If you’re excited about your lip filler appointment, but the potential swelling has you feeling apprehensive, you’re not alone. Thankfully, swelling doesn’t have to be as bad as you might have seen. Here are seven ways to reduce lip filler swelling in Franconia, Virginia, plus important need-to-know info on what causes it.
What Are Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers refer to a type of dermal filler treatment performed to augment your lips and/or rejuvenate them. This is done by increasing the size of your lips, enhancing the tone and texture, smoothing out fine lines, and correcting asymmetry for a more balanced, flattering look.
These results are typically achieved with hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers, such as Restylane and Juvéderm, as they produce the most natural-looking results with the least amount of complications or side effects.
This is because hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body and what you can thank for your skin looking so juicy and healthy.
What Causes Lips to Swell After Lip Filler?
As a general rule, any sort of needle piercing your skin, no matter how thin or carefully placed, has a chance to cause swelling, bruising, redness, and tenderness. So, if you experience any swelling, don’t panic. This is a completely normal reaction.
This isn’t helped by the fact the lips are a rather sensitive and vascular area, meaning they consist of a lot of blood vessels. Fortunately, this swelling goes down pretty quickly. Still, if you’re concerned, you can always talk with your injector.
Improper technique can also lead to swelling. If the dermal filler is placed in an incorrect spot or too deeply, this can lead to unpleasant side effects. To circumvent this, it’s best that you visit a skilled, experienced aesthetic injector.
How Do I Reduce Lip Filler Swelling in Franconia, Virginia?
Aftercare is so important when it comes to lip fillers, especially if your goal is to either prevent or reduce swelling after a procedure. Some swelling may occur regardless, but it certainly doesn’t have to stand out. Here are seven tips for reducing swelling or even preventing it from happening in the first place.
- Apply an Arnica Balm
Products such as gels or balms with arnica can be a great way to reduce side effects after your dermal filler injections, especially swelling and bruising. Aloe vera and vitamin K are great as well. No matter your choice, make sure to keep your lips nourished and healthy.
- Avoid Certain Medications
Some medications increase your risk for bruising, bleeding, and, swelling. Blood thinning medications and NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen are the worst for this. If it’s safe for you, don’t take these medications prior to your appointment and certainly not after. However, check with your prescribing physician before stopping any medications.
- Be Mindful of Your Eating and Exercise Habits
Right after your appointment, you need to be careful about a certain activity. Light activity such as walking is perfectly fine, but intense workouts should be skipped for one to two days. This helps to prevent or worsen any swelling and bruising you may have.
You should be mindful of what you eat as well. Don’t consume spicy foods, large amounts of sodium, and other potentially irritating foods. Avoid lip biting and using a straw as well.
- Limit Your Alcohol Intake
In a battle between alcohol and dermal fillers, alcohol is going to win, which is why you’re advised to not drink any for at least 24 hours before your appointment and after. Ideally, you should be going at least 48 hours before and after injections.
Alcohol dilates your blood vessels, increasing blood flow and lowering your oxygen levels. As a result, it increases your likelihood of bruising, bleeding, and swelling.
- Take an Antihistamine
If you’re particularly prone to swelling or your swelling is just a bit more noticeable than you’d prefer, you can try taking an over-the-counter antihistamine. This should only be done if it’s safe for you and recommended by your injector, but it can help to manage swelling in a worst-case scenario.
- Use Some Ice
A cold compress or ice can be a huge help with preventing and reducing any swelling after dermal fillers. Your aesthetic injector may even be able to offer you this immediately after your appointment. If you use ice cubes, make sure to wrap them in a cloth or paper towel so that they don’t stick to your lips, causing irritation and discomfort.
- Work With a Skilled Injector
Prioritize working with a board-certified, highly skilled aesthetic injector for any type of cosmetic injection including dermal fillers and Botox. The techniques and placements an experienced provider offer make a huge difference in preventing side effects.
Wondering how to tell if an injector is worth your time? Check out their credentials, their portfolio, and their reviews. These are just a few ways you can see if your injector has received the necessary training and licenses, as well as see what their work looks like.
Say Goodbye to Swelling After Lip Fillers With the Help of Our Expert Team at Dontage!
Our injectors at Dontage are here to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. If you want to reduce lip filler swelling in Franconia, Virginia, you need our expert touch and professional advice.
Beautiful, natural-looking results are just a phone call away, so don’t wait! Contact us today at 703-436-1157 to book your consultation. When you call, be sure to ask about our current specials you can’t find anywhere else!