What to expect after lip filler recovery at MDW Aesthetics Miami in Brickell

What to Expect After Lip Filler in Miami

2026-02-16Lisa MacLachlan, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

After lip filler, expect swelling that peaks at 24-48 hours and resolves within a week. Bruising is possible but typically fades within 5-7 days. Your final, natural-looking result appears at 2 weeks.

Lisa MacLachlan, MSN, APRN, FNP-C - Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner at MDW Aesthetics Miami
Lisa MacLachlan, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner | MDW Aesthetics Miami | @injectorlisa.np

After lip filler, expect swelling that peaks at 24-48 hours and resolves within a week. Bruising is possible but typically fades within 5-7 days. Your final, natural-looking result appears at the 2-week mark when the filler has fully settled. At MDW Aesthetics in Brickell, we provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule a 2-week follow-up to ensure you're happy with your results.

Knowing what to expect after lip filler eliminates the anxiety of normal post-treatment changes. Every patient experiences swelling -- it's your body's natural response. This guide walks through the day-by-day recovery process, what's normal versus what requires attention, and aftercare tips tailored to Miami's climate.

Day-by-Day Lip Filler Recovery Timeline

Day 0: treatment and initial swelling. Day 1-2: peak swelling. Day 3-5: swelling subsides. Day 7: most swelling resolved. Day 14: final result visible.

  • Day 0 (treatment day): Your lips will appear fuller than the final result due to immediate swelling. Minor tenderness at injection sites is normal. Ice packs (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off) help manage swelling.
  • Day 1: Peak swelling. Your lips may look larger than you expected. This is temporary. Avoid touching, rubbing, or pressing your lips. Sleep with your head slightly elevated.
  • Day 2: Swelling remains significant but may begin reducing slightly. Any bruising becomes visible, typically small dots at injection points. Arnica gel or arnica supplements can help bruising resolve faster.
  • Day 3-4: Noticeable improvement. Swelling reduces significantly. The filler begins settling into its final position. You may notice slight asymmetry -- this is normal during the settling period.
  • Day 5-7: Most swelling has resolved. Bruising fades. Your lips are starting to look like the final result.
  • Day 10-14: Final result. The filler has fully integrated with your tissue. This is when we schedule your follow-up at MDW Aesthetics to assess results and determine if any touch-up is needed.

Aftercare Do's and Don'ts for Miami Patients

Protect your results with ice, hydration, and sun avoidance. Avoid heat, exercise, and alcohol for 24-48 hours. Miami-specific tip: stay out of direct sun and avoid the beach for 48 hours.

Do:

  • Apply ice packs wrapped in a cloth for 10 minutes on, 10 off, during the first 24 hours
  • Stay hydrated -- hyaluronic acid fillers attract water, so proper hydration supports plump results
  • Sleep with your head elevated on an extra pillow for the first 2 nights
  • Use SPF lip balm when going outside (essential in Miami's sun)
  • Take arnica montana supplements or apply arnica gel to reduce bruising

Don't:

  • Don't exercise intensely for 24-48 hours -- elevated heart rate increases swelling
  • Don't drink alcohol for 24 hours -- it thins blood and worsens bruising
  • Don't apply makeup or lip products for 24 hours
  • Don't lie face down or put pressure on your lips
  • Don't go to the beach, pool, or sauna for 48 hours -- heat and bacteria exposure
  • Don't kiss aggressively or purse your lips forcefully for 48 hours

Normal vs Concerning: When to Call Your Provider

Swelling, mild bruising, and tenderness are normal. White blanching, severe or increasing pain after 48 hours, or fever are not normal and require immediate contact with your provider.

Normal post-filler symptoms:

  • Swelling (peaks day 1-2, resolves by day 7)
  • Small bruises at injection sites (resolve in 5-7 days)
  • Tenderness when touching lips (resolves in 2-3 days)
  • Slight asymmetry during swelling phase (resolves as swelling subsides)
  • Firm or lumpy areas (often resolves as filler settles; massage may help)

Contact MDW Aesthetics immediately if you experience:

  • White or blue-gray discoloration of the lip tissue
  • Severe, increasing pain after 48 hours
  • Signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, pus, or fever
  • Prolonged numbness or loss of sensation

"Natural results are not an accident," says Lisa MacLachlan, MSN, APRN, FNP-C. "Following aftercare instructions is the second half of achieving the lips you envisioned. The injection is my part. The aftercare is yours."

Considering lip filler? Read about the best lip filler options in Miami or how long lip filler results last.

Ready to book? Schedule a complimentary consultation at MDW Aesthetics in Brickell or call (786) 788-8626.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Results vary by individual. Consult with a qualified provider before undergoing any treatment.

What to Expect After Lip Filler in Miami — Infographic by MDW Aesthetics Miami

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Frequently Asked Questions

Lip filler swelling peaks at 24-48 hours and is mostly resolved by day 5-7. Your final result is visible at 2 weeks. At MDW Aesthetics, we use Revanesse Versa which tends to cause less initial swelling than some alternatives.
Wait at least 24 hours before applying lipstick or lip gloss after filler. Clean, fragrance-free lip balm is fine immediately after treatment. After 24 hours, you can resume your normal lip products.
Avoid intense exercise for 24-48 hours after lip filler. Light walking is fine the same day. Elevated heart rate and body temperature can increase swelling. In Miami's heat, be extra cautious about outdoor exercise in the first 48 hours.
Lisa MacLachlan, MSN, APRN, FNP-C - Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner at MDW Aesthetics Miami
Lisa MacLachlan, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner

Lisa is an advanced practice registered nurse specializing in Botox, lip filler, and PRP treatments. She brings a patient-first approach to every consultation at MDW Aesthetics in Brickell.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Read our medical disclaimer.