What to expect
Lips are vascular and mobile, so they swell more than most filler areas. Expect noticeable swelling, tenderness, and possibly bruising for 24–72 hours, sometimes with slight asymmetry while it settles.
Don't judge the result in the first days — the final shape appears around two weeks once swelling resolves and the filler integrates.
The do's
Use a wrapped cool compress gently on the lips for swelling, sleep with your head slightly elevated the first night, stay hydrated, and take paracetamol if you need pain relief.
Stick to gentle lip care and keep the area clean. Be patient through the swelling phase.
The don'ts
For 24–48 hours avoid heat (sauna, hot yoga), strenuous exercise, and alcohol — all worsen swelling and bruising. Avoid drinking through straws and intense kissing or pressure on the lips.
Don't massage the lips unless your clinician specifically instructs you, and postpone dental work for about two weeks where possible.
Normal vs emergency
Normal: swelling, tenderness, bruising, and small lumps that soften over days. These resolve on their own.
Emergency (rare but urgent): severe or escalating pain, skin turning white/grey or dusky/blotchy, or any vision changes — possible vascular occlusion that needs immediate clinic contact.
For clinics: the handout structure
A good lip filler handout covers four blocks: what's normal, the do's, the don'ts (with timeframes), and the emergency signs with a direct contact number.
Keep it branded and specific to lips — generic filler sheets confuse patients. Generating it per procedure keeps it consistent and reduces 'is this normal?' calls.