Lip Fillers: 3 Truths from the Expert’s Mouth
Lip fillers have gained enormous popularity over the last decade and have become a mainstream injectable. But with this increase in popularity, unfortunately there also comes inexperienced injectors and uneducated consumers, creating a host of issues and a bad reputation for what could be a natural looking enhancement with a beautiful outcome.
If you would like to enhance the shape, size and fullness of your lips, there are three important things to consider according to Lorraine Kennedy, our nurse injector and lip enhancement extraordinaire with over 20+ years’ experience as an injector and clinical trainer (i.e., she trains doctors and nurses on how to perform this treatment).
What Are Lip Fillers
Lip fillers are a popular cosmetic treatment used to improve the appearance of the lips. The most common type of filler is made from hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body. Lip fillers are injected into the lips using a very fine needle, and the results are immediate. There are various types of lip fillers available, so it’s important to consult with a doctor or certified aesthetician to find the best option for you.
Reasons to Get Lip Fillers
There are many rationales why people choose to get lip fillers, but the most common reason is to achieve fuller, more voluptuous lips. Lip fillers can also be used to correct asymmetry, fine lines, and other imperfections. In addition, lip fillers can boost self-confidence by helping you achieve your desired look.
3 Truths From the Expert
Truth 1: Less is More
LESS IS MORE— starting slow and gradually building up lip volume is the surest way to achieve a natural outcome. If you think more will give you the desired result, just Google “celebrity lip fillers gone bad.” You will see what having too much too soon can do to a natural appearance.
Truth 2: You May Need to Dissolve Existing Filler
YOU MAY NEED TO DISSOLVE EXISTING FILLER — Unhappy in the past? You may need to have the existing filler in your lips dissolved so we can start fresh. An experienced injector will consider the entire anatomy of your face and how the filler will contribute to your overall aesthetic to create harmony and achieve balance.
Truth 3: Don’t Price Shop
DON’T PRICE SHOP — the saying “you get what you pay for” can certainly be applied when it comes to medical aesthetics, especially lip fillers! What you are actually buying is experience (or lack thereof) and decades of perfecting a craft. The entire procedure may only take 20 minutes, but the skill, artistry, and attention to detail have taken talented injectors years to acquire.
Therefore, price shopping is NOT the way to go when it comes to lip fillers. This is the one injectable procedure that people don’t seem to mind getting at a lower price, yet it can result in looking the MOST UNNATURAL of all injectable procedures.
Lip Fillers Recovery Time
After the local and topical anesthesia wears off, you may experience some pain for 12-24 hours. Swelling should subside after 24-48 hours.
If you want your lips filled before a big event, like a wedding, it is best to book at least two weeks in advance to avoid issues with healing or other complications.
How Long Does Lip Filler Last?
Lip fillers typically last 12-18 months. However, it depends on your age and how fast you break down calories into energy (metabolism). Younger people have a higher metabolism, so they wear off faster than older individuals, who may not need to worry about replenishing their lips as often!
Types of Lip Fillers
We know how important it is to find the right fillers for your needs, which can be difficult with so many options available. Luckily we’ve got you covered! Here’s our list of some popular types:
1) Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers
Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers can help you achieve the perfect pout. Our bodies naturally produce HA, and it works to enhance volume in lip areas like lips or mouth corners where there’s less than ideal structure due to its shape.
2) Juvederm
Juvederm is a filler that can be injected into the lips to add volume and hydration. The active ingredient in Juvederm is hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally occurs in the body. Juvederm is designed to seamlessly integrate with your natural lip tissue, giving you a natural-looking result.
3) Restylane
Restylane is a family of injectable fillers that add volume and fullness to the skin. Restylane lip fillers are specifically designed to provide natural-looking results by augmenting the lips, adding volume and definition to the lips, to create a more youthful appearance. The filling agents used in Restylane lip fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in the body. By replenishing the lost hyaluronic acid, Restylane lip fillers can help to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles around the mouth.
Aftercare
As with any cosmetic procedure, there are a few essential aftercare instructions:
- Do not apply makeup or lip products for at least 12 hours.
- Sleep with your head elevated to help decrease swelling.
- Avoid alcohol, Motrin, and Aspirin for 24 hours.
- Do not massage or apply pressure to your lips for at least a week.
At Skin Technique, our appointments fill up fast – Book Now with Lorraine Kennedy or Dr. Pavlou who have both literally performed thousands of lip enhancement procedures, with natural and beautiful results for our patients.