The Lip Filler Timeline

Lip filler has become one of the most requested treatments in Hobart, with clients seeking subtle volume, symmetry, or hydration. But even small changes come with questions, especially when it comes to healing. Swelling, bruising, and uncertainty about what’s normal can make the recovery feel more intense than it is. This guide walks you through what to expect from Day 0 to Week 4 so you feel confident, calm, and informed.

Day 0: The Appointment

On the day of your lip filler treatment, your nurse will begin with a consultation. This includes assessing your lips at rest and while speaking, discussing what you hope to achieve, and checking your medical history to ensure you’re safe to proceed. A numbing cream is applied and allowed to sit. Most lip fillers used in Hobart contain a built-in anaesthetic to reduce pain during injection.

Treatment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Immediately after, lips feel firm and may look larger than expected. This isn’t the final result. Swelling begins within the first hour. Mild bruising can show at injection points. Some clients also feel warmth or tightness.

At Heart Aesthetics Hobart, clients receive detailed lip filler aftercare instructions. Avoid alcohol, intense exercise, and touching your lips. Ice wrapped in a clean cloth can help with swelling, but don’t press hard. Avoid lipstick or balm until your nurse says it’s safe.

Day 1: Swelling Peaks

The first full day after your filler treatment often brings the most visible swelling. The lips may feel tight or look uneven. This is temporary and not the final result. Most clients report that the area feels puffy, and the top lip may appear more swollen than the bottom.

Bruising may become darker as blood rises to the surface. You may also feel tender spots along the border or where product was placed. Eating and speaking can feel a bit strange. Keep lips clean, stay hydrated, and rest if possible.

Continue avoiding hot drinks, alcohol, vigorous movement, or anything that raises your body temperature. Skincare products or makeup near the lips should be avoided. Stick to cool, soft foods and use a fresh pillowcase at night.

Day 2 to 3: Settling Begins

By the second or third day, the swelling usually starts to reduce. The lips feel softer and bruises begin to lighten. Some areas may still look uneven or lumpy, especially where filler was placed close to the surface for definition. This is a normal part of lip filler recovery.

Clients sometimes feel worried at this stage if they see asymmetry or a firm area near the Cupid’s bow or corners. These spots are almost always temporary and soften on their own as the product integrates. Gentle movement through talking, smiling, and drinking water helps your lips settle.

Bruising may take on a yellow tone as it heals. Swelling fades unevenly, so avoid judging the result too soon. It’s still early.

Day 4 to 5: Bruising Fades and Shape Becomes Clearer

Most clients see a noticeable reduction in swelling by Day 4. The lips begin to take shape and move more naturally. Bruises fade, although light discoloration may remain in some areas. Lips still feel slightly firm when pressed, but the surface feels smoother.

If the lips feel dry, a gentle lip balm can usually be used from Day 4 onwards, as long as your nurse approves. Avoid scrubs or strong skincare near the area. Makeup can be used carefully if there are no open spots or irritation.

At this point, you may feel a mix of relief and curiosity. The new shape is becoming clearer, but the filler still hasn’t fully settled. This is often the turning point where clients begin to feel confident they’ve made the right decision.

Day 6 to 7: Early Results Appear

By the end of the first week, most swelling and bruising have resolved. The lips feel soft, pliable, and more natural when smiling or talking. Any remaining firmness tends to be in deeper areas, which soften over the next few weeks.

Some clients notice they can now see the shape they requested—a fuller Cupid’s bow, a rounder bottom lip, or restored symmetry. Others may feel like they want a little more. Your nurse will usually suggest waiting until after Week 2 before deciding on any adjustments. This allows enough time for full integration.

Lip filler aftercare at this stage involves maintaining good hydration and avoiding trauma to the area. Most clients have resumed normal routines, including gentle exercise and social plans.

Week 2: Review and Touch-Up If Needed

Two weeks post-treatment is when most clinics offer a review appointment. This is your chance to check in with your cosmetic nurse, ask questions, and decide if further filler or adjustments are needed.

It’s also the point where the filler has settled enough to show the true result. Any remaining swelling is minimal. The product has begun binding with your own tissues, and the lips feel smooth and mobile.

If asymmetry remains, a small top-up can be performed. Some clients wait longer or plan a gradual build across two sessions spaced several weeks apart. This step-by-step approach helps avoid overfilling.

You’ll be advised on how to care for your lips moving forward. That may include SPF, barrier support, or hydration-focused skincare.

Week 3 to 4: Final Result

By the third and fourth week, the lips have fully healed. The product is evenly distributed, integrated with your tissue, and the shape is stable. At this stage, most clients feel confident applying makeup, attending events, or taking photos.

The lips feel completely natural to the touch. Any small lumps or unevenness should have resolved. If something still feels firm or off, it’s best to contact your clinic. Occasionally, a massage or review may be needed. Rarely, a dissolving enzyme is used, but this is uncommon when treated by an experienced injector.

Some clients choose to return for a check-in, even if no further filler is needed. This helps them understand how the product is performing and plan future maintenance.

How to Support Recovery

After your lip filler appointment, there are simple ways to help your body heal well. Avoid alcohol for 24 to 48 hours to reduce swelling and bruising. Use clean ice packs wrapped in a soft cloth, and elevate your head when sleeping.

Stay hydrated. Drink water consistently through the day to support lymphatic drainage and tissue repair. Avoid hot yoga, saunas, or sun exposure for at least 72 hours, especially during peak swelling.

Don’t poke or press your lips to check the product. Avoid using strong acids, retinol, or active skincare near the mouth for the first week.

Skip kissing or dental visits until your nurse advises it's safe. Avoid makeup or lipstick for the first few days unless directed otherwise.

If you notice white patches, extreme pain, or delayed capillary refill (your lip stays pale after pressing), contact your provider immediately. These signs could point to vascular compromise, which requires urgent attention.

When to Consider a Top-Up

Your cosmetic nurse may recommend a second session if your lips need more structure, or if you’ve chosen to start with a conservative amount. Most beginners in Hobart start with 0.5ml to 1ml. Adding more after a few weeks allows for subtle refinements and a more natural progression.

Top-ups are safe when performed by a trained provider. Each session adds to the base you’ve built. Over time, results become longer-lasting, with some clients only needing a small refresh once or twice per year.

How Long Will Lip Filler Last?

For most people in Hobart, lip filler lasts between six and twelve months. This depends on your metabolism, how much filler was used, and how animated your lips are. If you talk, smile, or train heavily, the product may dissolve more quickly.

Sun exposure, dehydration, and certain medications can also affect filler longevity. Maintaining results with SPF and good skincare helps extend the look.

Clients often find that their first treatment dissolves more quickly, and subsequent treatments last longer as the lips become more structurally supported. Your nurse will work with you to create a plan based on your goals and lifestyle.

What Makes Recovery Different in Hobart

Living in Hobart means dealing with cool winds, dry air, and intense UV levels. These environmental factors can affect your lip filler recovery and hydration levels. Some clients experience longer swelling in colder weather, while others heal more quickly in warmer months with better circulation.

At Heart Aesthetics Hobart, lip filler treatments include aftercare advice tailored to our climate. We account for temperature changes, indoor heating, and sun exposure—all of which can impact healing and final results.

Clients are often surprised by how personal their care feels. We prioritise comfort, safety, and natural results, making lip filler a positive, confidence-building experience from start to finish.

If you're thinking about booking your first treatment or are curious about the healing process, speak to a registered nurse with experience in lip filler Hobart clients trust. You’ll be walked through the entire process without pressure. Whether it’s your first treatment or your fifth, the goal is always a safe and subtle result that feels right for you.