If you are unhappy with the appearance or symmetry of your smile, there is a simple and accessible solution – lip fillers!
Using the number one brand of lip fillers, Juvéderm, you can be sure that treatment at Aesthetics of Essex will leave you feeling confident and looking rejuvenated for 6-12 months!
Before you come in, however, it’s worth being aware of the side effects of intravenous lip filler injections, namely lip filler swelling.
To find out more about the lip filler swelling stages and our most common lip filler FAQs, browse our detailed blog!
If you are unhappy with the appearance or symmetry of your smile, there is a simple and accessible solution – lip fillers!
Using the number one brand of lip fillers, Juvéderm, you can be sure that treatment at Aesthetics of Essex will leave you feeling confident and looking rejuvenated for 6-12 months!
Before you come in, however, it’s worth being aware of the side effects of intravenous lip filler injections, namely lip filler swelling.
To find out more about the lip filler swelling stages and our most common lip filler FAQs, browse our detailed blog!
The lip filler swelling stages
While an essential process in the lip filler process, swelling and bruising can seem off-putting initially.
However, it’s important to remember that these timelines are rough estimates, and individual healing rates can be much faster than in the examples given, especially if you are in good health, follow aftercare instructions carefully, and give your body the rest it needs to prioritise healing.
Stage 1: Immediately after injection
On the day you get your lip fillers, you should expect a variety of physical symptoms, including:
- Swelling
- Firmness
- Slight unevenness
- Mild pain at the injection site
- Tenderness
- Mild bruising
These symptoms are caused by the insertion of Juvéderm lip fillers and the perfectly normal reaction of the injection site. As such, don’t worry and closely follow all aftercare advice to ensure healing can progress as quickly as possible.
Stage 2: In the days that follow
Occurring a day or two after treatment day, lip filler swelling is usually at its maximum during this time.
As a result, lips can look:
- Quite large
- Asymmetrical
- Lumpy
As well as feeling tight and sensitive.
Stage 3: Reduced swelling
Three to five days after your treatment, you should notice that there is a real reduction in lip filler swelling, and while bruising can be more visible, the new and improved shape of your lips is coming to the fore!
This can be really exciting, as it gives you an insight into what the next 6-12 months might look like.
Plus, as there is also a much decreased discomfort level, you can really start to show off your new look and embrace social occasions!
Stage 4: Healing is complete
From a week after treatment, your injection sites should be fully healed, and most of the swelling and bruising will be gone.
At this point, your lips will take on their final shape, helping to improve your facial symmetry and balance your smile.
Lip filler swelling and bruising FAQs
Still got questions about lip filler swelling stages and what to expect? Browse our most common FAQs and find the answers you are looking for to help you make an informed decision.
What should I do if bruising lasts longer than two weeks?
Persistent bruising is rare but manageable, and a highly trained provider, like the team at Aesthetics of Essex, can help you to differentiate between a harmless bruise and something more serious.
As such, if your bruising or swelling lasts longer than 2 weeks, you should get in touch with us so we can examine the injection site and offer bespoke care to assist with healing.
What are the signs of complications versus normal bruising?
Split into moderate or serious complications, there is an array of post-treatment clues that you should look out for. This includes:
Moderate complications
- Asymmetry that is present for 2 weeks or more
- Lumps that don’t soften with massage
- Prolonged bruising/swelling that lasts for 2 weeks or more
- Overfilled appearance, sometimes called duck lips
- Firm nodules or granulomas within the lips
Rare but serious complications
- Pale or white patches on the lips or skin that appear suddenly
- Severe pain that is not relieved by a cold compress or over-the-counter pain relievers
- Mottled (net-like) skin colour changes
- Cold sore outbreaks
- Signs of infection, including a fever, pus from the injection site, and increasing redness
- Allergic reactions, which can bring swelling, a rash, difficulty breathing
If you have any of the moderate complications, it’s best to contact us, and for those who think they might have rare but serious complications, you need to seek immediate medical treatment.
Are specific areas of the face more prone to bruising?
When considering intravenous aesthetic procedures, you should understand that certain areas of the face are more prone to bruising than others, thanks to the thinness of the skin and the proximity of dense blood vessel networks beneath the surface.
If you receive treatment in the following areas, it is likely that you will experience some bruising, and should be prepared for a period of recovery to allow this to pass:
- Lips
- Under eyes
- Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Cheeks
- Jawline and chin
- Forehead
Can I cover bruises with makeup? When is it safe to do so?
In general, you should avoid covering open injection sites or wounds with makeup, as it can introduce bacteria that can create an infection risk.
Likewise, if makeup is applied over lip filler swelling too early, it can further irritate an inflamed area.
If your puncture marks have closed over and there are no open areas of the skin, try using yellow concealer for purple/blue bruises and peach/orange tones on darker skin tones – remembering to apply it with clean brushes or sponges and remove it very gently with a mild cleanser.
Can natural remedies, like arnica or bromelain, reduce bruising?
If you are keen to reduce bruising, you might be considering taking homoeopathic or natural remedies like arnica or bromelain.
Arnica is a plant-based homeopathic remedy that contains compounds associated with reducing inflammation, swelling, and bruising by improving blood reabsorption from damaged capillaries.
Ait is available as a gel or as oral tablets/pellets.
Bromelain, on the other hand, comes from pineapples and pineapple stems, and has anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling properties that can be taken as an oral supplement.
It’s always best to seek advice from our team before you start any new health regimes ahead of treatment, but generally speaking, it is best to start the supplements 1-2 days before your lip fillers and continue for 3-5 days after to see an effect.
Does individual health status affect bruising risk?
Many factors can influence how likely (and seriously) you are to bruise, some of which you have control over.
This includes:
- Being older – skin thins as you age, increasing your chance of bruising
- Smoking and drinking alcohol regularly – both of which impair circulation and delay healing.
- Taking certain medications – such as blood thinners, NSAIDs, and some herbal supplements.
- Having particular medical conditions – like high blood pressure or immunodeficiency diseases.
- Poor lifestyle habits – such as eating an unhealthy, high-salt diet and not drinking enough water.
- Over-exercising – while exercising is healthy, very vigorous exercise increases blood flow and can worsen bruising.
This is why it’s important to speak to your experienced aesthetician about your lifestyle, medications, and health concerns at your consultation so we can tailor our advice and ensure lip fillers are a safe and effective treatment for you.
Can different injection techniques or the experience level make a difference to lip filler swelling or bruising?
Simply put, yes!
Apart from the health and lifestyle conditions of the person receiving lip fillers, the injection technique and the experience level of practitioners are the most effective factors for bruising levels.
Common injection techniques include:
- Cannula use vs needles – which can minimise bruising and trauma
- Fanning techniques – reducing trauma by using a single-entry point canula
- Linear threading – to enhance lip definition and minimise blood vessel damage
- Avoiding repositioning the needle when inside the lip – as this can cause damage without any beneficial effect
Visiting experienced practitioners can also affect bruising levels. To try to avoid excessive bruising, you should look for an aesthetician who has sufficient skill and experience levels, completes a proper assessment of each patient, and delivers effective but gentle massage to evenly distribute filler and reduce the risk of lumps or nodules.
Aftercare advice for those considered more at-risk
General aftercare advice for lip fillers, swelling, and how to minimise symptoms is easily accessible online and should also be given by your practitioner after your appointment.
However, some types of people are not generally given aftercare advice – those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have specific health conditions.
This may be because it isn’t advised that you get lip fillers, including pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, or if your specific health conditions can make it more risky to get lip fillers in the first place, including those with:
- Known allergies to hyaluronic acid or lidocaine
- Bleeding disorders
- Active infections in the area
- Certain medical conditions or those taking some medications
If any of these factors apply to you, you will need to discuss your suitability at your consultation to see if we can offer lip fillers to you as a safe and effective treatment option.
Book your lip filler consultation today
Whether you are after further information about the procedure itself or are considering whether the treatment is right for you based on your personal or health circumstances, why not get in touch with the experienced team at Aesthetics of Essex?
You can call us on 01708 225 555 or email us at info@aestheticsofessex.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you to book you in as soon as we can.
