Quick procedures Immediate results
Quick procedures Immediate results
Read More
Minimal pain<BR> Aftercare advice
Minimal pain
Aftercare advice
Read More
Long-lasting <BR>effective results
Long-lasting
effective results
Read More
Little to <BR>no downtime
Little to
no downtime
Read More

Lip Filler Process Explained: What to Expect, Healing Stages & Questions Answered

Three images side-by-side, showing the difference that lip filler makes. From left to right, there is a before image, an image with a small amount of filler, and the final result with more lip filler.

Thinking about getting lip fillers, but not sure what to expect? You’re not alone, most people considering treatment want to know exactly what lip fillers are, how the lip filler process works, how long they take to heal, and other common questions related to the treatment. At Swann Beauty, our highly-trained nurse provides natural-looking results with subtle volume and shape, while making the journey as comfortable and safe as possible.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything: from how long lip fillers last to what recovery feels like, so you’ll have clear answers before you even step into your consultation.

What Are Lip Fillers?

Dermal lip fillers are a non-surgical cosmetic treatment designed to add subtle volume, definition, and balance to your lips. Most modern fillers are made with hyaluronic acid (we use the Teoxane RHA range), a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps to retain moisture and create a smooth, plump appearance.

Unlike permanent implants, lip fillers are temporary and customisable. This means the practitioner administering it can tailor the amount and placement of filler to suit your unique features and the look you’d like to achieve, whether that’s a soft enhancement or a more defined shape.

Infographic showing the different stages of the lip filler process, from consultation through to aftercare.

How Does The Lip Filler Process Work?

Most clinics follow a similar approach to lip filler, but at Swann Beauty, our experienced aesthetic nurse keeps the lip filler process simple, safe, and tailored to you. Here’s how it works:

 

  1. Consultation

You’ll meet with our experienced nurse to chat about your goals, answer any questions, and agree on the best approach for your lips.

 

  1. Pre-Treatment Preparation

Before treatment, we apply numbing cream 20-30 minutes before your appointment to make the injections as comfortable as possible. The treatment end-to-end usually takes around 30 minutes, which includes both pre- and post-treatment.

 

  1. Precise Treatment

Your nurse carefully places the filler to create natural-looking results, whether that’s more definition, subtle volume, or a refreshed shape.

 

  1. Results & Healing

You’ll see results straight away. Some swelling or bruising is normal and usually settles within a few days, revealing your final look.

 

  1. Aftercare & Review

We’ll give you simple aftercare advice and arrange a follow-up if needed to ensure you’re happy with your results.

What Can I Expect from the Lip Filler Healing Process?

It’s completely normal to notice a little swelling or bruising after your lip filler treatment. For most people, this is mild and settles within just a few days. You’ll see an immediate difference in your lips, but the final results reveal themselves once everything has calmed and healed.

 

Typically, swelling is at its peak in the first 48 hours, then begins to ease. By the end of the first week, your lips usually feel much more comfortable, with the finished look showing fully within 10–14 days. During this time, you may feel a gentle tightness or tenderness, but nothing that should stop you from getting on with your usual routine.

A women receiving dermal lip fillers from a professional aesthetician.

Healing recovery time for your lip fillers will vary depending on each person and the type of filler that is injected. You can go about your daily activities from the moment you leave the building, but you should avoid strenuous exercise and sauna/steam rooms for the first 28-48 hours to avoid extending your downtime after the treatment.

The recovery time is almost instant; you may feel a little tingling at the injection site afterwards, but other than that you can go about your day. You may be advised to massage the area if you feel any lumps in the injected areas.

Everyone’s healing journey is a little different, and factors like the type and amount of filler used can affect recovery. Straight after treatment, your lips will usually look fuller than the final result. This is completely normal and happens because of initial swelling.

Swelling and light bruising are very common and usually settle within a few days. For some people, this can take up to a week, and during this time, your lips may appear slightly uneven. This is simply part of the healing process and not a sign of how your results will look long-term.

If swelling feels excessive or doesn’t begin to improve after several days, it’s always best to get in touch with your practitioner for personalised advice and reassurance.

You’ll mainly have to let nature take its course, but there are a few things that can help.

  • Apply cold compression: This will numb the area to help with the pain and tenderness that you have as a result of the inflammation.
  • Arnica Cream: This cream will help with the bruising. It is prepared from the alpine plant Arnica Montana, which is a topical herbal remedy.

The results are temporary, so you’ll need to have the procedure done 1-2 times a year if you want to maintain your plump lips. On average, the results are likely to remain for around 6-12 months.

Lip filler is a non-surgical treatment, so you won’t be left with any scarring on your face. In very rare cases, complications can occur if filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel, which is why it’s so important to choose a qualified, experienced practitioner. At Swann Beauty, all treatments are carried out by medical professionals in a safe clinical environment, keeping your risk to an absolute minimum.

If you’re prone to cold sores, it’s worth knowing that injections can sometimes trigger an outbreak. Don’t worry, this can usually be prevented with the right medication, which we can discuss with you before your appointment.

Most people describe lip fillers as only mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. At Swann Beauty, we apply a numbing cream before treatment to keep you comfortable, and any tenderness afterwards usually settles within a couple of days.

Lip fillers are generally safe when performed by a qualified professional. Most use hyaluronic acid, which the body naturally produces, though mild swelling or bruising can occur.

Shape Your Dream Lips Today With Swann Beauty

We hope this guide has helped answer your questions about the lip filler process, from consultation through to healing. If you’d like to learn more about the treatments we offer, take a look at our dermal fillers page for further details.


Still curious or want personalised advice? We’d be happy to help! You can reach us via our contact form, email us at info@swannbeauty.co.uk, or call us directly on 01782 938108 or 07824 905545 to chat with a member of our friendly team.

  • How to Look Good in a Hurry

  • Here at Swann Beauty we provide a fantastic range of non-invasive procedures to help you to look your best and achieve the face and figure you’ve […]


  • What is Mesotherapy?

  • At some point in their lives most women will experience cellulite. This unfavourable condition affects more women than men, and is usually found on the thighs […]


  • The Benefits of Dermal Fillers

  • There’s no escaping from the fact that as our bodies age our skin loses elasticity. Various factors such as over-exposure to the sun, pollution, and lifestyle […]