filler
How long does swelling last after filler?
Short answer
Swelling usually peaks in the first 24 to 48 hours, settles substantially within one to two weeks, and finishes at about four weeks. Lips swell the most and the most dramatically. Do not judge your result, or book photos, until at least two weeks have passed.
Sally's take
Day two is when I get the worried messages, and almost every time nothing is wrong. Lips especially can look startling the morning after.
So I tell everyone the same thing before they leave. You will not look like this. Take a photo on day one so you can see the difference later, then genuinely stop checking for a week.
The real judgement point is four weeks. At two weeks you'll know whether you like the direction. At four you'll know whether you want more.
The timeline
- Day 0. Immediate swelling begins. Lips may look considerably larger than the final result.
- Day 1 to 2. Peak swelling. This is when people worry most, and when the least is knowable.
- Day 3 to 7. Noticeable settling. Bruising, if present, colours and fades.
- Week 2. Most swelling is gone. The shape you see now is close to the real one.
- Week 4. Fully settled. This is the point to assess honestly and decide about adding.
What helps
- Sleeping with your head slightly elevated for the first couple of nights
- A cool compress, applied gently rather than pressed
- Staying hydrated and easing off high-salt food for a day or two
- Avoiding alcohol and strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours
When to call
Swelling that increases sharply after day three, severe or escalating pain, skin that is dusky, white, or mottled, or vision changes are not part of a normal recovery. Contact your injector straight away. These are uncommon, and they are exactly why you want a provider you can actually reach.
Quick answers
- Is it normal to look uneven at first?
- Very. Swelling is rarely symmetrical, and what looks like a mistake at day two usually isn't there at day fourteen.
- Can I use ice?
- Yes, gently and without pressure. Elevating your head for the first couple of nights helps too.
- How long before an event?
- For lips, six to eight weeks if you can. Four at an absolute minimum, and that leaves no room to adjust.
- When should I worry?
- Swelling that gets sharply worse after day three, severe pain, or skin that turns white, grey, or mottled. Call straight away, don't wait it out.
Questions worth asking
- How swollen should I expect to be, given what we are treating?
- When will I be able to see my real result?
- What is your policy on assessing and adjusting at four weeks?
- How do I contact you if something does not seem right?
Related questions
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons, dermal filler patient information
- American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, soft tissue filler guidance
This page is educational and is not medical advice. It does not create a provider relationship. Results vary between people, and treatment decisions are made at your consultation.