How long after lip fillers should they look and feel normal? (Photos)

Thanks for your question!  First time lip filler can be a great experience but like any new experience, it is important to know what to expect.  Most patients will experience 48-72 hours of swelling followed by a period where some small lumps and bumps my be felt.  The great thing with the lips is that the muscles around the mouth are nearly constantly moving and stretching which helps the filler smooth out and settle by about 10-14 days.  The filler is a new substance to your lip are and it is normal for it to feel a bit odd at first.  Your body will get used to it and you should enjoy great results for 3-6 months.  I usually see my first time filler patients back at about two weeks to make sure they are doing well and see if there are any questions or concerns.  Be sure to follow up if you have persistent issues or need answers to questions.  

Injection of the lips with filling materials to enhance fullness and refine shape is a very popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedure.  It is typically performed in the office with either no anesthetic, or just topical or local anesthetic to decrease the pain with injection.  After injections it is typical to experience swelling that is noticeable for between 3-5 days, and a little puffiness that may take as long as 2 weeks to completely resolve.  After that the appearance stays stable until the product begins to be metabolized by the body.  Depending on the type of filler utilized this is usually 4 months to as long as a year after injection.  If the changes achieved by the injections are what you are looking for, then reinjection periodically when it is wearing off can maintain this appearance long-term.

                Usually after injection the treated areas are a bit numb for a few days (depending on swelling and the type of product injected).  Some products contain lidocaine in them that keeps things numb to reduce pain for the first couple of days.  That anesthetic should be completely worn off by 2-3 after injection.  If numbness or an irregular feeling persists more than 2 weeks it would be a good idea to go back into your provider’s office to be re-evaluated.  Long term loss of sensation or tingling would be a very unlikely consequence of filler injections.

                Lip enhancement has been a desired cosmetic intervention for many years, but it has become much safer and less expensive since the introduction of injectable fillers.  When planning injections please take into consideration the credentials of your provider.  A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will be the most Qualified to provide you with a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment recommendation to get you the results that you desire!

Tingling is usually not normally a sensation you would experience after having lip fillers (although it can be related to swelling or anxiety). If you suffer from cold sores it could potentially be one that has been brought out from the treatment. Keep monitoring it and if it persists return to the clinic who performed your treatment.Warm Regards,Dr Glenn Murray, Absolute Cosmetic Medicine