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Professionally done lip fillers can enhance the volume of your lips and greatly improve your overall appearance.
No matter how great your lip fillers turn out though, one thing you should always pay attention to is aftercare, as it is just as critical as the procedure itself.
One of the most common questions patients in the UK ask is: Can I drink alcohol after lip fillers?
In short, the most effective lip detailing and augmentation specialists will recommend that you avoid alcohol consumption right after the treatment and for some time after. This is because alcohol has the ability to slow down the healing process, which is counterproductive.
Support us as we explain why grabbing a glass of wine isn’t a great idea after going through the procedure and how to successfully manage the aftercare phase.
Recommended Waiting Duration
Skimping out on alcohol for a couple more days may seem like a waiting period that seems difficult, but it greatly pays off in the long run. In this case, that period can be anywhere from 24 to 48 hours.
Not drinking alcohol during that time allows the filler substance to properly integrate into the tissues along with the body being able to heal, this is ideal. Avoiding these guidelines means recovery will take longer or the chances of undesired side effects will significantly increase.
Why 24 to 48 Hours?
The first two postoperative days after the procedure are imperative for the following reasons:
1. Your body starts to recover from the slight trauma inflicted by the needle.
2. The filler substance commences the process of integrating into the tissues to create the ‘shapely’ contour desired.
Any form of alcohol usage during this time frame can jeopardise these critical processes.
Potential Risks of Alcohol After Lip Fillers (UK Patients Guide)
Surely, consuming alcohol soon after injecting lip fillers will come with a cost. The most notable risks after this mix of alcohol and recovery include:
Alcohol is a blood thinner.
Alcohol is notorious for a plethora of health complications. One of the lesser discussed issues is blood thinning due to peripheral vessel dilation. Managing blood loss post filler injections can become an issue as consuming alcohol increases bruising or bleeding at the site of the injection. Studies show alcohol can increase bruising risk by up to 30% after injectable treatments (Source: Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 2019), which makes even a small drink a bigger risk than many patients realise.
This is especially concerning because the lips have dense vascularisation, making them highly sensitive to bruising and damage. Deep bruising can prolong recovery while also deteriorating the results.
Increased Risk of Swelling
In addition to bruising, alcohol increases the chances of slight swelling. Alcohol increases dehydration, which reduces skin elasticity and slows filler recovery. Post lip injection, it is crucial that the minimum swelling possible remains unaltered.
Increased Sensitivity
After the filler injections, you may experience some level of lip tenderness or numbness. With alcohol, you can become disoriented and might injure the area which has been treated. Actions such as bumping the lips or applying some form of pressure can disrupt the healing process or distort the filler positioning.
Impact on the Healing Process
The consumption of alcohol shortly after the procedure can be detrimental to the sensitive healing process. In addition to exacerbating bruising, swelling, or other effects, alcohol will have a more general impact and slow down the recovery of the tissues.
Prolonged Swelling
Due to the effect of alcohol, the body maintains fluid retention which can cause prolonged swelling due to being dehydrated. At the same time, this fluid retention applies undue pressure at the site of injection which impedes recovery.
Delayed Results
Immediately post-treatment, most patients expect to see the desired results within a week, but indulging in alcohol too soon can hinder the healing process and extend the timeline.
Best Lip Filler Aftercare UK Clinic Tips
Aftercare is essential and a stand-alone form of care for cosmetic treatment and procedures. For this case, encourage giving the lips the extra Tender Loving Care (TLC) they deserve. If you’re looking for reliable lip filler recovery tips in London, Manchester, or Birmingham, these guidelines are widely recommended by aesthetic experts.
Do:
- Maintain proper hydration and drink plenty of water.
- Hydration helps to promote healing and reduces the risk of inflammation (related: Can You Eat After Lip Fillers?
- For the first day, to reduce swelling, apply clean cloth wrapped ice packs.
Gentle skincare is recommended, as the use of heavily scented products may irritate the site of treatment.
Avoid:
- Smoking for 24–48 hours post-operative, as it serves as an irritant and hinders healing (see our full guide: Can I Smoke After Lip Fillers?)
- Strenuous activities, including hot exercises, saunas, and gym workouts, as these can enhance inflammation.
- Applying pressure to the treated site, as this can shift the position of the fillers.
- Use of makeup, lip products, and lipstick for 24 hours is prohibited.
Post Fillers Specific Instructions
Post the initial healing period, the lips can tolerate more activities, albeit some restrictions are still advised, even when sipping on a drink.
Moderation is best
Although consumption of alcohol in moderation is deemed acceptable after 48 hours post-operative, it is crucial to note that excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to dehydration which compromises the effectiveness of the fillers.
Continue Gentle Care
For the first two days, aim to avoid vigorous chewing or biting.
- Make sure not to use a straw as it may cause an unwanted strain on the lips and disrupt filler placement.
- Avoid excessive passionate kissing and any other activities that apply unnecessary pressure on the lips until full healing has taken place.
Long-Term Guidelines
To help avoid your fillers from wearing off too quickly, stay hydrated, avoid smoking or excessive alcohol, and protect lips from harsh sun exposure. This applies to both clients who have recently had the fillers done or loyal customers.
What Should You Focus on Next in Your Lip Filler Aftercare?
Maintaining proper lip post-care procedures will guarantee that healing and recovery will happen without complications and allow a fuller range of motion to enjoy the new look.
- Always refrain from alcohol consumption for 24 to 48 hours.
- Ensure that the aftercare steps required are followed.
- If alcohol is preferred after the waiting time, limit the amount to a few.
If you’re planning lip fillers before a summer holiday or Christmas party, avoid alcohol for at least 2–3 days to ensure smooth, lasting results.
For more guidance, explore our aftercare series including: Can You Smoke After Lip Fillers? and Can You Eat After Lip Fillers?. Or Book a consultation at our UK aesthetic clinic for tailored aftercare guidance and personalised lip filler treatment plans.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can I Drink Alcohol After Lip Fillers?
How long after lip fillers can I drink alcohol?
Most practitioners recommend waiting 24–48 hours to reduce bruising, swelling, and delayed healing.
Can one glass of wine ruin my lip fillers?
Even small amounts may increase bruising risk, so it’s safest to wait at least 2 days.
Does alcohol make lip fillers wear off faster?
Excessive alcohol can dehydrate the skin and speed up filler breakdown. Moderation is key after the recovery period.
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