How long does swelling last after lip fillers?

Swelling usually peaks within the first 24 to 48 hours and gradually subsides over the next few days. Most people notice a big improvement by day three.

Is it normal for lips to feel uneven during swelling?

Yes, slight unevenness or puffiness during the early healing phase is normal. As swelling reduces, your lips will start to look more balanced. Always follow aftercare instructions and reach out to your practitioner if unsure.

Swelling After Lip Fillers: What to Expect in the First 48 Hours

Iuliana Mihaela Molac
20 hours ago
2 min read

Yes, swelling is completely normal after lip filler treatment — especially within the first 24 to 48 hours. But knowing what's normal (and what’s not) can give you peace of mind and help you recover smoothly.

Let’s walk through exactly what you can expect.

Day 1 – Immediate Swelling After Lip Fillers

Right after your filler treatment, your lips may look larger than expected. That’s because swelling starts almost immediately and can peak by the end of the first day.

What’s normal on Day 1?

Puffiness or tightness
Slight redness or warmth around the lips
Mild tenderness or tingling

💡 Tip: Use a clean, soft cold compress in short intervals and sleep with your head slightly elevated to help reduce swelling.

Day 2 – Peak Swelling & What’s Still Considered Normal

By Day 2, swelling may peak — especially in the morning. Your lips might feel uneven, tight, or slightly bruised. This is all part of the normal healing process.

Still normal:

One side looking a little more swollen than the other
Lips feeling firm or tender
Swelling that reduces gradually throughout the day

👄 Many clients at our Woodford clinic start to see things calm down by the evening of Day 2.

When Should You Be Concerned?

It’s rare, but contact your practitioner if you notice:

Severe pain or swelling that increases after Day 2
Discoloration or blanching (white or blueish patches)
Signs of infection (fever, pus, excessive heat or redness)

Still unsure if what you're feeling is typical? Check out our full recovery guide here:👉 Lip Filler Healing Stages: Day-by-Day Timeline & Recovery Tips

Quick Tips to Manage Swelling at Home

❄️ Use cold compresses intermittently (don’t apply ice directly).
💧 Stay hydrated and avoid salty foods.
🙅‍♀️ Avoid straws, alcohol, or touching your lips for 48 hours.
🛌 Sleep with your head elevated.

At Time For You Aesthetics in South Woodford, we guide every client — especially first-timers — through their healing process with personalised advice and expert care.

FAQs: Lip Filler Swelling in the First 48 Hours

How long does swelling typically last after lip fillers?

Most swelling peaks in the first 48 hours and starts reducing by Day 3. For some, it may take up to a week for lips to settle completely.

What if one side is more swollen than the other?

It’s totally normal — uneven swelling happens often in the first two days. If it doesn’t even out after a week, contact your practitioner.