What to Do Before Lip Injections

Get Ready for Your Best Results

Lip injections are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments for fuller, more defined lips. Whether you are new to lip filler or maintaining your results, knowing what to do before your appointment helps reduce swelling, minimize bruising, and extend how long your results last.

At Express Med Spa, our nurse practitioner-led team personalizes every lip injection to your facial anatomy. Here is everything you should do, and avoid, before your visit.

What to Do Before Lip Injections

1. Choose the Right Injector

Your injector determines your outcome. Always select a licensed, experienced professional who specializes in aesthetic treatments.

At Express Med Spa, our nurse practitioners and aesthetic nurses personalize every treatment to your unique lip anatomy for natural-looking results.

2. Share Your Medical History

Be open about your medications, allergies, and health conditions. If you are prone to cold sores, tell your injector before your appointment. They may recommend preventive antivirals.

Transparency supports safe treatment, smooth healing, and predictable results.

3. Hydrate Well

Drink plenty of water for several days before your lip injections. Well-hydrated skin tends to respond better to filler and heals more quickly.

Foods rich in vitamins A and C, such as citrus, peppers, and leafy greens, can also support collagen production and skin elasticity.

4. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

Alcohol and nicotine thin the blood, raising the risk of bruising after lip filler. Skip both for 24 to 48 hours before your appointment to keep swelling low and results even.

5. Pause Blood-Thinning Medications and Supplements

If your healthcare provider approves, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil, and ginkgo for several days before treatment. These can increase bruising risk.

Always check with your provider before stopping any medication.

6. Come Nourished, Not Hungry

Eat a light meal before your visit. Arriving on an empty stomach can cause dizziness or lightheadedness during treatment, especially for first-time clients.

7. Mentally Prepare

Feeling nervous is normal. Reviewing results photos and talking through your goals with your injector ahead of time builds confidence. Topical numbing cream keeps discomfort minimal so you can relax throughout.

What NOT to Do Before Lip Injections

To protect your results and reduce the chance of irritation, skip the following before your appointment:

• Do not schedule treatment right before a major event. Allow 3 to 5 days for swelling to settle.
• Do not wax, bleach, or tweeze around your lips within 48 hours.
• Do not schedule facials, chemical peels, or laser treatments within one week prior.
• Do not over-exfoliate. Stick to gentle hydration balms in the days leading up to treatment.
• Do not wear lipstick, gloss, or balm on treatment day.
• Do not drink caffeine within a few hours of your appointment.
• Do not arrive dehydrated or on an empty stomach.

For official preparation guidelines, visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ lip augmentation resource.

What to Avoid After Lip Filler

Proper aftercare protects your results. For a full guide, see our lip filler aftercare page.

• No intense workouts for 24 to 48 hours
• Do not touch or massage the area unless directed
• Avoid hot drinks, spicy foods, and salty snacks the first day
• Skip alcohol and smoking for 48 hours post-treatment
• Sleep on your back with your head elevated
• Avoid saunas, hot tubs, and sun exposure for 72 hours
• No lip products or kissing for at least 24 hours

Mild redness and tenderness are normal and typically fade within a few days. If you experience significant swelling, contact your injector. You can also learn more about how long lip filler swelling lasts and what to expect during recovery.

FAQs About What to Do Before Lip Injections

Ready for Your Perfect Pout?

Following these preparation tips gives you the best chance at smooth, long-lasting results from your lip injections.

Book a consultation at Express Med Spa today. Our nurse practitioner-led team serves clients in La Grange, Frankfort, Mount Greenwood (Chicago), and Shorewood, IL with personalized, natural-looking care.