Lip fillers have become one of the most popular cosmetic treatments, offering a quick way to enhance lip volume and shape with minimal downtime. However, proper aftercare is crucial for optimal results and comfort. One common question we hear at Body+Beauty Lab is: “When can I eat and drink after getting lip injections?”
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about eating and drinking after lip filler treatments, ensuring your new lips heal beautifully while minimizing discomfort and potential complications.
The First Few Hours: Immediate Aftercare
For the first 2-4 hours after your lip injection procedure:
Drinking Guidelines
- Wait 1-2 hours before drinking anything to allow the filler to settle and injection sites to begin healing
- When you do drink, use a straw for the first few hours to minimize lip movement
- Start with room temperature or cool (not cold) water
- Avoid hot beverages completely for the first 24 hours as heat can increase swelling
Eating Guidelines
- Wait at least 2-4 hours before eating anything
- When you do eat, choose soft foods that require minimal chewing
- Avoid opening your mouth wide or stretching your lips
- Take small bites to minimize lip movement
The First 24-48 Hours: Critical Healing Period
During the first day or two after treatment, your lips will be most sensitive, and this is when swelling typically peaks. Follow these guidelines:
Foods to Avoid for 24-48 Hours
- Very hot foods or beverages that could increase blood flow and swelling
- Spicy foods that might irritate sensitive tissues
- Hard, crusty, or chewy foods like bagels, tough meat, or chewy candy
- Foods requiring wide mouth opening like large burgers or sandwiches
- Acidic foods and drinks (citrus fruits, tomatoes, soda) that may cause discomfort
- Sharp foods like chips that could potentially scratch tender lips
Recommended Foods for 24-48 Hours
- Smoothies and yogurt (easy to consume with minimal lip movement)
- Soups (lukewarm, not hot)
- Mashed potatoes or other soft sides
- Pasta cut into small pieces
- Soft-cooked vegetables
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal or cream of wheat
- Pudding or gelatin desserts
Beverages for 24-48 Hours
- Plenty of water (using a straw initially is recommended)
- Non-acidic juices
- Milk or non-dairy alternatives
- Herbal teas (lukewarm, not hot)
3-7 Days Post-Procedure: Transitioning Back to Normal
After the first 48 hours, you can gradually return to your normal diet as comfort allows:
Days 3-4
- You can begin introducing more foods as swelling decreases
- Still avoid extremely hot foods and beverages
- Continue to take smaller bites than usual
- Moderately chewy foods can be reintroduced
Days 5-7
- Most patients can return to their normal diet
- Hot foods and beverages are generally fine now
- You can likely eat without special considerations for most foods
- Some may still want to avoid extremely chewy foods if any tenderness remains
Special Considerations
Alcohol Consumption
It’s best to avoid alcohol for at least 24-48 hours after lip injections because:
- Alcohol is a blood thinner and can increase bruising
- It can potentially increase swelling
- It may contribute to dehydration, which isn’t ideal for healing
Caffeine Intake
We recommend limiting caffeine for the first 24-48 hours because:
- Caffeine can constrict blood vessels
- This may potentially affect blood flow to the treatment area
- Some caffeine sources (like hot coffee) combine heat with acidity, which can be uncomfortable
Signs That Something Needs Attention
While some discomfort while eating and drinking is normal in the first few days, contact your provider if you experience:
- Severe pain while eating or drinking that worsens after 48 hours
- Significant asymmetry that develops when eating
- Any signs of infection (increasing pain, warmth, redness)
- Development of lumps or irregular texture that persists beyond initial swelling
- Blanching or discoloration of the lips
Long-term Considerations
Once your lips have fully healed (usually by day 14), there are no specific dietary restrictions. However, some ongoing habits can help maintain your results:
- Stay hydrated to keep your lips looking their best
- Use lip protection with SPF when outdoors
- Apply lip moisturizer regularly
- Avoid excessive consumption of very salty foods, which can contribute to water retention and affect the appearance of your lips
Final Thoughts
Every patient’s healing process is unique, and these guidelines may need to be adjusted based on your specific situation. At Body+Beauty Lab, we provide personalized aftercare instructions tailored to your treatment and individual needs.
By following these eating and drinking guidelines after lip injections, you’ll help ensure optimal healing and beautiful, natural-looking results. Remember that temporary adjustments to your eating habits are a small trade-off for lips you’ll love!
Have more questions about lip fillers or interested in scheduling a consultation? Contact Body+Beauty Lab today to speak with our experienced team.
