet. Applying any kind of pressure wrongly may worsen the situation. Leave that for the trained medical practitioner, who should be approached if the swelling refuses to subside and becomes painful.
Lip Filler Aftercare
Coming to the most important part of the article, what are the lip filler aftercare activities one must compulsorily perform to reduce any discomfort. Do note that what is discussed here are general tips and tricks to alleviate the situation during lip filler swelling stages.
Please do consult your medical practitioner or the cosmetic surgeon who would be the best person to suggest treatment customized for your specific issue if any. The physician will have some aftercare solutions that might work best for you. If you find there is no other serious injury or bruising other than a normal swelling, then read on for lip filler aftercare tips.
First, understand the basic and normal situations that might crop up during the lip filler healing process.
Lip Filler Bruising
This is a normal after-effect of injecting your lips with hyaluronic acid. To avoid the resultant discomfort, it is suggested that ice be applied to the lip or an over-the-counter pain killer be consumed. This is part of the lip filler swelling stages. A word of warning; for any sort of pain medication, please contact a medical practitioner who best understands your medical history.
If you notice any bruising on the outside of the lips followed by a sharp pain on your lips then immediately seek medical attention or visit the clinic where the lip filler procedure was carried out.
Lip Filler Swelling
Like bruising, some amount of swelling is normal. The lip filler swelling timeline dictates that the swelling will disappear after a few days. To reduce the slight discomfort you might be feeling, it is advisable to ice the area. Usage of ice packs for a short period of time is an essential part of lip filler aftercare. However, one should ensure to not overdo it as it can damage the lip tissues.
Lip Filler Lumps And Bumps
Once again, some slight lumps and bumps are normal and can occur due to the uneven distribution of the injected substance. One can gently massage the affected area after due medical consultation on how to massage lip filler lumps. If the lumps persist beyond two weeks immediately contact the cosmetic surgeon who will be in a better position to check the issue and suggest remedial actions.
Some of the other basic care that one must take during lip filler swelling stages are:
- Stay hydrated: one can never have enough water. During this period, it’s important that you do not allow your lips to dry out. Water not only helps speed up the recovery process, but also keeps the lips wet, sensuous, and full. Isn’t that why you did the procedure anyway?
- Eat healthily: another important aspect people forget to observe during the lip filler healing process is eating healthy. Experts suggest eating lightly and consuming only hydrating food items such as fruits and vegetables. Any sort of spicy and salty food should be avoided during a major part of the lip filler swelling stages.
- Applying lip balm: the jury is still out on this one. It’s okay to apply a lip balm on your lips if it has not been opened and used previously. This prevents any alien particles from causing unnecessary complications. Make sure to apply it gently and avoid any unwanted pressure. But to give out a verdict on this it is better to avoid applying any makeup items on the lips for at the very least, the initial lip filler swelling stages.
- Sleep on your back: the importance of sleeping on one’s back for the next 48 hours after surgery is quite under-rated. However, to prevent any sort of pressure and shifting of the fillers, it is advisable to sleep on one back till it settles.
- Avoid heavy exercises: take care to avoid any form of strenuous activities as that might inadvertently result in applying pressure on your lips. The heart rate and blood pressure rising due to exercise can also result in lip swelling or bruising. It is better to avoid any sort of activity that is taxing on the body during the initial lip filler swelling stages.
- Avoid hot temperatures: It is advised that one should avoid any extreme temperature zones till the lips have undergone a healing period. This includes giving the sauna or the steam room a total miss.
Bonus Tip: When using ice do not apply it directly to your lips. Either wrap the ice in a cloth pack or plastic. Applying it directly might result in restricted blood flow. Do not wrap ice in tissue paper while applying.
Whatever happens, strictly avoid indulging in any of the following at any cost:
- Avoid all alcoholic beverages: Alcohol is one of the prime reasons why blood vessels dilate. Avoid consuming alcohol during the lip filler swelling stages. The intrinsic property of alcohol causes inflammation and increases the chances of bruising and excessive swelling. Both will be anti-productive after the treatment and should be avoided completely. So lay off alcohol for a considerable period during the lip filler swelling stages.
- Avoid flying, especially long-haul flights: The air pressure inside a plane can result in worsening swelling and bruising. Due to the dry environment created when flying, one is bound to be dehydrated. This will only intensify the post-treatment discomfort you experience. Another reason why experts suggest the avoidance of flying for at least a week is the lack of access to the cosmetic surgeon or clinic in case of post-treatment complications which are rare, but not unheard of.
- Quit smoking: If you are a compulsive smoker then, you will need to quit smoking temporarily at least. Not only does it constrict the blood vessels, but cigarettes are also known to increase the chances of infection. Since lips come in close contact with the cigarette butt, you raise the chances of getting infected. Also, the healing process during the lip filler swelling stage will be prolonged due to lighting up and inhaling toxic fumes.
Be Warned Of These Extreme Side Effects:
Though harmless and a routine procedure, lip filler treatment might end up with some extreme side effects. The reason for this could be many. Maybe you performed the procedure with an inexperienced and non-certified practitioner. Or you went in for treatment without checking up with the cosmetic surgeon and your medical practitioner about any pre-existing medical conditions that might prove to be debilitating. Whatever be the reason, there can arise some complications which are rare and not at all common during lip filler swelling stages.
- Severe swelling and bruising
- Allergic reaction to the numbing agent
- Excessive lip skin peeling
- Cold sores
- White spots or blotches on lips. This might indicate a medical condition called Vascular occlusion which means the death of the tissues due to incorrectly injecting the filler into an artery which results in a stoppage of blood flow.
Finally, people worry that once the procedure is carried out it might damage the lips. It’s a completely safe procedure with only natural ingredients being used for injection. A second worry is surrounding the myth that lip fillers reduce the size of the lips. This is again not possible as the filler agent is absorbed by the body and your lips go back to their original size and shape. So go ahead and get that lip filler done and make sure you follow all the aftercare tips during the lip filler swelling stages.