Below, we’ll go into more detail about this popular cosmetic treatment, including the procedure itself, the benefits of lip fillers, the different types, and the duration, to help you decide if lip fillers are right for you.
Read on to learn all about lip fillers.
What are lip fillers?
Dermal fillers are one of the most popular non-invasive treatments in Vancouver, and the lips are one of the most requested areas for filler injections by patients. With the wide variety of dermal fillers available, the doctor can tailor a personalized lip filler treatment plan to each patient’s specific goals and concerns, whether it’s to refine lip contours, balance lip asymmetry or proportions, restore fullness to the lips, or add hydration to smooth out fine cracks.
Benefits of Lip Filler
Lip fillers have many benefits that make them one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world. The benefits of lip filler injections include:
- Fast, safe, and effective treatment
- Long-lasting and reversible results
- Versatile and precise treatment
- Improvement of lip fullness, shape, symmetry, and definition
- It treats signs of aging around the lips, such as fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves uneven smiles or swollen gums
Type of filler
There are a variety of FDA-approved filler products that cosmetic surgeons use. In general, fillers are categorized by the substance they are made from. A note for your safety: always make sure that you are receiving FDA-approved brand-name fillers, which are only available through a licensed physician, such as a board-certified cosmetic surgeon.
Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is already found in your skin. It helps keep the skin plump and hydrated. HA fillers are typically soft and gel-like. The results are temporary, lasting 6 to 12 months or longer before the body gradually and naturally absorbs the particles. Most HA fillers are infused with lidocaine to help minimize discomfort during and after treatment.
Collagen dermal fillers
In general, collagen fillers work by improving the skin’s collagen levels and encouraging collagen production, meaning that the results may take longer to become evident compared to hyaluronic fillers. The original collagen fillers were permanent. They are almost never used now due to the risks of allergies and long-term problems such as scarring. Newer collagen fillers are actually made of synthetic polymers instead of collagen. They are designed to stimulate the lips to make more collagen and, hence, provide plumping and shaping.
The two main types of collagen fillers are Bellafill, which contains polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres, and Sculptra, made from polylactic acid. They are both injectable treatments. Although they are temporary and absorbable eventually by your body, there is no way to dissolve them sooner. That’s why they are not a common choice for lip fillers nowadays. This is thanks to the popularity of hyaluronic acid fillers, which are safer and reversible.
How do lip fillers work?
Lip fillers work by adding volume and shape to the lips through a needle or microtube injection. The procedure is simple and does not require you to stay overnight at the clinic. Prior to the treatment, you will usually have a chat with your doctor to ensure they understand your requirements and to give you an idea of the likely results.
During the procedure
At the start of the treatment, your doctor will use an anesthetic to numb your lips so that you don’t feel any pain. This local anesthetic is usually a numbing cream containing lidocaine. However, some doctors also use injections to numb the mouth like dentists do.
Once the lips are numbed, they use a small needle or microtube to inject fillers into specific areas of the lips, depending on the desired result. In addition to the main body of the lips, this may include the edges of the lips, the cupid’s bow, or the corners of the mouth, or all three may be injected in, depending on the desired result. Your doctor will tell you in advance which areas they intend to treat. The procedure usually takes between 30 minutes and two hours, but most treatments take less than 45 minutes.
Following the procedure
After the procedure, your doctor may use ice packs to reduce swelling. They will massage your lips to help the filler disperse for a smooth finish and to avoid lumps. Your doctor will then observe you for about 15 minutes. During this time, they will look for signs of allergies or other side effects, and if there are no problems, they will let you go! Most reputable clinics will usually schedule a follow-up appointment about 4-6 weeks after your treatment to check on your results. Until then, you will also receive clear instructions on how to contact them if you experience any problems or have any questions.
FAQ
Are lip fillers bad for you?
Lip fillers are a medical treatment. Lip fillers are very safe when performed by an experienced healthcare provider, including a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or cosmetic surgeon. Make an appointment now.
Can lip fillers ruin your lips?
If you do not have lip fillers performed by an experienced healthcare provider, you risk ruining your lips. Your lips may stretch permanently, the tissue around your lips may become necrotic, the lip fillers may harden, or the injection site may become infected.
Do lip fillers hurt?
There may be mild pain at the injection site. 12 to 24 hours later, the pain will go away.
Are lip fillers permanent?
Lip fillers are not permanent. They wear off slowly over time, usually 12 to 18 months after injection, depending on your metabolism. You may need regular touch-up treatments to maintain the desired fullness.
Can I get lip fillers during pregnancy?
There have not been any studies on the safety of lip fillers during pregnancy. Therefore, the FDA has not approved the use of lip fillers during pregnancy.
Can I brush my teeth after lip fillers?
Yes, you can brush your teeth immediately after lip fillers. Just be careful with your lips, as they are numb until the anesthetic wears off.
How do I shower after lip fillers?
You can shower immediately after lip fillers. However, avoid hot showers, as this can lead to increased swelling. High temperatures dilate blood vessels and increase swelling. Therefore, it is recommended to shower with lukewarm water for 24 hours after lip filler injections.
How do I sleep the first night after lip fillers?
You can sleep normally for the first night after a lip filler injection. Just avoid pressing your lips against the pillow. Sleeping upright will not reduce swelling or bruising. In fact, it’s best to sleep with one or two pillows to minimize swelling as fluid drains backward from the lips.
Should I avoid smiling after lip fillers?
Smiling and other facial expressions (such as pursing your lips or frowning) will not affect your lip fillers and therefore do not need to be avoided. In fact, natural facial expressions, such as smiling, help keep fillers smooth and even.