Liz's Lip Lab
Common questions
The things clients ask us most often, answered honestly. Anything specific to your health or your face is a conversation for your provider.
- What happens at my first appointment?
- Plan on your first visit taking longer than the treatment itself. You'll complete a medical intake and sign your consent forms, then sit down with your provider to talk through what you want and what's realistic for your face. If you're having lip filler, numbing cream usually goes on for around 15 to 20 minutes before anything is injected. The injections themselves are typically the shortest part of the visit. You'll leave with written aftercare instructions.
- Does it hurt?
- Most people describe it as pinching and pressure rather than sharp pain. Topical numbing is generally used before lip treatments, and many dermal fillers also contain a local anesthetic. Lips are sensitive, so some discomfort is normal. Tell your provider at any point if you need a break or more numbing — that's expected, not a bother.
- How long do results last?
- It depends on the product used, the area treated, how much is placed, and your own metabolism. As a general guide, lip filler often lasts somewhere in the range of six to twelve months, and neurotoxin treatments commonly last around three to four months. Those are typical ranges rather than a guarantee — your provider can give you a better estimate for the exact product they use on you.
- How much swelling, bruising, or downtime should I expect?
- Some swelling is expected, especially with lips. It usually peaks in the first day or two and settles over roughly a week. Bruising is possible and can take several days to fade. Many people go straight back to normal daily activities, but if you have a wedding, photos, or a holiday coming up, it's sensible to book at least two weeks beforehand so you're past the settling period.
- How should I prepare beforehand?
- Come with clean skin, eat something before you arrive, and drink water. Things that thin the blood — alcohol, fish oil, and some supplements — can make bruising more likely, so many people avoid them for around 24 hours before. Never stop a prescribed medication to prepare for a cosmetic appointment; talk to the doctor who prescribed it first. If you get cold sores, say so on your intake form: lip injections can trigger an outbreak, and your provider may want you on an antiviral first.
- What should I avoid afterwards?
- For the first day or two it's common to be advised to skip strenuous exercise, saunas and hot yoga, alcohol, and pressing or massaging the treated area. Dental work is usually best scheduled outside a two-week window around filler. The written aftercare you're given at your visit is specific to your treatment and your provider — follow that over anything general you read online, including this page.
- When will I see the final result?
- What you see on day one is not your final result — swelling and any bruising are still settling. Most people look their true result around the two-week mark. That's why providers usually review at about two weeks and can add a small amount then if something needs balancing. Try not to judge the outcome in the first few days.
- What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
- Let us know as early as you can so the slot can go to someone else. The full cancellation, deposit, and late-arrival terms — including how much notice is required — are published on our policies page, and you'll be asked to accept them as part of booking.
Still have a question?
This page is general information, not medical advice, and it can't tell you what will happen for you specifically. Anything involving your medications, medical conditions, previous treatments, pregnancy or breastfeeding should go to your provider directly — bring it up at your consultation or ask us before you book.