The short answer
Avoid alcohol for 24 to 48 hours after lip filler, and for 24 hours beforehand too. Alcohol thins the blood and widens blood vessels, which can make bruising and swelling worse.
Why alcohol matters
Lips have lots of small blood vessels, so they bruise and swell more easily than most areas. Alcohol can increase both, and it can also dehydrate you, which doesn't help healing. Skipping it for the first day or two gives your lips the best start.
A simple timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 24 hours before | Skip alcohol, and if your doctor says it's safe, pause fish oil, vitamin E and ibuprofen for a few days |
| First 24 to 48 hours after | No alcohol, strenuous exercise, saunas, hot tubs or direct sun |
| Days 1 to 3 | Swelling is usually at its peak. Use a cold compress and stay hydrated |
| After 48 hours | A drink in moderation is generally fine, though limiting alcohol for a few more days can help swelling settle faster |
Planning around an event
If you have a wedding, party or vacation coming up, book your lip filler at least two weeks beforehand. That gives swelling time to settle, so you can enjoy the event, and a celebratory drink, with lips that look their best.
What if I already had a drink?
Don't panic. You may just notice a little more bruising or swelling than usual. Use a cold compress, drink water, and give it a few days. Call us if you notice severe pain or any change in skin color.
See the full filler aftercare guide or read how long lip filler lasts. Questions about lip filler? Book a consultation and we'll walk you through it.