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If you’ve recently had lip fillers or are considering them in Gravesend, Dartford or across Kent, taking good care of your lips after treatment can make a big difference to how you feel and how well your fillers settle. Getting lip fillers is just the start — the next few days matter for healing, comfort and lasting results.

Here’s a friendly guide with helpful advice — plus a few doctor-style tips — on how to help your lips settle beautifully.

What to Do Immediately After Your Treatment

Use a gentle cold compress

It’s common to feel a bit of swelling, tenderness, or even bruising in the first 24–48 hours. Applying a cold pack wrapped in a soft cloth — for about 10–15 minutes at a time — can help reduce swelling and soothe discomfort.

Stay hydrated & eat well

Drinking plenty of water helps your body heal and supports the filler integration. Eating hydrating foods — like fruit, vegetables and light meals — can also benefit recovery.

Keep lips clean, avoid irritation

For at least 24 hours after treatment, avoid applying heavy lip products, strong makeup or harsh skin care on your lips. If you use lip balm, make sure it’s clean and mild (preferably fragrance-free). Rubbing or massaging your lips can disturb the filler and increase the chance of uneven settling.

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What to Avoid — For the First 24–48 Hours (Sometimes a Bit Longer)

No strenuous exercise or heavy heat

Avoid intense workouts, hot baths, saunas or steam rooms. Increased blood flow and heat can worsen swelling, bruise more easily, and make healing slower.

Avoid smoking, alcohol & straws

Alcohol and smoking can thin the blood, which may increase bruising or swelling. Using straws or making puckering motions can also stress the treated area and affect how filler settles.

Skip lips massage, tight pressure or “lip-heavy” habits

Don’t press, rub, massage or pick at your lips. Avoid kissing, tight lip balm application, or anything that puts uneven pressure on the lips. These actions can shift the filler or interfere with healing.

Good Habits for the First Week

Sleep gently, head slightly elevated

Try sleeping on your back with an extra pillow or two for the first couple of nights. This helps reduce fluid buildup and swelling around the lips.

Stay gentle with skin care & sun exposure

Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers; avoid exfoliants or strong skincare around your lips for a few days. When outdoors, use a lip balm with SPF once swelling has subsided to protect against sun damage, which may affect filler longevity.

Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet

Hydration supports healing, and a diet rich in water-heavy foods can help skin recover comfortably. Avoid excessive salt, which can worsen swelling.

What Practitioners Say: A Few Personal Insights

“Within the first 48 hours, gentle cold compresses and lots of water are your best friends,” says one clinician I spoke with. “And please — avoid pressing your lips or using straws. Let the filler settle softly.”

“We often see the greatest results when clients follow simple after-care steps: rest, hydration and avoid heat or stress. That helps filler integrate smoothly with the tissue,” adds another clinician, noting how much difference care can make.

When to Contact a Practitioner — Watch Out for Warning Signs

Usually, some swelling or minor bruising is part of the normal healing process. But contact your clinician right away if you notice:

• Severe or increasing pain.
• Lips turning unusually pale or purple.
• Swelling or redness that worsens after 48 hours instead of improving.
• Any signs of infection (redness, warmth, discharge).