Preparing for Lip Filler Treatment
At Bellava MedAesthetics & Plastic Surgery Center, we want every client to have the best possible experience with their lip filler treatment.
That’s why following our pre-procedure recommendations is so important. Preparing properly for your lip filler appointment will help ensure optimal results and a smooth treatment process.
Our providers have put together this comprehensive guide on what to do before getting lip fillers. We’ll cover everything from avoiding certain medications to icing the area afterward. Following these tips will set you up for success with your lip augmentation.
What To Do Before Lip Fillers
Here are some things we recommend to clients before getting lip fillers:
Stop Taking Blood Thinners
One of the most important steps is to avoid blood thinners for at least 2 weeks before your appointment. Blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and vitamin E can increase bleeding and bruising. Always check with your physician before stopping any medications.
At Bellava MedAesthetics, we recommend avoiding:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
- Fish oil supplements
- Vitamin E supplements
- Ginkgo biloba
- St. John’s wort
- Garlic supplements
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe to use before lip fillers. If you’re concerned about discomfort, Tylenol can help ease any pain.
Avoid Alcohol
It’s also best to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before and after your lip filler treatment. Alcohol can increase bleeding and bruising at the injection site. It also causes dehydration, which can negatively impact your results.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Staying well-hydrated is key. Be sure to drink plenty of water the day before and day of your appointment. Proper hydration will help minimize swelling and support the healing process.
We recommend drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water the day before your treatment. Avoid diuretics like caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
Don’t Exercise Right Before
About 24 hours before your appointment, avoid strenuous exercise. Activities like high-intensity interval training can thin your blood and increase bleeding risk. Light exercise like walking is fine. Just listen to your body.
The day of your treatment, skip the gym altogether. You’ll want to take it easy right after your lip fillers anyway.
Skip the Aspirin Mask
While aspirin masks may help soothe inflammation for some skin conditions, skip them before lip fillers. Aspirin is a blood thinner that can increase your risk of bruising. An aspirin mask right before your appointment is not worth the risk.
Eat Pineapples
Pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme with natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help minimize swelling and bruising. Eat some fresh pineapple the day before and day of your treatment.
Exfoliate & Moisturize
Gently exfoliating and moisturizing your lips for several days beforehand will prep them for the filler. Use a soft washcloth with warm water to lightly scrub away any dry skin. Follow up with a nourishing lip balm or oil like vitamin E.
This removes debris so the filler can evenly integrate into the lip tissue. Hydrated lips are also plumper and healthier!
Avoid Lip Plumping Products
Discontinue any lip plumping glosses or creams with irritants about 2 weeks before your appointment. Ingredients like cinnamon oil can cause irritation and swelling that could interfere with properly placing the filler.
Let your lips rest from any harsh products so we can shape and define them naturally.
Style Hair Back & Dress Comfortably
On the day of your treatment, pull your hair back away from your face. This gives our injectors full access to your lips.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing you can relax in. Avoid anything that needs to be pulled over your head, which could disturb the treatment area. Expect some swelling after your lip fillers, so pick outfits that won’t press on your mouth.
Come With Clean Skin
Arrive with a clean face so our medical aestheticians can properly sterilize and mark your lips pre-injection. Avoid wearing makeup, especially lipstick or gloss. We’ll want full visibility of your natural lip shape and lines.
Take Arnica and Pain Relievers
About an hour before your appointment, take 400-500mg of arnica montana to minimize bruising. You can also take acetaminophen or your preferred pain reliever so it’s active during the treatment.
Allow Extra Time
Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early so we can get you checked in and settled before the injections. Set aside enough time afterward for any numbness in your lips to wear off before eating or drinking. Most clients need 1-2 hours.
Having patience as your lips adjust to the filler is crucial. Avoid making plans right after your appointment. Give yourself time to relax and recover.
What to Expect During the Appointment
Now that you’re prepped for your lip filler treatment, let’s discuss what to expect at your Bellava MedAesthetics appointment.
Our staff provides a professional, sterile environment to keep you comfortable. When you arrive, we’ll take you back to one of our state-of-the-art treatment rooms.
Your injector will thoroughly cleanse the area, apply numbing cream, and mark your injection sites. We customize every aspect of your treatment to match your facial anatomy and achieve natural-looking results.
Once your lips are numb, your injector will carefully inject the filler using small amounts of hyaluronic acid. Most clients feel little to no pain thanks to the numbing medication. You may feel some pressure or pinching during the injections.
Your appointment takes 30-60 minutes depending on how much filler you need. We take things slowly, adding gradual amounts of volume for subtle lip enhancement. Remember, less is often more with lip injections!
After your treatment, avoid touching or massaging your lips to allow the filler to properly settle. We’ll go over aftercare instructions like icing to reduce swelling. With our cutting-edge techniques, your recovery is quick and comfortable.
Recovery Tips & What to Avoid
Following our aftercare guidance is key for healing quickly after your lip fillers. Here are our top tips:
Ice the Area
Ice helps constrict blood vessels and minimize bruising and swelling. Use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 5-10 minutes at a time as needed the first 1-2 days. Don’t ice too long, as it can damage skin tissue.
Avoid Extreme Heat
Heat can worsen swelling, so avoid sources like sun exposure, saunas, hot tubs and heated blankets for 3-4 days. Lukewarm compresses are safe if swelling is severe.
Sleep Elevated
Sleep with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows the first couple nights. This prevents blood and fluid from pooling in your lips while you rest.
Avoid Pressing on Lips
Don’t poke, prod or squeeze your lips, which can shift the filler placement. No kissing or oral sex for at least 48 hours. Be gentle brushing teeth and washing your face too.
Skip the Gym
Avoid strenuous exercise for about 3 days. The increased blood flow can worsen swelling and bruising. After that, ease back into your normal routine.
Don’t Massage the Area
Unless instructed by your injector, do not massage or manipulate your lips, especially during the first 2 weeks as the filler integrates with your tissues.
Follow Medication Guidelines
Only use pain relievers recommended by your injector. Don’t take aspirin or anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen unless advised. They can increase bleeding risk.
Don’t Apply Makeup for 24 Hours
Cosmetics can introduce bacteria while lips are healing. Avoid lipstick for 24 hours. After that, use clean applicators and non-irritating formulas.
Schedule Follow-Up Appointments
Meet with your Bellava MedAesthetics injector 2 weeks after your initial treatment. They’ll assess your results and determine if any touch-up injections are needed.
Follow-up appointments 4-6 months later help maintain your desired look. Your injector will advise on when to schedule maintenance filler based on how quickly it metabolizes in your lips.
With optimal preparation plus proper aftercare, your lip filler results can last 6 months or longer. We’re here to provide ongoing care and help you feel confident with your new smile!
FAQs on What To Do About Lip Fillers
Many clients have questions when preparing for their first lip filler treatment. Here are answers to some of the concerns we hear most often:
How long does it take lip fillers to heal?
Most swelling and bruising resolves within 5-7 days. Tenderness and firmness improve over 2 weeks as the filler settles. Optimal results are visible after about 2 weeks. Complete healing takes 4-6 weeks.
When can I return to work after lip fillers?
Most patients feel comfortable returning to work 2-3 days after lip fillers when swelling has improved. Avoid client meetings right after your appointment. Give yourself 1-2 days to rest before social commitments.
How long do lip fillers last?
With FDA-approved hyaluronic acid fillers, results typically last 6-12 months. The length depends on the rate your body metabolizes the filler. Maintenance injections every 6-12 months sustain your desired lip fullness long-term.
Can I get lip fillers while breastfeeding?
DERMAL FILLERS LIKE Restylane are not recommended while breastfeeding. The effects they may have on milk production are uncertain. We suggest waiting until after you are done nursing to get lip injections.
Are lip injections painful?
We use numbing medication to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Most patients feel little to no pain, only some pressure and pinching. Avoiding blood thinners before your appointment helps reduce bruising and swelling afterward.
How old do you need to be to get lip fillers?
The FDA approved dermal fillers for patients 18 and older. Those under 18 must have parental consent. Teens should have completed their natural growth first before enhancing lips. We assess each patient individually to determine candidacy.
When can I wear lipstick after fillers?
Avoid lip products for 24 hours after your injections to prevent infection. After that, use clean applicators and non-irritating formulas. Avoid matte liquid lipsticks which can emphasize swelling and dryness.
Contact Bellava MedAesthetics to Learn More
We hope this guide prepares you for a smooth and successful lip filler treatment. Bellava MedAesthetics is here to support you every step of the way to naturally plump, defined lips. To learn more or book your consultation, contact our office today.
