In the world of aesthetic treatments, managing post-procedure swelling is crucial for patient satisfaction and optimal results. When it comes to lip filler aftercare, practitioners and patients often debate between traditional remedies like Arnica gel and specialised products such as AfterMED Lips. This article aims to compare the effectiveness of these two options for reducing lip filler swelling.

Arnica Gel: A Traditional Approach

Arnica gel, derived from the Arnica montana plant, has long been a go-to remedy for bruising and swelling. Its primary active ingredient, Arnica montana extract, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Many practitioners recommend it for its potential to reduce swelling and bruising after various cosmetic procedures.

However, Arnica gel has some limitations when it comes to lip filler aftercare:

1. Formulation: Typically water-based, which can potentially allow bacterial growth.
2. Specificity: Not specifically formulated for use on open wounds, such as those from injectable treatments. See image below from Nelson’s Pharmacy.
3. Limited active ingredients: Relies primarily on Arnica montana extract for its effects.
4. May leave practitioners uninsured as the directions of use specify to not apply to open wounds.

AfterMED Lips: A Specialised Solution

AfterMED Lips, on the other hand, is a product specifically designed for post-lip filler care. Its formulation addresses multiple aspects of aftercare:

1. Active Ingredients: Contains 43% active ingredients with antihistamine, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties.
2. Targeted Approach: Specifically designed for use after lip treatments.
3. Additional Benefits: Includes ingredients like Kahai Oil and Colloidal oats for enhanced anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.
4. Contains an active cooling agent to soothe lips post injections. 

Safety aspect:

1. Insured for post-surgical procedures in the UK and EU by Aviva.
2. Underwent 16-weeks Compatibility and Stability testing to ensure its safety.
3. Passed all safety checks by 2 UK laboratories.
4. Packaged in an airless pump to prevent bacteria from entering into the formula.
5. Anhydrous Formulation: Being water-free, it prevents bacterial growth, making it suitable for use on open wounds

Comparative Effectiveness

While both products aim to reduce swelling, AfterMED Lips offers a more comprehensive approach:

1. Swelling Reduction: The combination of multiple anti-inflammatory ingredients in AfterMED Lips may provide more effective swelling reduction compared to Arnica gel's single-ingredient approach.
2. Wound Care: AfterMED Lips' anhydrous formulation makes it suitable for use on injection sites, whereas Arnica gel is not recommended for open wounds.
3. Additional Benefits: Beyond swelling reduction, AfterMED Lips offers antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, addressing multiple aspects of post-treatment care.
4. Specificity: AfterMED Lips is tailored for lip filler aftercare, while Arnica gel is a more general-purpose product.

Conclusion

While Arnica gel has been a popular choice for reducing swelling and bruising, the specialised formulation of AfterMED Lips make it more effective for lip filler aftercare. Its targeted approach, multiple active ingredients, and suitability for use on injection sites make it a potentially superior option for managing post-lip filler swelling.

However, it's crucial to note that individual results may vary, and patients should always follow their practitioner's recommendations for aftercare products. As the field of aesthetic medicine continues to advance, products like AfterMED Lips represent a shift towards more specialised, comprehensive aftercare solutions.

For practitioners looking to optimise their patients' results and satisfaction, considering products specifically designed for lip filler aftercare, such as AfterMED Lips, will offer your clinic a significant advantage to those who only supply arnica gel.

Become an official stockist

It's time to ditch the arnica gel and move to an effective, specialised, and safe aftercare product such as AfterMED Lips. Click the link below to sign up for wholesale access:

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References:

1. Montville MedSpa & Pain Center. (2025, January 28). Arnica for Lip Fillers. https://montvillemed.com/arnica-for-lip-fillers/
2. The Cosmetic Company Outlet. (2024, January 21). AfterMED LIP Treatment. https://www.cosmeticcompanyoutlet.co.uk/product/aftermed-lip-treatment/
3. Funt, D., & Pavicic, T. (2018). Treatment of Soft Tissue Filler Complications: Expert Consensus Recommendations. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 141(2), 149e-167e. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5840246/
4. It's Just For Me. (2024, January 21). The Importance of Aftercare: Insights from Abbie at Halo Aesthetics. https://itsjustforme.com/blogs/news/abbiefern-aftercare
5. Funt, D., & Pavicic, T. (2015). Managing Complications of Fillers: Rare and Not-So-Rare. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 8(4), 38-46. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4728901/
6. Filler Warehouse. (2024, November 26). After MED Lips - Premium Aftercare. https://filler-warehouse.co.uk/products/after-med-lips-premium-aftercare
7. The Oxford Smile Clinics. (n.d.). Lip Filler Aftercare? https://theoxfordsmileclinics.co.uk/lip-filler-aftercare/
8. It's Just For Me. (2024, January 21). How does AfterMED Lips work? https://itsjustforme.com/blogs/news/how-does-aftermed-lips-work
9. Nelsons Pharmacy. (n.d.). FAQs - Arnicare® Arnica Cream. Retrieved from https://www.nelsonspharmacy.com/pages/faqs-arnica-cream