Injectors use hyaluronic acid (a naturally occurring substance in the body) to add fullness and structure to the lips. Expert injectors will preserve your natural lip shape—your cupid’s bow, the unique dips and curves—while creating a uniformly augmented appearance.
Many reputable injectors recommend easing into plumper lips by staging injections over multiple appointments rather than going all in at the first session. This prevents a too-big look and reduces the risk of asymmetry. Contact Lip Injections San Diego now!
Lip injections are a quick lunchtime procedure, and the results can be immediate. However, the technique is delicate and requires skill. It’s best to only trust experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists with your procedure. Unqualified injectors can ruin your lips by overfilling them or causing an allergic reaction to the filler material.
Your doctor will sterilize your mouth before the treatment and mark the areas where the injections will be made. Then, they will numb the area. They may also use ice to ease discomfort and control swelling afterward. Then, they’ll use very fine needles to inject the filler into your lips. The whole process usually takes about 30 minutes. The doctor may repeat the process to build layers of lip filler for a smooth, natural appearance.
The most common side effects of lip fillers are redness, itching or a minor bruise. The most serious complication is an inexperienced injector accidentally injecting the labial artery, which can lead to tissue death or infection. However, the vast majority of severe complications are due to unauthorized non-medic injectors and not because of the hyaluronic acid itself.
A good injector can judge the exact amount of HA to deliver and the right placement, which helps prevent overfilling or producing a “sausage” or “duck lips” appearance. The best technique is to gradually increase the amount of HA until the desirable goal in ratio, volume, and shape is achieved.
Another procedure is fat transfer to the lips, where your body’s own fat is removed by liposuction from the abdomen and purified before injecting it into your lips. This procedure can take between sixty and ninety minutes and allows you to leave the same day. Fat transferred to the lips lasts for five years or more.
The most important thing to remember before your appointment is that you should avoid alcohol and medications with blood thinners for a few days prior to your procedure. You should also eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and get plenty of rest so your body can heal faster. It’s also a good idea to take acetaminophen before and after your procedure, since it will help reduce pain.
Types of fillers
There are many different types of fillers available for lip augmentation, and an experienced injector will be able to recommend the best option to achieve your goals. Unlike surgical lip implants, dermal fillers are not permanent; they are designed to last six months or more, and can be dissolved by injections of the enzyme hyaluronidase. The most popular fillers for lips are hyaluronic acid-based (HA) products such as Juvederm(r), Restylane(r), and Sculptra(r).
While most people think of lip filler as being used to create a more pillowy look, the procedure can be used to address a variety of concerns, including restoring the appearance of a natural lip shape after a trauma or surgery. Dr. Alexiades says she recently had two cases of children whose lips were congenitally too thin, which led to a nasal-sounding speech pattern and distorted the shape of the upper and lower lips. Adding lip filler helped restore a more normal-sounding speech and the appearance of a more natural-looking pout.
A reputable injector will take pictures of your face and lips and assess your facial structure before recommending which type of filler is right for you. The procedure begins with topical or local anesthetic to numb the area, and then very fine needles are used to inject the filler into your lips. An ice pack is also often applied to the lips throughout the process, which helps reduce swelling and bruising.
Superficial fillers are great for treating fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, while foundational fillers treat deeper creases, such as the nasolabial folds that run from the corner of the nose to the corners of the mouth. Dermal fillers with a higher viscosity, such as Juvederm(r) Ultra and Ultra Plus, are ideal for filling in this area. The thicker Revance RHA (r) fillers are effective for correcting marionette lines and nasolabial folds, while Volbella is a great choice for improving vertical lip lines.
Some HA fillers are made from a patient’s own skin, while others are derived from bovine hides or human-derived materials such as hyaluronic acid. The latter – like those found in dermal fillers derived from cadavers – are known to be safe and long-lasting, but require an allergy test before use.
Cost
Lip fillers are among the most popular cosmetic treatments performed every year. A variety of people desires them — some in their 20s who enjoy posting selfies and want to look more attractive, and others who have lost volume over time and desire to restore a natural appearance.
During your appointment, we’ll start by applying a topical anesthetic to the area that will help minimize discomfort and bruising. Next, she’ll use a thin needle to inject lip filler into specific areas of your lips. She may also massage your lips to encourage the absorption of the product. We typically use hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers for lip augmentation. Popular brands include Restylane and Juvederm. Some practitioners also utilize collagen or other fillers.
After the treatment, you can return home with your results. Swelling and bruising should fade within a day or two. You can reduce swelling by using ice packs. You should also avoid licking your lips for several hours after the treatment, and you may wish to sleep with your head elevated on pillows to decrease swelling.
The bruising and swelling will subside gradually over the next few days, and you’ll be able to see your full results after about two weeks. You might choose to repeat your filler treatment with another syringe at that point, or you can wait a few months and return for your next injection.
In some cases, you might need additional treatments for long-lasting results. It’s important to talk with your doctor about what’s best for you.
You can also achieve your desired appearance with a surgical procedure called a “lip flip.” It’s similar to lip injections, but it involves inserting silicone strips into the lips through an incision. This treatment can add more volume, reduce lipstick bleed lines and wrinkles, and create a cupid’s bow on the upper lip.
While you might be tempted to get your lips injected by a stylist, dentist or even a friend’s cousin at a botox party, don’t do it. It’s always better to entrust the job to a qualified physician who can ensure your safety and satisfaction.
Recovery
The first few days after lip injections, it’s normal for the skin to look swollen or bruised. This is a sign that the body is working to heal itself and the results will be more visible over time.
It’s also common to feel a little uncomfortable or itchy. This is due to the fact that your skin will be numb for a while after the procedure. To reduce these feelings, acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be taken before and after treatment to relieve any pain or discomfort.
You can also apply a cold compress to the area for comfort, which will also help with swelling. However, make sure you don’t put ice directly on your lips, as this can cause damage and could lead to permanent scarring. It is better to wrap the ice in a cloth and apply it for a few minutes at a time, several times a day.
Keeping your lips hydrated will also help reduce post-injection swelling. Drink plenty of water, and try to avoid drinks with high sodium content as they can worsen the swelling. It’s also a good idea to sleep with your head elevated on pillows to help with swelling.
Avoid touching or rubbing the lip filler area, as this can cause the swelling to increase. Also, don’t pucker your lips or suck on them as this can also cause the lip filler to disperse prematurely.
In the 4-6 weeks after your treatment, your lip filler should be fully settled into the lips, and they should have a full and natural appearance. Injections may still be needed for a few touch-up sessions, but they should be fewer and far between.
If you’re thinking about getting lip fillers, it’s best to see a reputable, board-certified surgeon or dermatologist who specializes in aesthetic treatments and injectables. Not only will they be able to minimize risks, but they’ll also give you the most realistic and satisfying results. They’ll also be able to recommend the right type of filler for your skin and goals, and provide you with an aftercare plan to help you get the most from your appointment.
