TL;DR:
- Procedure: Lip augmentation involves injecting hyaluronic acid to enhance lip volume and shape. Takes 15-30 minutes, uses anesthetic, and includes post-injection lip massage for even distribution.
- Post-Care: Use cold compresses (10-15 mins, every few hours, first 1-2 days). Hydrate lips with dye-free balm, drink water, avoid hot/hard foods, and sleep with head elevated. Avoid touching lips, strong sun exposure, and intense physical activity for 1-2 days.
- Normal Symptoms: Swelling (first 48 hours), bruising (up to a week), minor pain, tenderness, and small bumps (disappear in days).
- Symptoms of Concern: Persistent/increasing pain, swelling, pus, fever, redness, or deep bruising—consult a doctor immediately.
- Indications: Enhances lip volume, corrects asymmetry, smooths lines, and improves hydration.
- Contraindications: Avoid if allergic, pregnant/breastfeeding, prone to keloids, or with active infections.
Lip augmentation is one of the most popular aesthetic medicine procedures that can improve your look and feel. However, it is worth remembering that every procedure requires proper convalescence to get the best results and avoid complications. In the following post, we provide some basic tips to ensure proper recovery.
What does a lip augmentation procedure consist of?
Lip augmentation involves injecting a filler into selected areas of the lips to increase their volume and improve their shape. The most commonly used is hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that binds water perfectly and provides the skin with the right level of hydration. During the first consultation at the clinic, a detailed assessment of the patient's lips is carried out. The doctor listens to his expectations and presents the possible results of the procedure. On this basis, the appropriate amount and type of filler is selected.
Lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid in the OT.CO Clinic in Warsaw
Before the procedure, the skin around the lips is thoroughly cleansed. A topical anesthetic ointment is then applied to reduce discomfort. The doctor then proceeds to precisely inject hyaluronic acid into the selected areas of the lips. This takes from 15 to 30 minutes. The amount of filler and injection sites are tailored to the patient's individual needs to achieve a natural effect. After the filler is injected, the doctor gently massages the lips to evenly distribute the product and give the lips the desired shape. read more.
Recommendations and contraindications for the procedure.
Recommendations after lip augmentation primarily include the use of cold compresses for 10 – 15 minutes, every few hours. The compresses for the first 24-48 hours help reduce swelling and bruising of the lips. In addition, it's a good idea to use a lip balm without perfumes and dyes to ensure proper hydration. You should also remember to drink water to maintain the required hydration level. Over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen, can also be taken as needed. These will help relieve pain and swelling. However, you should consult your doctor beforehand. Specialists also recommend trying to sleep with your head elevated on a pillow for the first few nights after surgery. This helps reduce swelling. In addition, avoid hard and hot foods and drinks for the first few days after the procedure. To enjoy the desired results of the procedure and reduce the risk of complications, patients should avoid touching and massaging their lips for the first few days after the procedure. This prevents displacement of the filler. The skin of the lips should also not be exposed to the sun or extreme temperatures. Intense physical exertion is also not advisable – especially for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
What symptoms after the procedure are cause for concern?
You may notice various symptoms after lip augmentation surgery. It is important to know which of them are normal and natural, and which may indicate consequences that require consultation with a doctor. Among the natural symptoms that occur after a lip augmentation procedure is swelling. It can last from a few hours to several days. Most swelling is observed in the first 48 hours after the procedure. Post-procedure bruising around the injection sites is also normal and usually disappears within a week. Patients may also experience pain and tenderness at the injection site for a few days. Small red dots in these areas are also natural and should disappear on their own over the course of a few days. In some cases, you may also feel small lumps or bumps right after the procedure. These are usually the result of uneven distribution of the filler and usually disappear on their own over the course of a few days. If the patient notices pain and swelling, which do not diminish after a few days, but on the contrary intensify, this may indicate an infection or allergic reaction. Deep bruising or hematoma that does not disappear after a week or intensifies is also a cause for concern. Besides, symptoms such as severe redness, fever, pus or intense tenderness at the injection sites may also indicate an infection. When at least one of the above symptoms occurs, see a doctor immediately.
Tips for lip care after lip augmentation surgery
Lip care after lip augmentation helps ensure the desired long-lasting effects of the procedure. To this end, avoid touching the lips for the first day/two to minimize the risk of infection and dryness of the fillers. Touching the lips can irritate the delicate skin at the injection sites. In addition, it is a good idea to use gentle lip balms without dyes. This keeps the skin moisturized and prevents dryness. Moisturized lips heal faster. When washing the face, it is recommended to avoid strong rubbing and using aggressive cosmetics that can irritate the skin. It is also recommended not to wear lip makeup for the first day after the procedure. This will allow the skin in the injection sites to breathe and heal faster.
How long is the recovery period after the procedure?
Lip augmentation treatment does not usually require a long recovery period. However, in order to ensure the best results and reduce the risk of complications, it is necessary to take care of oneself for an appropriate period of time and give up daily activities. Most patients can return to light household duties and office work as early as the day after the procedure. However, it is important to avoid too much exertion and stress, especially if work requires it. Intense physical exertion, including exercise, weight lifting or workouts should be limited for the first two days after surgery. Low-intensity exercise can be resumed after one day, as long as it does not cause discomfort. Patients can eat and drink immediately after lip augmentation is completed, but it is recommended to avoid very hot drinks and hard foods for the first few days.
What are the indications for the procedure?
This procedure is most commonly performed on individuals who wish to increase the volume of their lips. This may be due to naturally narrow lips or volume loss associated with the aging process. Some people have naturally asymmetrical lips, which affects their appearance and self-confidence. Hyaluronic acid filling of the lips can correct the asymmetry and give them a more proportional appearance. The treatment can also be performed to improve the shape of the lips – emphasizing the Cupid's bow or enhancing the upper lip. The acid used in the treatment can also help smooth fine lines around the mouth. Indications for the procedure also include the loss of natural volume and firmness of the lips as time passes. Hyaluronic acid, which is the filler used for lip augmentation, also has moisturizing properties. This is why the procedure helps improve the hydration and condition of the lips, giving them a healthy appearance.
What are the contraindications to the procedure?
Although the lip augmentation procedure allows you to get the desired results, there are some contraindications that may exclude the possibility of performing the procedure. People who are allergic to the filler used in the treatment should avoid this type of procedure. Allergic reactions can include swelling and many severe symptoms. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also not undergo the procedure. There are no adequately conducted studies on the effects of hyaluronic acid on lactation or fetal development, for example. People with a tendency to form keloids or hypertrophic scars are also not suitable candidates for the procedure. There is a risk that the skin at the injection site will react abnormally and unsightly scars will form. In addition, the procedure should not be performed in people with active infections, such as herpes or inflammation around the lips. These increase the risk of complications and worsen the condition of the skin. Lip augmentation is therefore a procedure that can bring many benefits if you take proper care of yourself during recovery. By following the above tips, you reduce the risk of complications and speed up the healing process.
Conclusion
Lip augmentation can enhance your look, but proper care is essential for success. From using cold compresses to avoiding physical strain, these recovery tips ensure better results. Pay attention to symptoms and consult a doctor if you notice anything unusual. Taking simple precautions, like avoiding makeup or harsh products, helps your lips heal smoothly. Remember, every procedure has risks, but proper aftercare minimizes them. By following these insights, you can enjoy fuller, well-shaped lips while reducing complications. Make informed decisions, and you'll see the best, most natural outcomes.
