What Not to Do After a Lip Filler Injection?

Hyaluronic acid lip fillers like Juvéderm Ultra XC are a very popular lip enhancement product that creates a fuller, youthful, more defined pout.

Hyaluronic acid lip fillers are long-lasting, natural-looking, and safe for most people. The procedure is quick, there is no downtime after, very few side effects, and aftercare is very easy!

At Great City Medical, our doctors provide top-quality, non-surgical lip augmentation procedures like lip fillers and other cosmetic treatments in just 30 minutes or less.

While lip injections are a quick and easy cosmetic procedure (especially compared to plastic surgery), there are definitely some do’s and don’ts after getting a filler treatment. Follow these lip filler aftercare instructions and avoid a few key things to get the best results for your new lips.

Can you Eat After Lip Fillers?

Yes, you can eat after lip fillers with a few considerations.

If you received a numbing treatment, it is best to wait until the numbing has worn off before eating. Eating while numb can be very difficult and dangerous, but luckily the numbing should wear off in a couple hours or less.

Avoid foods that are messy or hard to eat. You want to keep your face clean and avoid rubbing or wiping your face, so stick to foods that are easy to eat. You also may want to avoid stretching or pursing your lips to much.

It is also recommended to avoid very salty or spicy foods. Salty or spicy foods can irritate the lips and cause you to touch or rub your lips.
Keep your lips clean and stick to foods that are easy to bite and chew.

Drink plenty of water. Do not drink from a straw, as puckering your lips can put pressure on your lips and cause pain and swelling. Otherwise, there are no restrictions on what you can eat after lip fillers.

Can you Smoke or Drink After Lip Fillers?

It is best to avoid drinking alcohol or smoking for 24 hours after getting lip fillers.

Alcohol can act as a blood thinner, which increases the likelihood of bruising, inflammation, and swelling. Drinking alcohol can also dehydrate you, and it is recommended to drink lots of water and stay hydrated after getting lip filler.

Smoking has been shown to increase your risk of infection after getting lip fillers, so it should be avoided. Smoking also causes your lips to pucker, which can apply pressure on the lips and be painful after injections. Try to avoid smoking for at least 24–48 hours after getting lip fillers.

Can you Shower After Lip Fillers?

There are no restrictions on showering after getting lip filler injections. Keep your face clean to decrease the risk of infection. But there are a few considerations.

Use gentle, unscented skincare products and cleansers. Be careful when washing around your face. Avoid exfoliation products. Do not touch your lips directly when showering.

Avoid hot temperatures. Use lukewarm water in your shower and avoid using steam rooms, saunas, or hot tubs. Hot temperatures can increase blood flow and blood pressure, which can worsen swelling and bruising. Sweating can also irritate the lips.

Can you Kiss After Lip Filler?

Kissing can apply a lot of pressure to the lips and increase risk of infection (there is a lot of bacteria in the mouth!), so it is best to avoid kissing for 48–72 hours after getting lip filler treatment. Your lips will probably be a bit tender and swollen, so kissing might not be that appealing anyway!

Massaging the lips should also be avoided.

Once your lips have had some time to heal, kissing is fine and there should be no impact on this activity.

Can you Exercise After Lip Filler?

Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 24–48 hours after getting lip filler.

Increased physical activity and body temperature can cause blood flow to the lip area, worsening any swelling, bruising, or discomfort. Sweating during exercise can introduce bacteria to the lip area and increase your risk of infection at the injection sites.

Sweating can also cause dehydration, so be sure to drink lots of water to replace any fluids.

If you must exercise within the first day or two after getting lip fillers, try to stick to walking or other light activity. Try to exercise early in the morning, late in the evening, or in an air-conditioned climate to avoid the heat.

Can you Take Painkillers After Lip Filler?

Painkillers like Tylenol are generally fine to manage any pain or swelling after getting lip filler. NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen or Motrin should be avoided because they also act as blood thinners, which can increase bruising and swelling.

Arnica cream may be used to decrease bruising in the treated area. Vitamin e supplements can worsen bruising, so they should be avoided for a couple of days after injection.

The best treatment to manage any pain and swelling is to ice the lips. Gently apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel or cloth several times per day.

Key Takeaways for Lip Filler Aftercare

• DO ice your lips
• DO keep your lips clean and shower carefully
• DO take Tylenol if needed
• DO eat easy-to-eat foods and drink plenty of water
• DO make a follow-up appointment with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns
• AVOID strenuous exercise
• AVOID high temperatures
• DON’T take NSAIDs or blood thinners
• DON’T smoke or drink alcohol
• DON’T drink with straws
• DON’T touch your lips
• DON’T kiss or massage your lips

Get Lip Filler today!

At Great City Medical, our medical professionals provide lip filler injection appointments and other cosmetic procedures.

We want to help you get the beautiful, natural-looking, full pout you’ve always dreamed of.

If you are in New York, call us and make an appointment for lip fillers today! You’ll love the final result!