Lip Filler Preparation & Aftercare in Edmonton

Preparing for Your Lip Filler Appointment

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:

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.

The Day of Treatment
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.

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What Happens During the Procedure?

Lip filler injections are quick and precise. After cleaning and numbing the area, your provider will use a fine needle or flexible cannula to place tiny amounts of hyaluronic acid filler into strategic points along your lip border and body. You may feel gentle pressure or pinching, but discomfort is typically minimal thanks to the numbing cream and lidocaine in the filler itself.

Design and technique
The injector may gently massage your lips to evenly distribute the product and refine your shape. At Albany, we discuss lip‑design options like the classic Cupid’s bow, cherry or Russian technique to ensure your lips complement your face.

Duration
The injection portion usually takes 10–15 minutes, and you can watch your new lips emerge in real time.

Aftercare
After your injections, we’ll review aftercare instructions and schedule any follow‑up appointments. You can return to work or social activities immediately, although you may experience temporary swelling or bruising.

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Infographic summarizing Lip Fillers: \$550 per syringe, 30–45 mins, fuller lips, immediate results, temporary swelling and bruising, minimal discomfort with numbing cream.

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.

Choosing The Right Technique For Recovery

If you’re looking to minimize downtime, consider opting for a cannula technique instead of traditional methods. This approach typically results in less bruising and swelling, allowing you to enjoy your enhanced look with a quicker recovery time. It’s important to note that certain techniques that enhance the volume significantly, such as the Russian style enhancement, may result in more swelling and slightly longer downtime due to the precise, layered application of the product.

Frequently Asked Questions

What medications or supplements should I avoid before my appointment?

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.
Avoid vigorous exercise, heavy lifting and activities that raise your heart rate for 24–48 hours. Gentle movement like walking is fine, but intense workouts can worsen swelling and bruising.
Hot drinks and spicy foods can irritate tender lips and increase swelling. Stick to lukewarm or cold beverages and mild foods for the first day or two.
Wait at least 24 hours before applying any lip products. When you do, use new or sanitized applicators to reduce the risk of infection.
Hyaluronic acid attracts water, so drinking plenty of water helps the filler integrate into your tissue and prolongs your results. Hydration also aids in healing and reduces swelling.
Mild lumps or unevenness are common right after treatment and often settle within a few days. Gentle massaging as directed by your injector can help. If lumps persist or feel painful, contact your provider.
Severe pain, blanching or dark discolouration of the lips or surrounding skin, fever, or signs of infection are not normal. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your clinic immediately for assessment.

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