Lip Filler: What Every Client Should Know Before Their Appointment
By Nurse Meena
Thinking about lip filler? Whether it's your first appointment or a touch-up, understanding the process helps you achieve safer, smoother, and more natural-looking results. At Euphora MD, we see recurring questions about pain, swelling, cost, longevity, and safety — and this guide covers everything we wish every client knew before coming in.
1. What Lip Filler Is — And What It Does
Lip filler is a hyaluronic acid (HA) gel designed to enhance shape, add hydration, and restore volume. HA is naturally occurring in the body, meaning it integrates smoothly and can be dissolved if needed.
Clients often ask:
“What is in lip filler?” → Hyaluronic acid, a sugar molecule that binds water and adds soft, flexible volume.
“Does lip filler dissolve?” → Yes. HA fillers can be safely reversed with hyaluronidase if medically indicated.
2. How Long Does Lip Filler Last? (Duration)
Lip filler typically lasts 6–12 months, depending on:
your metabolism
the type of filler chosen (hydration-based vs structure-based)
your skincare/lifestyle habits
how often you move your lips
Some clients maintain results with smaller touch-ups every 6 months to keep a soft, hydrated appearance.
3. How Much Does Lip Filler Cost? (Cost Transparency)
Pricing varies by product, goals, and anatomy, but most clients fall into:
Standard lip enhancement: typically 1 syringe
Pricing can be found here or contact our front desk for more information
Your injector will always provide a personalized treatment recommendation before beginning any procedure.
4. Does Lip Filler Hurt? (Pain + Process)
At Euphora MD, we use:
medical-grade numbing cream
fillers pre-mixed with lidocaine
skilled, efficient injection techniques
Most clients report minimal discomfort. You may feel brief pressure or pinching, but the process is generally well tolerated
5. Pre-Care That Makes a Big Difference
The right prep ensures better results and reduces complications. Hydrate well - Hydrated tissue responds better to HA fillers.
• Drink plenty of water
• Use simple, non-irritating lip balms
• Avoid dehydrating activities (saunas, hot yoga, alcohol) 24 hours prior
Arrive with a clean face - No makeup or heavy skincare around the mouth.
Cold sores - If you have a history of HSV-1, tell us beforehand. Preventative antiviral medication may be recommended.
6. What to Avoid Before Your Appointment
Blood-thinning medications/supplements - If medically appropriate, avoid for 3–7 days:
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin
• Naproxen
• Fish oil
• Vitamin E
• Ginkgo biloba
• St. John’s Wort
If prescribed, never stop without medical approval. Just inform your injector.
Alcohol -Avoid 24–48 hours before to reduce bruising.
Dental work - Avoid lip filler 2 weeks before and after dental procedures due to bacterial exposure.
Major events - Plan lip filler 2–4 weeks before weddings, vacations, or photoshoots to allow swelling to settle.
7. What to Expect: Bruising, Swelling, and the Settlement Timeline
Clients often search, “How long does lip filler take to settle?” Here’s the realistic breakdown:
Bruising
Very common
Lasts 3–7 days
Swelling
Day 1–2: peak swelling
Day 3–4: begins to settle
1–2 weeks: final result
“Balloon lips” on day one are normal.
Tenderness - Mild soreness for 1–3 days.
Temporary asymmetry - Swelling is rarely symmetrical — this is normal. Assess results at the 2-week mark.
8. How to Prep for the Most Natural, Beautiful Results
Know your goals
Bring reference photos. During your consultation we’ll discuss:
shape goals
filler type
whether gradual building is best
alternatives if filler is not ideal for your anatomy
Avoid overfilling
The most natural results come from:
respecting proportions
gradual enhancement
prioritizing long-term tissue health
Follow aftercare carefully
• No intense workouts 24 hours
• No saunas/steam/hot yoga
• No makeup around lips 24 hours
• Avoid touching/massaging
• Sleep slightly elevated first night
Trust the process - True results emerge once swelling fully settles and the filler integrates.
9. Safety, Reversibility, and When Dissolving Is Recommended
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if:
previous filler was placed incorrectly
migration has occurred
you desire a reset before a new treatment plan
Safety is always the top priority at Euphora MD.
Final Thoughts
Lip filler blends art, anatomy, and medical expertise. Arriving informed helps you feel confident, reduces anxiety, and ensures the smoothest possible appointment.
Whether you're researching “how long lip filler lasts,” “does it hurt,” or “how long swelling takes to go down,” we’re here to answer every question and guide you through each step of the process.
If you're preparing for your appointment or considering lip filler at our Vancouver clinic, reach out anytime — our team is here to create natural, balanced results you’ll love.