Considering treatment? Our page on lip filler in London covers suitability, results and price.
The short answer: you see a result straight away, but with swelling. Your lips are at their biggest for the first day or two, calm down over the first week, and your true result is at about two weeks. Do not judge your lips on day two.
The timeline at a glance
| When | What is normal | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| In clinic | Fuller lips straight away, some swelling and redness | Look in the mirror with your clinician during treatment |
| First 12 hours | Swelling building, tenderness | No makeup, hot drinks or pressure on the lips |
| Days 1 to 2 | Swelling at its most, often uneven, possible bruising | No exercise for 24 hours, no alcohol for 24 hours |
| Days 3 to 7 | Most visible swelling goes down, lips can feel firm | Leave them alone, no massaging |
| Two weeks | Swelling fully settled. Your true result. | Decide whether you want more |
| 6 to 12 months | Gradual softening | Top up when you notice it |
On the day
Your appointment starts with a consultation and facial assessment. Numbing cream is applied and left to work properly, then the filler is placed with a fine needle across 10 to 15 minutes. You are shown a mirror during treatment, not just at the end, so you stay involved in the shaping. You will see the result straight away, along with some swelling.
Days 1 to 2: peak swelling
This is when your lips look biggest, and it is the bit that worries people most. Swelling is often worse on waking and is rarely even, so one side or one area can look fuller than the other. Your lips may feel tender and you may see a small bruise. No time off is needed. Most people go to work the next day, they just look a little swollen.
Days 3 to 7: settling
Most of the visible swelling goes down during the first week. Your lips can still feel firm, and you may feel small bumps where the filler was placed. That is the filler settling and it usually softens on its own. Resist the urge to press, massage or assess them in every mirror you pass.
Two weeks: your real result
Swelling settles fully by around two weeks, and the filler has integrated. This is the result to judge. If you want more volume, this is when we would assess a top-up, because adding to lips that are still swollen is how people end up overfilled.
Months 1 to 12
Your lips stay settled and soft for months. Lip filler typically lasts 6 to 12 months, fading gradually rather than all at once. See how long lip filler lasts for what changes it.
Booking before an event
Book at least two weeks before a wedding, holiday or photos, so the swelling has gone and you are looking at your real result on the day.
When swelling is not normal
Swelling that is still increasing after the third day, pain that is getting worse, or skin that looks pale, blotchy or dusky is not part of normal settling. Contact the clinic straight away. Our guide to lip filler side effects and risks covers what to look out for.
Call us on 0207 099 6650 or message us on WhatsApp on 07999 999 850. If you cannot reach us and symptoms are severe, call 111 or go to A&E.
Lip filler at Dermamina
£250 for 0.7ml and £300 for 1ml, with a £50 consultation. We are a Save Face accredited clinic on New Cavendish Street, five minutes from Oxford Street, rated 4.8 from 2,000+ reviews on Google and Trustpilot.
Common questions
When will my lips look normal after filler?
Most visible swelling goes down within the first week, and your lips are fully settled by around two weeks. That is your true result.
Why is one side of my lip more swollen?
Swelling is rarely even, especially in the first two days. Judge the shape at two weeks. If one side still looks different then, it can usually be corrected.
Can I go to work the day after lip filler?
Yes. No time off is needed. You will be swollen for a day or two and may have a small bruise.
How long before an event should I get lip filler?
At least two weeks, so the swelling has settled and you see your real result on the day.
What should I avoid after lip filler?
No exercise or alcohol for 24 hours, no makeup, hot drinks or pressure on the lips for 12 hours, and no other facial treatments for 10 to 14 days.
Related reading
- How long does lip filler last?
- Lip filler side effects and risks
- Lip filler cost and price guide
- Lip filler in London: suitability, results and price
Book now or call 0207 099 6650. Suitability for treatment is confirmed at consultation. Individual results vary.