Lip Filler recovery — week by week

What healing actually looks like — week by week — for lip filler.

Recovery timeline

1. Day 0
   Mild swelling and tenderness. Lips look 30–50% larger than the final result.
2. Days 3–5
   Most swelling resolves. Bruising visible in some patients.
3. Day 14
   Final result visible. Schedule any touch-up now.
4. Months 6–12
   Filler gradually metabolizes. Maintenance treatments at 9–12 months.

What's normal vs. what to call about

Some swelling, bruising, asymmetry, numbness, and tightness are expected in the first weeks. Sudden severe pain, fever above 101°F, drainage, spreading redness, or one-sided swelling that worsens after improving warrant a same-day call to your surgeon.

See lip filler results across the recovery curve on the main Lip Filler page.