Lip Filler Preparation & Aftercare in Edmonton

Taking a few simple steps before your lip fillers appointment can minimise bruising and swelling and ensure a smooth recovery. Here’s how to get ready

Navigate to:

Jump to: Price, Summary or FAQs

What Happens During the Procedure?

bruising management infographics

Arrive with a clean face free of makeup or lip balm. A topical numbing cream will be applied to keep you comfortable. In some cases, a dental block or nitrous oxide may also be offered. Plan to spend about 20–30 minutes at the clinic.

Book a Free Consultation!

Lip Fillers At-A-Glance

Cost & Pricing

Transparent lip filler pricing: choose 0.5 mL for a subtle refresh or 1 mL for full definition. Your injector confirms exact syringes and total cost at consult. Financing available—ask us.

What To Expect

Plan 30–45 minutes total. We numb, map your lip shape, then place tiny amounts of HA filler for definition. You’ll see instant change with final settling over 3–14 days. Bring a photo too.

Mechanism of Action

HA filler is a smooth gel that attracts water for soft volume and definition. Precise micro-placements shape the Cupid’s bow and vermilion border. It’s reversible with hyaluronidase safely

Benefits & Results

Add balanced volume sharpen the Cupid’s bow, and smooth lip lines without an overfilled look. Results are immediate, then refine as swelling settles over the first week. Review at 2 weeks.

Post-Treatment Care

Use cold compresses on/off for 24 hours, keep lips clean, and avoid heat, alcohol, heavy exercise, kissing, and straws for 24–48 hours. Sleep elevated and hydrate. Avoid makeup for 1 day!!

Side Effects & Downtime

Most clients have swelling, tenderness or bruising for 2–7 days. Small lumps often soften as lips settle. Rare risks include infection or vascular complications; we review red flags fast.

Preparing for Your Lip Filler Appointment

One Week Before
Stop taking blood‑thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) unless directed otherwise by your physician. These drugs thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising.
Avoid supplements that can thin the blood or increase bruising, including St. John’s Wort, Gingko biloba, primrose oil, garlic, ginseng and vitamin E.

Two Days Before
Discontinue topical products that may irritate your skin, such as tretinoin (Retin‑A), retinoids, glycolic acid or other strong “anti‑aging” products around the mouth.
Refrain from waxing, bleaching, tweezing or using depilatory creams on the area to be treated.
Consider taking Arnica montana tablets to help reduce bruising (this is optional but may speed healing).

24 Hours Before
Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before your injections. Alcohol acts as a blood thinner and can worsen swelling and bruising.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

General Considerations
If you’re prone to cold sores (herpes simplex), notify your provider. They may prescribe antiviral medication to reduce the risk of an outbreak.
Avoid dermal fillers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have severe allergies to any ingredients or have certain neurological disorders. Always discuss your medical history with your injector.

Aftercare: Caring for Your Lips

Proper aftercare helps minimise side‑effects and maximise your results. Follow these guidelines for the first few days after treatment:

The First 24–48 Hours
Ice gently: Apply a cold pack wrapped in a clean cloth for a few minutes at a time to reduce swelling and discomfort. Do not place ice directly on the lips.

Avoid pressure
Do not touch, massage or pucker your lips unnecessarily. Kissing, using a straw or vigorous lip movements can disturb the filler and increase infection risk. Wait at least 24 hours before wearing lipstick or lip balm.

Skip strenuous activity
Avoid intense exercise, heavy lifting and hot yoga for two days. Increased blood flow can worsen swelling and bruising.

Say no to alcohol and smoking
Alcohol and nicotine thin the blood and may lead to more bruising. Avoid them for at least 24–48 hours.

Limit salt
Sodium can increase swelling. Focus on hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables instead of salty snacks.

Protect from heat
Stay out of saunas, hot tubs and steam rooms for 48 hours. Excessive heat dilates blood vessels and can lead to more swelling.

The First Week
Stay hydrated: Hyaluronic acid fillers bind with water, so drinking plenty of water helps the filler integrate and prolongs your results.

Avoid dental work
Postpone dental cleanings or invasive dental procedures for two weeks to reduce the risk of infection.

Delay air travel
Cabin pressure can intensify swelling and dehydration; wait a week before flying when you can.

Monitor side‑effects
Mild lumps, tenderness or bruising are normal and will soften over several days. If you experience severe pain, pale or dark patches on your lips or skin, fever or signs of infection, contact our office immediately.

Once swelling subsides (usually within a week), you’ll enjoy softer, fuller lips. To maintain your results, schedule touch‑ups every 6–12 months or as recommended by your injector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stop taking blood‑thinning medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen unless your doctor advises otherwise. Avoid supplements such as St. John’s Wort, Gingko biloba, primrose oil, garlic, ginseng and vitamin E, as they can increase bruising.
If you have an active cold sore, postpone your appointment until it heals. If you are prone to cold sores, let your provider know; they may prescribe antiviral medication to minimise the risk of an outbreak.
No. Injectable fillers are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety data is lacking. It’s best to wait until after you’ve delivered or finished nursing.
Arrive with a clean face. Avoid using strong skincare products around your lips (retinoids, glycolic acid) for at least two days before treatment, and don’t apply lipstick or lip balm on the day of your appointment.
No fasting is required. Eat a normal meal so you don’t feel light‑headed. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Because changes in cabin pressure can increase swelling, it’s best to wait at least a week after treatment before air travel if you can.

Why Choose Albany Cosmetic & Laser Centre?

Albany Cosmetic & Laser Centre focuses on natural-looking lip enhancement with a conservative, anatomy-led approach. Your plan is tailored to your facial proportions—whether your goal is a hydrated refresh, a sharper border, or a more defined Cupid’s bow—while avoiding the “overfilled” look.

You will also benefit from transparent pricing, comfort measures (numbing and technique), and a structured follow-up approach so results can be refined once swelling settles. We use Health Canada–approved hyaluronic acid fillers and prioritize patient education and aftercare.

Request Your Appointment Today

Book your lip filler consultation today and receive a personalized plan for shape, symmetry, and natural-looking volume.
Use the site floater to call, text, email, or chat, or book online—then complete the form to get started.

Read our privacy policy here

Related Services at Albany Cosmetic & Laser Centre