What to Avoid Before Lip Fillers?

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Dr. Hardik Soni

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Wondering what to avoid before getting lip fillers? Discover surprising activities that could impact your treatment’s success.

Before getting lip fillers, it’s important to avoid certain activities (intense physical activities) and substances (alcohol, blood thinning medication) to ensure the success of your treatment. 

By being mindful of what you do leading up to your appointment, you can help ensure a smooth and successful lip filler treatment.

  1. Avoid blood-thinning medications: Certain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and herbal supplements can thin your blood and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding during the procedure. It’s best to avoid these medications for at least a week before your appointment.
  2. Steer clear of alcohol: Alcohol can also thin your blood and increase the risk of bruising. It’s recommended to abstain from alcohol for at least 24 hours before your lip filler treatment.
  3. Skip intense physical activities: Strenuous exercise or activities that increase blood flow can also lead to more bruising and swelling after the procedure. It’s best to avoid intense workouts or activities for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
  4. Don’t schedule your treatment close to important events: While lip fillers can provide immediate results, there may be some swelling and bruising afterwards. It’s best to schedule your treatment at least a week before any important events or special occasions to allow for proper healing time.
  5. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment can help keep your lips hydrated and plump. Hydrated lips provide a better canvas for the filler and can lead to more natural-looking results.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a successful lip filler treatment and minimize any potential complications.

What Medications Should I Avoid Before Lip Fillers?

A Woman Getting Lip Fillers

Prior to your lip filler treatment, steer clear of medications such as aspirin, antihistamines, and blood thinners, as they can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Hot tubs and alcoholic beverages should also be avoided a few days before your appointment to minimize the risk of bruising.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare professional before undergoing the procedure. 

Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

Limit your alcohol intake to minimize the risk of bleeding and bruising during the procedure.

Also, refraining from smoking is important as it can dry out your skin, affecting the results of the treatment.

Alcohol consumption can lead to increased bleeding and bruising during the filler treatment, while smoking can dry out the skin, impacting the effectiveness of dermal fillers. 

Both alcohol and smoking can also affect the body’s ability to heal, leading to prolonged swelling and redness after the procedure.

Health Risks

Avoid consuming alcohol for at least one week prior to the procedure. This will reduce the chances of bleeding and bruising. Alcohol can increase the likelihood of swelling and bruising during and after the lip filler procedure.

Don’t partake in strenuous exercise and taking antihistamines before the procedure. These can also contribute to increased bruising and swelling.

Can I Wear Lipstick After Getting Lip Fillers?

While you can likely wear lipstick after 12-18 hours, it is best practice advised by experts to wait 24 hours or more after lip fillers before applying lipstick for optimal healing and results. 

Avoiding direct contact and pressure on the lips during the initial healing period after the procedure.

Sun Exposure

Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing before getting lip fillers. 

Sun exposure can make your skin more sensitive and lead to discomfort or pain during the treatment. To minimize the risk of swelling, bleeding, and bruising, it’s essential to minimize sun exposure in the days leading up to your lip filler procedure. 

Make sure to discuss any concerns about sun exposure with your practitioner to ensure appropriate precautions are taken. 

Additionally, follow the practitioner’s instructions for pre-procedure care, which may include specific guidelines for sun protection. 

Consider incorporating the use of Arnica and pineapple into your routine, as these may help reduce swelling and bruising. 

Take a look at the table below for a quick reference guide on what to avoid before lip fillers.

Before Lip FillersDo’sDon’ts
One Week PriorUse sunscreenAvoid intense heat
Hours PriorWear protective clothingSunbathe
Stay hydratedDrink alcohol

Allergies and Skin Conditions

A Woman Getting Lip Fillers

Before getting lip fillers, consider any allergies or skin conditions you may have.

Make sure to undergo allergy testing and inform your practitioner about any pre-existing allergies or skin conditions.

This will help ensure that you receive appropriate guidance and medication prior to the appointment to minimize any potential risks.

Get Tested for Allergy

Inform your healthcare professional about any history of skin conditions or allergies to ensure appropriate filler selection. 

Follow specific instructions provided by the healthcare professional regarding allergy testing to ensure a safe and successful filler treatment.

Discuss any concerns about potential allergic reactions with your healthcare provider during the consultation for filler treatment. Adhere to the recommended allergy testing protocols to minimize the risk of adverse reactions and ensure the safety of the filler procedure.

  1. Inform your healthcare professional about any history of skin conditions or allergies.
  2. Follow specific instructions provided by the healthcare professional.
  3. Discuss any concerns about potential allergic reactions with your healthcare provider.
  4. Adhere to the recommended allergy testing protocols.

Dental Procedures

Avoid dental work close to the filler appointment, as it can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

If dental work is necessary, inform your dentist about the upcoming dermal filler treatment. 

Can I Eat Before Getting Lip Fillers?

It is generally recommended to eat before getting lip fillers. Specifically:

  • You should try to eat a small meal or snack before your appointment as this can help decrease chances of becoming lightheaded during the treatment.
  • Having food in your stomach is suggested to help reduce bruising and swelling after the procedure.

Should I Stop Taking Vitamins Before Lip Fillers?

While general multivitamins are probably fine, it’s best to stop supplements known to increase bleeding risk, such as high-dose vitamin E, fish oil, ginger, for 2 weeks before dermal fillers. 

Check with your provider for their specific recommendations. Taking vitamin K before may help with healing.

Don’t Do Vigorous Exercise

Adjust your exercise routine to minimize the risk of increased swelling and bruising. Before getting lip fillers, it’s best to avoid vigorous exercise that can lead to increased blood flow and potential trauma to the injection site. 

Here’s what to keep in mind:

  1. Perform light to moderate exercise instead of vigorous workouts.
  2. Avoid high-intensity activities that increase blood flow to the face.
  3. Engage in calming activities like yoga, walking, or gentle stretching.
  4. Consult with your healthcare professional about the appropriate timeline for resuming vigorous exercise after receiving lip fillers.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can impact the body’s response to the lip fillers, potentially leading to increased discomfort and prolonged recovery.

Chronic stress can also have negative effects on overall health, so it’s important to take steps to manage these feelings. 

Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and light exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, consider seeking professional help if stress and anxiety become overwhelming.

What Is the Recovery Time for Lip Fillers?

A Woman Getting Lip Fillers

The recovery time for lip fillers is typically 1-2 weeks. Most of the swelling goes down within the first 5-7 days. However, some minor swelling may persist for up to 2 weeks.

Bruising is also common after lip fillers and usually fades within 7 days. While results are visible immediately, it takes about 4 weeks for the final shape and size to settle in.

The effects of lip fillers typically last 6-9 months before touch-ups or repeat treatments are needed. 

During the first 24-48 hours after treatment, it is recommended to avoid strenuous activity and exercise to allow the lips to heal. Applying ice and using arnica gel can help reduce swelling and bruising.

Dr. Hardik Soni

MD, Founder/Lead Physician

About Dr. Hardik Soni

Dr. Hardik Soni is the founder and Medical Director of Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness. His primary focus is on minimally invasive and non-invasive cosmetic procedures including botulinum injection (Botox and Dysport), dermal fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse), laser hair removal, chemical peels, and laser skin rejuvenation. Dr. Soni believes in a more conservative approach and his first goal is education. Clients are able to determine the ideal treatments after discussion with Dr. Soni regarding the expected outcomes, cost, as well as risks.

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