What are lip fillers?

Lip fillers are one of the most common lip augmentation technique. Lip fillers contain an ingredient called ‘hyaluronic acid’, which is a natural substance found in our body. This substance helps in trapping water within our lips and give them a plumper and volumized look

How do lip fillers work?

This procedure involves injecting a dermal filler gel into the lips with a tiny needle. The doctor will first mark the areas on the lips which are to be injected, and then proceed to inject Hyaluronic Acid, which starts to shape and support the tissues in the lips. The procedure can take anywhere between 25 to 30 minutes.

What to expect before treatment?

During your consultation, your healthcare provider will discuss your treatment goals and evaluate the overall structure and shape of your face, to check whether the desired lip shape and volume will match with your facial structure and other features. Your general health, including any pre-existing medical conditions and risk factors will be evaluated too, to avoid unnecessary complications.

Other General Recommendations:

Avoid topical products that contain Retinol, Retinoid, Tretinoin (Retin-A, Steivaa), Glycolic Acid, and other exfoliating agents for at least 7 days before your treatment
Avoid blood thinning over the counter medications including Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, and Aleve
Avoid supplements including Vitamin E, Omega 3, Ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginger, ginseng, primrose oil, and St John’s wort for at least 7-10 days before your appointment
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages
Notify your medical professional if you have an active infection including dental infection, sinusitis, UTI, and ear infection
Inform your doctor about any allergies you have

What to expect during the treatment?

A typical lip filler treatment can last anywhere between 30 minutes to two hours. During the treatment, your medical professional will apply a topical numbing cream 30-40 minutes before injecting, to numb your lips. The lip filler will then be injected into your lips using a thin, ultra-fine needle, on parts of your lips such as the edges, cupid’s bow, and on your oral commissures. You will experience very little discomfort and may only feel a pinching sensation. After the procedure, your practitioner will slightly massage your lips and put some ice on, to avoid bruising.

Treatment Post-Care

Since this is a minimally invasive procedure, you can resume your daily activities immediately, but keep in mind to avoid intense physical activities and other facial treatments for 24-48 hrs after the procedure. Do not apply lip stick or any other lip products for at least 24 hours post treatment. You will also be asked to refrain from any activity that may apply pressure on your lips or increase the risk of infection such as kissing, puckering, biting, or sipping from a straw.

FAQs

1. Can lip fillers change my smile?

Yes. Lip fillers can change the shape and size of your lips and help even out any lip asymmetries. It is important to always inject the filler in moderation. Too much lip filler can hide your teeth bringing the lips down and make your smile look unnatural.

2. Are lip fillers safe for me?

Although a lip filler procedure is safe with a low risk of complications, it is not safe for:

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
People with certain medical conditions such as lupus, diabetes, etc.
Patients with an active case of cysts, cold sores, pimples, or hives
People suffering from a bleeding disorder

3. Can a lip filler procedure go wrong?

No treatment is risk free and lip fillers can go wrong too. The chances are high when you have a certain pre-existing medical condition which your practitioner was unaware of, or when done by an inexperienced or non-certified injector. Please get in touch with a qualified aesthetic doctor if you think your lip filler might have gone wrong.

4. When can I expect my lips to look their best after the treatment?

Your lips will take about a week to look their best, after treatment.

5. Can I fly after getting lip fillers?

It is recommended that you wait at least for a week after your treatment before flying, since the pressure in the plane can increase the risk of swelling, excessive bleeding, and bruising.

What areas do lip fillers treat?

Lips
Lip Line
Skin Surrounding The Lips

How long does it take to work?

The effects can start to show up immediately after the procedure, but you can expect to see the full results within a week.

What are the side effects of lip fillers?

Some common side effects include bruising, swelling, bleeding from the injected area and redness near the mouth. If these symptoms do not go away after a week, please call your physician right away.