Dr Fiona McGregor — Aesthetic Doctor, Glasgow Skincare Clinic
Press play to hear Dr Fiona’s full guide — perfect if you’re on the go.
Listen to the audio version of this article — recorded for patients of Glasgow Skin Care Clinic.
If you’ve just had lip fillers or are thinking about them, it’s completely natural to wonder what happens next.
Aftercare makes a significant difference in how your lips heal and how natural your results appear.
At Glasgow Skincare Clinic, I only use premium Stylage® fillers. Stylage Special Lips, Stylage Lips Plus, Stylage S — chosen for their safety, softness, and beautifully natural results.
Here’s the same aftercare advice I give my own patients after every treatment.
Right after your appointment, your lips may feel a little tender or swollen.
You might notice a few small bruises or firmness around the injection sites — that’s completely normal.
Most people experience swelling that peaks within the first 24–48 hours and settles within about a week. By two weeks, your lips should feel soft, smooth, and natural again.
This is when gentle care makes the biggest difference.
✅ What I Recommend
🚫 What to Avoid
Over the next few days, your lips will start to soften and any bruising should fade.
If you notice small lumps, they usually even out on their own as the filler integrates.
You can use a gentle, fragrance-free balm, such as Vaseline, to keep them comfortable.
💡 Tip: Avoid dental work or facials for at least a week — your lips need that quiet time to heal.
What to Avoid | Why It Matters | How Long to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Smoking & Vaping | Slows healing, increases infection risk, and can reduce your final result. | 48 hours |
| Alcohol | Expands blood vessels, increasing bruising and swelling. | 24–48 hours |
| Intense Exercise | Raises heart rate and pressure, which can worsen swelling. | 48 hours |
| High Heat (Steam Rooms, Saunas) | Heat keeps blood vessels open and delays recovery. | 48 hours |
| Flying | Cabin pressure can intensify swelling and bruising. | 1 week |
Knowing what not to do after lip fillers helps prevent complications and ensures smooth healing.
By this point, your lips should feel completely natural again.
If you’re new to fillers, this is when you’ll see the true result — and if anything needs a small tweak, we’ll review it together.
You can now return to your usual skincare and make-up routine, but keep using SPF balm daily.
I also recommend avoiding smoking long-term, as it can shorten how long your filler lasts.
Lip fillers generally last 6–9 months, depending on your metabolism and lifestyle.
To maintain your result:
👉 Learn more about our Lip Filler Treatments in Glasgow and explore complementary options such as Dermal Fillers
or Skin Boosters for full facial rejuvenation.
Please contact us straight away if you notice:
I always prefer my patients to check in — even if it turns out to be nothing.
How long do lip fillers take to settle?
Usually about two weeks — swelling fades within 5–7 days and results refine gradually.
Can I wear lipstick after lip fillers?
Wait at least 24 hours. After that, light products are fine once your lips feel comfortable.
How long after lip fillers can I exercise?
Give it 48 hours before light activity, and a few more days for intense workouts.
Is bruising normal?
Yes, mild bruising is common and should fade within a few days. Cold compresses or arnica can help.
Can I fly after lip fillers?
Ideally wait a week — cabin pressure can temporarily worsen swelling.
At Glasgow Skin Care Clinic, we believe in natural, balanced enhancements — never overfilled, always elegant.
If you’d like to enhance your lips safely and subtly, I’d love to meet you. Book your consultation today and let’s plan your treatment and aftercare together.
