In this post:

The ongoing debate about lip filler massage: why it’s a controversial topic among injectors and the potential risks of improper technique
Explore why immediate post-treatment massage is generally not recommended and how it can disrupt carefully placed filler and compromise your desired results
Learn Dr. MJ Rowland-Warmann’s expert alternative to lip massage
Explore some of the essential aftercare tips for optimal lip filler outcomes, from ice packs to avoiding touching the lips

Lip fillers are our Smileworks Liverpool patients’ favourite choice for achieving fuller, more defined lips. However, with the popularity of such a treatment comes a flood of information – not all of it accurate. One of the most hotly debated topics amongst injectors is whether the lips should be massaged after receiving dermal filler injections.

What is the right way to massage lips after filler?

And when should you massage the lips? Right after treatment? Or should you wait a few days before you massage?

But most importantly: should you even massage in the first place?

In this post, we’ll dive deep into the debate and science behind lip filler placement using Smileworks Aesthetic Training HUB founder Dr MJ Rowland-Warmann’s expert insights. We’ll provide clear insights for injectors and patients on what to do (and what not to do) after lip filler treatment.

This clip on lip filler massaging is taken from our online lip filler course. To access the entire video, enrol today!

Should You Massage Lip Filler?

The short answer? Generally, no. But let’s break this down so you can get a real understanding of why.

Immediately Post Treatment

Many injectors will start massaging the lips right as they are done injecting. This seems a bit odd when you remember the injector has spent the appointment carefully placing the filler in specific areas to create the desired shape and volume. Massaging the lips could be detrimental to the results of the filler.

As Dr MJ explains, “you have just spent all this time making sure your product is in the right plane, and you have placed careful amounts to accentuate lip tubercles. And now you want to squash it with massage? This will just wreck the results we have carefully created.”

It’s one thing to gently touch the lips to check the placement of the filler. It’s another thing to aggressively massage the lips. Massaging so soon after injecting filler risks migration and disrupting the filler that was just carefully placed. See our blog post on lip fillers gone wrong to learn more about the consequences of improper technique.

In the Days & Weeks After Treatment

Lip filler can take up to two weeks to settle completely. Some injectors recommend their patients start to massage their lips to remove any lingering bumps a week, five days, or sometimes even 24 hours after treatment.

A good injector should ensure that any prominent lumpy bits of filler are evened out at the appointment. It is not the patient’s responsibility to smooth out these bumps in the days or weeks after treatment. We’ll get into how injectors should be flattening any thick strands of filler or lumpy areas in the next section.

While swelling is normal after lip filler treatment, if bumps still show even after swelling has gone down, patients should get in touch with their injector right away. The filler was either improperly placed or the injector did not take action to smooth it out immediately after injections. Negative reactions to filler are also possible, yet rare.

Dr MJ’s Safer Alternative to Massaging

Thicker strands of filler and lumps are common right after lip filler injections. While injectors still need to check these areas and smooth them out, aggressive massaging is not the answer.

Dr MJ uses a different technique for checking and smoothing filler placement: “I gently feel for the strand of filler between my thumb and finger. If there are inconsistencies in the thickness of the strand of filler and lumpy bits are evident, I very gently roll the strand so they are evened out.”

This method should only be done by a professional, not a patient.

As for any little bobbles of filler left in the lip, she recommends gently flattening them out with a hard instrument. Dr MJ uses a microbrush, but you can also use a cotton tip or even the back of your fingernail. This maintains the lower levels of the strand and just relieves the filler contours projecting through the lip mucosa.

This will address any problems of bumps without squashing the filler with a lip massage and compromising the result.

Any remaining irregularities or unevenness (that aren’t due to swelling or bruising) will resolve on its own as the filler settles and integrates with the tissue. Giving the lips time to heal and settle is often the best approach.

Other Lip Filler Aftercare Tips

While we don’t recommend our patients give themselves lip massages in the days after treatment, there are other aftercare steps to help ensure the best results from treatment.

Ice Application: Applying an ice pack or cold compress can help reduce any swelling or discomfort in the first 24-48 hours after treatment. Always wrap the ice in a clean cloth to protect yourself.
Hydration: Staying hydrated helps the body reduce swelling and can aid the injection site in healing faster.
Skip the Gym: Avoid strenuous exercise for a couple days after treatment. Increased blood flow can exacerbate swelling.
Be Gentle: Avoid touching, pursuing, or any other exaggerated mouth movements for the first few days after treatment.

Remember that everyone’s experience with lip fillers can differ. Some may heal quicker than others. Some may experience worsened swelling than others. It’s all up to the individual. Always follow the specific aftercare instructions given by your injector.

Learn Lip Filler From The Pros

We’re proud to introduce the Smileworks Aesthetic Training HUB – an esteemed aesthetic training centre based in the UK. We pride ourselves on our wide range of online and hands-on courses tailored for every skill level.

If you’re a beginner practitioner looking for more in-depth training in lip filler, our online filler course can teach you all about lip filler. Our lead instructor and co-founder Dr Rowland-Warmann will guide you through how to create gorgeous results for your patient.

Maybe you’re still taking your first steps into the world of both Botox and lip filler, or you’re an advanced injector aiming to master facial ultrasound techniques. We also have one-to-one mentoring sessions available for those looking personalised training. Regardless of your experience, we have the expertise and courses to suit your needs.

It’s time to embrace the prospering world of aesthetic medicine. The HUB provides you with all the right training and guidance you need to succeed. Take control of your professional journey and step into a future filled with endless potential and opportunities.

Join us at the HUB. Let’s shape the future of aesthetic medicine together and ensure safe, effective, and transformative results for every patient.

Want to try out our courses before committing? Take advantage of our free trial for a taste of what learning at the HUB is like.

Related blog posts:

Do Lips Get Thinner with Age? A Deep Dive into the Ageing Lip
Master Lip Anatomy for Fillers: Inject Better & Grow Your Practice
Mastering Lip Filler Injection Techniques: A Comprehensive Guide
How to Become an Aesthetic Practitioner in the UK