Before Your Treatment

Preparing for Lip Filler

A little preparation can make a significant difference to your comfort, healing and final result.

The lips are one of the most vascular areas of the face, which means they can bruise and swell more easily than many other areas. Following this guidance helps reduce the risk of bruising, swelling and complications, while giving your filler the best chance to settle beautifully.

If you're unsure about any part of this guide, please contact Layali Clinic before your appointment.

Important: never stop prescribed medication without first speaking to your GP or prescribing healthcare professional.
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One week before

Reduce your risk of bruising

Why: these thin the blood, and the lips bruise easily. Only where medically appropriate, and never stop anything prescribed without your doctor's approval.

Medicines

  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen
  • Naproxen
  • Other anti-inflammatories
  • Blood thinners (only with your doctor's approval)

Supplements

  • Fish oil & Omega-3
  • Vitamin E
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • High-dose garlic / ginger
  • Turmeric supplements

Pain relief

  • Paracetamol is usually suitable if needed
  • Avoid self-medicating with aspirin or ibuprofen before treatment unless advised by your doctor
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Cold sores

If you have ever suffered from cold sores — even many years ago — please tell us before your appointment. Why: lip filler can occasionally trigger a cold sore outbreak, so preventative antiviral medication may be recommended before treatment.

Contact us immediately if, before your appointment, you develop

  • Tingling
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • A cold sore
Treatment will usually need to be postponed until the area has fully healed.
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Avoid other lip treatments

Why: these can leave the area irritated or inflamed, which affects healing and your result.

For ~2 weeks before, avoid

  • Lip blush tattooing
  • Lip waxing
  • Lip peels
  • Microneedling around the mouth
  • Other filler treatments
  • Energy-based treatments around the lips
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48 hours before

Avoid alcohol

  • Increases bruising
  • Increases swelling
  • Increases bleeding
  • Lengthens recovery

Avoid intense exercise

  • High-intensity training
  • Long-distance running
  • Heavy gym sessions
  • Intense cardio

Why: alcohol thins the blood and inflames tissue; heavy exercise raises circulation, and both can increase bruising.

Stay well hydrated

  • Aim for 2–3 litres of water daily (unless medically advised otherwise)
  • Hyaluronic acid filler attracts water — well-hydrated lips settle more comfortably
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Dental treatment

Why: dental procedures can increase inflammation and the risk of infection near the lips.

Please avoid scheduling lip filler close to dental treatment — ideally allow 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after. This includes:

Includes

  • Hygienist appointments
  • Fillings
  • Crowns
  • Root canal treatment
  • Tooth extractions
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Event planning

Why: although many clients heal quickly, swelling and bruising can happen — you want to be settled for the moments that matter.

Please don't book lip filler immediately before:

Allow ~2 weeks before

  • Weddings
  • Holidays
  • Professional photoshoots
  • Important work events
  • Special occasions
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On the day of treatment

Please do

  • Eat a meal beforehand
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Arrive with clean lips
  • Arrive without lipstick or gloss
  • Allow extra travel time so you arrive relaxed
  • Bring any questions you have

Please avoid

  • Lipstick & lip gloss
  • Lip oils
  • Lip plumping products
  • Heavy alcohol
  • Turning up on an empty stomach
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Smoking & vaping

Smoking and vaping can delay healing, increase irritation, increase infection risk and prolong swelling. If possible, reduce smoking and vaping before treatment.

Please contact us before your appointment if you

  • Feel unwell
  • Have a cold sore
  • Develop a lip infection
  • Become pregnant
  • Start new medication
  • Have had dental treatment
  • Have had another facial procedure
  • Develop a rash around the mouth
  • Have any concerns about proceeding
If in doubt, always contact us — in many cases we can simply move your appointment to a safer time.

Our priority is your safety

Lip filler is an elective treatment. If we believe treatment is not in your best interests on the day, we may postpone it until it can be performed safely. Your safety will always come before proceeding.

A final reminder

Please remember

  • Swelling is normal
  • Bruising is normal
  • Lips often appear larger immediately after treatment
  • The final result is usually seen around 2 weeks after treatment
  • Natural, beautiful lips are created gradually

We're looking forward to seeing you and helping you achieve a result that complements your face beautifully.

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Layali Clinic · 442 Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London, E10 7DT · 07787 708200 · layaliclinic@gmail.com · Privacy Notice