Understanding the healing process and how to support your skin with the right aftercare.

Dermal fillers have become one of the most popular ways to enhance and define, offering beautiful results with minimal downtime. However, like any injectable treatment, some swelling, bruising, and tenderness are completely normal after your appointment especially within the first 24–72 hours.

While you can’t avoid swelling entirely, you can take steps to feel more comfortable as your skin heals and choosing the right aftercare solution plays a key role in that process.

Why Does Swelling Happen After Dermal Fillers?

Swelling is a natural response to the injection process. As the body recognises a change in the skin’s structure, it sends extra blood flow and fluid to the area - part of your natural healing system. This is particularly common in the lips, which are highly vascular and more prone to short-term puffiness.

You may also notice slight bruising, tenderness, or firmness in the treated area all of which tend to ease over a few days.

How to Support Your Lips After Dermal Fillers

Here are a few steps you can take to help minimise swelling and support recovery:

1. Apply a cold compress
   Use a clean, cool compress to gently soothe the area. Make sure to wrap it in a soft cloth and apply it intermittently, especially during the first 24 hours.
   

2.  Keep lips clean and product-free for the first few hours
    Avoid makeup or skincare products on or around the lips straight after treatment, unless specifically recommended by your practitioner.
   

3.  Sleep with your head elevated
    Using an extra pillow can help prevent fluid buildup overnight and reduce morning swelling.
   

4. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol
   Drinking water supports natural recovery, while avoiding alcohol and salty foods can help minimise inflammation.
   

5. Use a targeted aftercare product like AfterMED Lips. This is where your aftercare really matters.

AfterMED Lips: A Premium Aftercare Solution

Developed specifically for use after dermal filler treatments, AfterMED Lips is a premium, professional-grade product formulated to soothe, nourish, and support the skin during the healing process.

Created by aesthetics industry experts and trusted by clinics across the UK, AfterMED Lips is designed to make aftercare simple, effective, and supportive.

Key benefits include:

• Powerful formulation with 43% active ingredients - Each application delivers targeted care using natural ingredients with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties.
  

• 100% natural and vegan-friendly - Free from artificial additives, parabens, and animal-derived ingredients.
  

• Gentle, non-irritating and safe for broken skin - Ideal for freshly treated areas, offering comfort without harsh or sensitising ingredients.
  

• Formulated with dermatologist-approved ingredients -  Including Arnica, Kahai Oil, and Colloidal Oats, all chosen for their skin-soothing properties.
  

• Insurance-compliant and aesthetics-approved - Making it a safer, smarter alternative to traditional Arnica gel for both clinic use and at-home recovery.

Why  AfterMED Lips Is Better Than Arnica Gel

While Arnica gels have long been used for post-treatment bruising, they’re not always ideal for sensitive areas like the lips- especially just after filler injections. Many arnica gels contain alcohol or synthetic ingredients that can dry out or irritate the skin.

In contrast,  AfterMED Lips is formulated specifically for post-aesthetic procedures. It’s gentle, 100% natural, and enriched with ingredients known to soothe skin making it a more effective and user-friendly alternative.

In fact, you can read our full comparison in the blog: Arnica Gel vs AfterMED Lips

Final Thoughts

Mild swelling after lip fillers is completely normal but with the right approach to aftercare, you can feel more comfortable and confident while your skin settles.

By incorporating AfterMED Lips into your routine, you’re choosing a premium, aesthetician-formulated product designed specifically for post-filler care. Whether you’re a clinic looking to enhance client results, or someone seeking the best way to look after their lips at home - AfterMED SKIN has created a product that’s natural, easy to use, and beautifully effective.

Shop AfterMED Lips for Dermal Filler - The ultimate aftercare essential.