Should you massage lips after a lip filler treatment?

We often get asked whether you should massage your lips after having lip fillers. Many people read about this online or are advised to do so by someone who isn’t a qualified practitioner. However, when your treatment is carried out by a skilled medical professional using high-quality fillers, massaging isn’t necessary—and we actually advise against it.

Massaging lip fillers

When fillers are placed in exactly the right spot, there’s no need to massage them. They’ve been carefully and strategically injected by your aesthetic doctor to achieve the desired result. Every injection is placed with precision to create the right shape and volume. If you start massaging your lips after filler treatment, you risk undoing the work of your practitioner. The reason is simple: you don’t know exactly where to massage, where not to, or how much pressure to apply. Incorrect massaging can cause the filler to shift, damaging the carefully planned result and leading to unevenness or asymmetry in your lips.

Unevenness from swelling

Sometimes slight unevenness can appear due to swelling after a lip filler treatment. This is a normal reaction of the body to the injections. At your follow-up appointment, your practitioner can smooth out any irregularities if needed.

The risks of massaging your lips after fillers

Massaging your lips after treatment can push the filler out of place, which may affect the final result. This can lead to unevenness or asymmetry in your lips. It can also increase the likelihood of bruising, as small blood vessels may be pressed open. This not only makes recovery longer, but can also make the area more painful.

Swelling may actually become worse if you massage the lips after treatment. In some cases, the filler can even be pushed outside the lip area, which ruins the intended result and can only be corrected with a special dissolving treatment.

The injection sites are also vulnerable to infection in the first few days. By massaging, you risk spreading bacteria and increasing the chance of infection, which can cause further complications and prolong recovery.

Massaging by your practitioner

If you notice unevenness or any other issues after your treatment, you can always get in touch with your practitioner. At your follow-up appointment, they can gently massage or make small adjustments if needed. It’s important to leave these corrections to a trained professional to ensure the best result and avoid complications. Trust your practitioner’s expertise for a safe and effective solution.