Lip fillers have the power to dramatically change your appearance. This non-surgical treatment makes your lips appear younger and fuller. Lip filler is often referred to as lip injections, the most common being Juvederm, Restylane, RHA or Versa. If you’re considering this cosmetic treatment, you should be aware of the procedure, recovery, and aftercare.
What Are Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers are a type of hyaluronic acid dermal filler used to enhance the shape, volume, and youthfulness of the lips. Dermal fillers are a popular choice for lip augmentation due to the following reasons:
Restore lip size and smooth wrinkles: As patients age, they notice their lips lose volume, becoming thinner and smaller. They will also begin to develop lines and wrinkles around their mouths, only enhancing the aging process.
Correct or enhance lip shape: Some patients may notice asymmetry of their lips or want to achieve a more defined lip shape like a cupid’s bow.
Safe and effective: Because hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies, dermal fillers are a safe option for lip augmentation because they pose little threat of causing a negative reaction.
Reversible: If you are not satisfied with your results, or change your mind about your aesthetic desires down the line. Lip filler can be removed by injecting a special enzyme that dissolves the product.
Preparing for Lip Fillers
Properly preparing for lip filler can help make recovery easier and prevent future complications down the road. One week prior, you should avoid taking over-the-counter pain relievers and supplements. In the two days leading up to your treatment, you should avoid using anti-aging products that contain Glycolic Acid, Retinoids, and Retinol, just to name a few.
It is best to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before receiving lip injections. Please let your injector know if you have cold sores, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you’re allergic to any possible ingredients.
The Lip Filler Procedure
On the day of your appointment, you must arrive with a clean, dry face. You can’t wear makeup to your appointment. To reduce the pain and discomfort you may feel during the treatment, your provider will apply a topical anesthetic. This numbs the treatment area so that you will feel as little pain as possible. The product is then injected using a fine gauge needle.
Your provider will massage your lips to ensure the product is properly distributed and absorbed. After this, they may ice your lips for a few minutes before sending you home.
Recovery and Aftercare
For the first 24 hours after your treatment, you should avoid using makeup and lip products. Your provider will provide you with prescribed lip products you are able to use during the recovery period. You will experience some swelling, which is normal. Other normal symptoms include itching and pain.
Apply a fresh ice pack to the mouth area for the first 24 hours. When you go to bed, you should sleep with your head elevated on a firm pillow. Also, you should avoid steam rooms, exercise, alcohol, and blood thinners during this time. Drink plenty of water to keep your lips hydrated and to speed up the recovery process.
You should also avoid eating spicy foods and foods that contain high amounts of sodium. Instead, consume fruits and vegetables that provide hydration. You should contact your provider if you experience chills, fever, blotches, increased pain, or if the injection site is red and hot to the touch.
Embracing Your Enhanced Lips
Now it’s time to embrace your enhanced lips. After the recovery and aftercare period has passed, you’ll want to put your best face out there. Emphasize the look of your lips with liner and lipstick in a shade that makes you feel confident. The great thing about lip fillers is that it removes the need for plumping lip gloss.
Long-Term Maintenance
Lip fillers can last from 12 to 18 months. To maintain the look of your lips, you should book follow-up appointments to keep up with the treatment. How long they last can depend on several factors, such as age and body metabolism. Fillers typically don’t last quite as long in younger people since they have a faster metabolism.
Schedule a Consultation
Lip fillers are a simple procedure that can enhance the way you look and feel. Schedule a consultation with Biltmore Dermatology, Wabash Valley’s cosmetic dermatology leader, to see if lip injections are right for you. Learn more about Biltmore Dermatology at our website today.