The Do’s and Don’ts of Eating After Lip Injections
You can eat after getting lip fillers, however it’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions and stick to soft foods for 1-2 days to avoid disrupting the fillers while they settle. After the first 24 hours, gradually resume regular eating, but avoid spicy, salty, hot, acidic, and crunchy foods that could irritate the treatment area as it heals.
Lip fillers are surging in popularity, with millions seeking plumper, fuller lips. But after getting injected, many have questions about aftercare. What can I eat? What should I avoid?
Lip injections involve delicate procedures on sensitive skin. The aftercare can impact your results and recovery — certain foods may cause irritation or swelling, while others can increase bleeding risks. With proper aftercare, you can heal quickly while maximizing your lip filler results.
What Are Lip Fillers: A Brief Overview
Lip fillers, also known as lip injections or lip augmentation, are cosmetic treatments that enhance lip fullness using injectable dermal filler products.
There are a variety of FDA-approved dermal fillers that can be used for lip augmentation, with hyaluronic acid fillers being the most common with brand names including Juvederm, Restylane, and Versa.
Lip fillers work by increasing lip volume. The dermal filler material is carefully injected into the lips and vermilion borders by a trained medical professional. Results are visible immediately and can last 6-12 months or longer before requiring touch-ups to maintain the desired fullness.
People choose to get lip fillers for a variety of reasons: to enhance naturally thin lips, restore lost volume due to aging, achieve facial symmetry, or simply boost their confidence.
Schedule a consultation at Montville MedSpa to learn more about our lip filler services and see if you’re a candidate
Can You Eat After Lip Injections?
Now to answer the main question at hand: yes, you can eat after getting lip fillers. However, there are some important precautions to take and guidelines to follow, especially in the first 24-48 hours.
- Allow Time for Numbing Cream to Wear Off Before Eating
Lip filler procedures usually involve a topical numbing cream being applied to the lips beforehand. This helps minimize discomfort during the injections.
After your appointment, you’ll want to wait until this numbing cream has fully worn off before attempting to eat or drink. This typically takes 1-2 hours. Consuming anything before the anesthetic effects subside increases your risk of accidentally biting or injuring your lips.
- Stick to Soft, Gentle Foods at First
Once your lips are no longer numb, it’s best to stick to soft, gentle foods that are easy to chew and swallow for at least the first 24-48 hours. This helps minimize excessive pressure on the lips as they heal from the injections.
Foods that require a lot of chewing or vigorous lip motion could disrupt the filler placement before it has time to properly settle. Soft foods are gentler as your lips adjust.
Examples of Recommended Soft Foods
Here are some examples of foods that are gentle on recently injected lips:
| Yogurt, pudding, applesauce, cottage cheese |
| Mashed or pureed vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots |
| Soups (puréed, broth-based, or with soft ingredients like avocado) |
| Smoothies with blended fruit or vegetables |
| Soft scrambled eggs |
| Oatmeal or cream of wheat |
| Nut butters thinned with milk or oil |
| Tofu |
| Hummus, mashed avocado |
| Macaroni and cheese, risotto |
| Custards, jello, ice cream |
| Protein shakes or meal supplements (Ensure, Boost) |
Aim for foods that can be eaten at room temperature or just slightly warmed. Extreme hot or cold foods could irritate swollen lips. Also choose low-acid, non-spicy options to prevent stinging.
- Keep Lips Clean While Eating
Meticulous hygiene is crucial when eating after lip fillers. Any food debris left on the lips could lead to infection in the injection sites.
Gently dab away any food, oil or sauces from the lips after each bite using a clean napkin or towel. Thoroughly rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash after meals.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid After Lip Injections
While you can eat after lip fillers, some foods and drinks are better to avoid during the healing process:
- Spicy Foods: Steer clear of spicy foods and condiments like hot sauce or chili oil. The heat and flavor compounds can irritate swollen, sensitive lips.
- Salty Foods: High salt foods may exacerbate lip swelling after injections. Limit items like chips, pretzels, cured meats and soy sauce.
- Alcohol: Alcohol consumption is not recommended right after lip fillers as it can thin the blood and increase risks of bruising and bleeding.
Oral Hygiene and Biting After Lip Injections
After getting lip injections, you’ll want to take extra care when brushing your teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions to clean your teeth without putting pressure on the treated area. Focus on thoroughly brushing the surrounding teeth. Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection while your lips heal.
You’ll also want to avoid certain activities like wearing lip products, puckering, kissing, and using straws which could disrupt the fillers. Be very gentle with your lips as they recover.
If you accidentally bite your lip, apply an ice pack right away to reduce swelling and bruising. Significant biting trauma could displace the fillers, so contact your provider if concerns arise. They may want to check for filler displacement. Try to eat and brush carefully to avoid filler migration.
We recommend waiting at least 2 weeks after lip injections before undergoing any dental work. Dental procedures could introduce bacteria and increase infection risks. Practicing proper oral care will help your lips heal properly after enhancements.
Ask our lip filler specialists at Montville MedSpa for tips on proper oral hygiene and avoiding bites or pressure after your injections
Warning Signs to Watch Out For
While most side effects like swelling, tenderness and bruising after lip fillers are normal, watch out for the following warning signs:
- Prolonged or severe swelling lasting longer than 1 week
- Significantly uneven or asymmetrical lips
- Intense pain that worsens, especially if accompanied by fever
- Hard, painful lumps in or around the lips
- Numbness lasting over 12 hours
- Discoloration or blanching of the skin
Notify your doctor right away if you experience any of these worrisome symptoms after eating or drinking. Serious complications like filler migration or arterial occlusion are rare but require immediate medical attention.
FAQs
How long should I wait after getting lip injections before drinking from a straw?
It’s best to avoid drinking from a straw for at least 24 hours after getting lip fillers. The suction can displace the filler material while it’s still settling. Wait until your provider confirms it’s okay at your follow-up appointment.
When can I start eating crunchy foods again after lip injections?
You’ll want to stick to soft foods for the first 24 hours after your lip filler appointment. You can gradually add back firmer, crunchier foods after that, but avoid very hard items for the first week to prevent excessive pressure on the treated area.
Is it safe to eat greasy or oily foods after getting lip fillers?
Greasy, oily foods are fine in moderation. Just be sure to gently dab your lips clean after eating to prevent oil buildup and potential infection in the injection sites.
How long should I wait to eat spicy foods again after lip fillers?
It’s best to avoid spicy foods for at least 24 hours after getting lip injections. The heat and capsaicin can cause irritation. After the first day, you can add back mild spices and work your way up to spicier foods.
When can I resume my normal diet after getting lip fillers?
Most patients can return to their regular diet after about 24 hours post-injection. If your lips are still tender, stick to soft foods a bit longer. Check with your provider at your follow-up visit before fully resuming your normal diet.
Consult the Experts at Montville MedSpa & Pain Center
While one must take some precautions, eating after lip filler injections is certainly possible. Stick to a soft food diet, avoid spicy and salty foods that could irritate, and keep lips meticulously clean.
With proper care, most patients are able to eat and drink comfortably and resume their normal diet after just a day or two. Always follow your injector’s specific post-procedure instructions. And if concerning symptoms arise after mealtime, seek prompt medical assistance.
Above all, be patient with your lips as they adjust to the fillers, and you’ll soon be able to enjoy the plumped-up version of your smile!
For personalized lip filler treatment from respected professionals, consult with the experts at `. Our team of skilled injectors can craft a customized lip enhancement plan to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Contact Montville MedSpa today to schedule a lip filler consultation and unlock your most beautiful smile.
