Getting a lip filler is a great way toward achieving softer and fuller lips. And as more and more people become self-conscious about their appearance, lip filler has become one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure.
And just as it has become famous, a lot of patients have become concerned about the level of swelling that happens after getting lip fillers and are wondering how long the lip filler swelling stages last.
In this article, you will learn more about lip fillers, their benefits, stages of swelling, and lots more. Read on.
BENEFITS OF LIP FILLERS
People perform cosmetic surgery most times because they want to escape aging, and like other cosmetic surgeries, one of the first benefits of getting a lip filler is that you can say goodbye to thinning of the lips and wrinkles, which is one of the signs of aging. Other significant benefits are:
– It adds volume to the lip, making it appears more structured and plump, which creates a healthy radiant look.
– They provide a more natural-looking result.
– The treatment can be reversed, as the body will naturally break down the fillers over six months.
– It has little to no side effects since the lip fillers are made from a natural substance called hyaluronic acid.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Lip fillers are made with hyaluronic acid because it is the ingredient that will help to add volume to your lips by binding to water molecules. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture from the air to keep the skin hydrated. Unlike getting a lip implant, getting lip fillers could take a maximum of 30 minutes. It is a simple procedure.
Before the procedure begins, your surgeon might want to use a numbing agent on you to help ease any form of discomfort. Then the lip fillers will be injected into your lips.
The hyaluronic acid in the lip fillers stimulates collagen and elastin production, making your lips feel soft and smooth after it has been injected. The collagen and elastin produced adds strength to the skin and replenish it with moisture while producing a healthy and vibrant look.
WHY DOES SWELLING OCCUR AFTER GETTING LIP FILLERS?
Whenever the skin is injured, it is natural if the body responds by swelling, and the procedure for getting lip fillers involves using a needle to pierce the tissues through your skin. This causes minor trauma, and swelling follows.
Aside from that, the hyaluronic acid binds with water underneath the skin, causing the lips to get plump, which is why you wanted lip fillers in the first place; to volumize your lips.
LIP FILLER SWELLING STAGES
So you do not panic when your lips begin to swell after getting lip fillers, it is good to be familiar with the different lip filler swelling stages and the events that can occur after the treatment.
LIP FILLER SWELLING STAGES 1 (LIP FILLER TREATMENT)
Immediately after you have gotten your lip fillers, you are likely to notice some swelling, and often it appears uneven, but this should not worry you sick, especially in the first 1 week after getting the lip filler treatment.
LIP FILLER SWELLING STAGES 2 (A DAY AFTER THE TREATMENT)
The morning after the lip filler treatment is when it becomes more severe and intense. You may notice that the upper lip appears larger than the lower lip, but do not panic as it will subside and get better with time.
During this time, you are at risk of developing cold sores from the treatment and you may have trouble eating or drinking. Your lips will be tender and you will feel pain, but these are all temporary. It becomes worse before it gets better.
LIP FILLER SWELLING STAGES 3 (48 HOURS AFTER TREATMENT)
On the second day after you have gotten your lip fillers, inflammation on the lip gradually improves, on to the next couple of days. You will notice some bruising or scabbing over the lips and sometimes even small bumps may appear inside the lip. You will also feel some pain, but these will all disappear in time. Inflammation is just a natural effect of trauma.
LIP FILLER SWELLING STAGES 4 (4TH DAY AFTER TREATMENT)
Inflammation continues on the fourth day and the lips will still feel tender, but by this time, you will be more adjusted to eating, drinking, and talking more comfortably.
LIP FILLER SWELLING STAGES 5 (1 WEEK LIP FILLER SWELLING STAGES)
After 1 week of getting lip filler treatment, the swelling on your lips is supposed to have stopped and your lip size appears lesser. It is from this point that you will begin to see the result of the treatment, but if you notice that the swelling continues, call your doctor.
LIP FILLER SWELLING STAGES 6 (4 WEEKS AFTER TREATMENT)
By the fourth week, your lips should have settled to a fine result. If there is a need for any corrections, it is by this time that it can happen, because at this stage the lip is no longer tender.
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HOW TO HIDE LIP FILLER SWELLING
There are several ways in which you can conceal or make your recovery more manageable and here are a few you could consider:
1. USING ICE PACKS: Applying ice on the lip immediately and subsequently after the treatment is a good way to help reduce swelling. You could cycle between ice and a warm washcloth. Leave the ice on your lips for about 10-20 minutes and then place the warm washcloth over the lips for 10 minutes.
2. APPLY TOPICAL OINTMENTS: Topical ointments such as Bromelain can help soothe pain and reduce inflammation.
3. STAY HYDRATED: Staying hydrated allows fluid to move freely in your body and percent storage. Your body sells when fluid is stored in a particular area. Hydration helps to prevent or minimize swelling.
4. AVOID MASSAGING THE LOWER FACE: When you do massage the lower face, there is a possibility of the filler moving, which may increase the swelling and interfere with your recovery time.
5. REST: Avoid doing any strenuous activity at least until after 4 weeks and give rest to your lips. Do not talk much and avoid kissing for at least the first 48 hours after treatment.
HOW MUCH SWELLING IS NORMAL?
During the first two days of getting lip fillers, you will experience considerable swelling, but this should subside by the fourth day. If by the fourth day you still notice extreme swelling, you should see your doctor.
Possible Complications
After the fourth week of getting lip fillers and swelling continues, it could be for one of the following reasons:
– Lip Filler Lumps: This is not normal and may be caused because of incorrect use of technique or product, which your body responds to by producing lumps in the area. However, if it is a small lump, it could be removed by messaging it, otherwise, see your doctor.
– Edema: This is the build-up of excess amount of fluid around the cells or tissues of your body and can rarely become a serious complication. With gentle massage around the area, the swelling can be reduced.
CONCLUSION
Getting lip fillers is a simple and less risky procedure and if you have decided to get one, you should be aware of the lip filler swelling stages, and you do not need to panic when you go a week and still have a swollen lip. And if the swelling makes you uncomfortable, there are things you could do to help manage it, such as applying ice packs on the lips. Should your swelling continue weeks after the treatment, endure you see your doctor