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

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 heal faster and more comfortably.

Let’s walk through exactly what you can expect in those crucial early days.

What Causes Swelling After Lip Fillers?

Swelling happens because your lips have just experienced tiny injections, and your body responds by increasing blood flow to the area. It’s a natural part of the healing process, and in most cases, it fades within a few days.

Day 1 – Immediate Swelling After Lip Fillers

Right after your treatment, your lips may appear bigger than expected. This is often due to both the filler and early swelling.

What’s normal on Day 1?

• Puffiness or tightness

• Slight redness or warmth around the lips

• Mild tenderness or tingling

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💡 Top tip: Use a clean cold compress in short intervals and sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling faster.

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

On the second day, many clients experience peak swelling, especially in the morning. Your lips might feel uneven or look more swollen on one side. That’s completely normal.

Still within normal range:

• One side looking a little more swollen than the other

• Lips feeling firm or sore

• 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?

Most side effects after lip filler are minor. But contact your practitioner right away 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.

• 🙅‍♀️Skip alcohol, straws, and kissing for 48 hours

• 🛌 Sleep on your back with 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?

Swelling peaks within the first 24 to 48 hours and typically improves by Day 3. Minor puffiness can last up to a week depending on your body and aftercare. Using cold compresses and sleeping elevated may help reduce swelling faster.

What if one side is more swollen than the other?

Yes — it’s common for one side to look more swollen in the first couple of days. This usually balances out as the filler settles. If asymmetry remains after 7 days, contact your practitioner for advice.