Your Lip Filler Healing Journey: What to Expect After Treatment | Milton Keynes Clinic
If you’ve recently had lip filler treatment or are thinking about booking your first appointment, you might be wondering: what is normal during the healing process? At our aesthetic clinic in Milton Keynes, we reassure clients that the healing journey is just as important as the procedure itself.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through a typical lip filler healing timeline, from day 1 swelling to the common concern of "my lip filler feels like it’s gone" after one week, so you know what to expect—and when.
💉 Day 1–3: Swelling, Tenderness, and Lumps Are Normal
After your lip filler appointment, it’s completely normal to experience:
Swelling and tenderness, especially within the first 48 hours
Bruising around the injection sites
Lumpy or uneven texture, especially on day 2 or 3
Don’t panic if your lips feel uneven or firm during this stage. This is often due to localised swelling, and your lips are still adjusting to the product. Gently applying a cold compress and sleeping with your head elevated can help reduce puffiness.
💡 Tip: Mild lumpiness and swelling are common after lip filler and usually settle within 7–10 days.
🗓️ Week 1: “It Feels Like It’s Gone!”
One of the most common concerns clients express around day 7 is that their lips suddenly feel smaller or like the filler has disappeared. This sensation is a result of:
Swelling subsiding, making the lips appear smaller
The filler integrating with the tissue, making it feel more natural
Ongoing hydration and collagen stimulation, which develops over time
Rest assured, your filler hasn’t “disappeared”—your lips are simply settling into their final shape, and volume will become more noticeable again when you have a top-up session.
✅ Weeks 2–4: Final Results Appear
By the end of week two, most clients see their true results:
Lips appear softer, smoother, and more symmetrical
Any lumps have usually dispersed
The overall shape and volume are enhanced, but natural-looking
If any small lumps persist after 14 days, they can often be gently massaged or assessed during a review appointment.
📍 Healing Tips & Trusted Resources
To optimise healing, avoid:
Excessive heat (e.g., saunas or steam rooms)
Alcohol and strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours
Massaging or pressing the lips unless advised
💡 For more on post-treatment care, we recommend external resources like NHS aftercare for injectables and BAAPS guidelines.
🔁 Book a Review Appointment
At our Milton Keynes aesthetics clinic, we offer a review appointment 2 weeks post-treatment to check your results, address any concerns, and ensure your filler has settled beautifully.