Lip Filler Swelling Stages: Day-by-Day Timeline & Care
What to Expect
Lip filler swelling is normal. It follows a simple pattern and settles with time. Most people see the “big swell” in the first 48 hours, then a steady calm over two weeks. This guide is general education, not medical advice. Always follow your injector’s instructions and our Safety Plan.
Day-by-Day Timeline (Day 0–14)
Day 0 (treatment day): Lips feel puffy and numb. Small bumps at entry points are common. You may see mild redness or tiny bruises. Keep lips clean and hands off.
Day 1–2: Swelling peaks. Asymmetry is common now because one side may swell more. Bruising can darken. Talking, eating salty foods, heat, or alcohol can make swelling worse.
Day 3–4: Swelling eases. Shape starts to show. Light dryness or tightness is normal. Bruises begin to fade to yellow or green.
Day 5–7: Most swelling is gone. Texture smooths out. Minor firmness may remain as filler draws water and settles.
Day 8–14: Final refinements. Small uneven spots often even out. If something still feels off after two full weeks, book a review with your provider.
If your plan includes hyaluronic acid products like REVOLAX DEEP, your licensed professional can also discuss adjustments if needed.
Mini Aftercare Schedule
First 24 hours: Cool compress (wrapped in cloth) 10 minutes on, 10 off. Sleep on your back with head raised. Skip alcohol, hot drinks, saunas, and heavy exercise.
Days 2–3: Keep lips moisturized. Drink water. Avoid firm lip massages unless your injector says so.
Days 4–7: Light activity is fine. Keep sun and heat low. Use a broad-spectrum SPF on the area around the lips.
Days 8–14: Resume normal life. If dryness lingers, keep hydrating. Plan your two-week check-in if advised.
What’s Normal vs. Not
Normal: puffiness, mild bruising, tenderness, small lumps that soften, and temporary unevenness.
Not normal: severe or increasing pain, white or gray skin, “net-like” blotches, a cold or pale lip, vision changes, or sores. These can be urgent.
When to Call a Pro
Contact your injector right away if you notice the “not normal” signs above. In trained hands, hyaluronic acid filler can be adjusted using hyaluronidase. Do not try home fixes.
FAQs
How long does lip swelling last?
Most people settle in 7–14 days.
Can I work out after lip filler?
Wait 24–48 hours to limit swelling and bruising.
Why do my lips look uneven on Day 2?
Swelling peaks then and is rarely even. Reassess at two weeks.
Do lumps mean something is wrong?
Small, soft lumps early on are common and often fade. If they are hard, painful, or last past two weeks, see your provider.
Ready to Plan Your Lip Treatment?
Explore lip-friendly options like REVOLAX DEEP with your licensed professional, review our Safety Plan, and learn about professional adjustments in our Hyaluronidase guide. Your best results come from good products, great pros, and smart aftercare.
