Lip fillers are a great way to make your lips appear fuller and plumper with minimal downtime. Usually, the treatment is painless and only takes about 20 minutes.
But it’s essential to find a skilled injector because a botched job could lead to lumping and bruising. So here’s everything you need to know about lip injections before getting a session.
How Do They Work?
Lip injections Norfolk VA are a cosmetic treatment that helps volumize and enhance lips with injectable dermal filler (hyaluronic acid, like Juvederm or Restylane). Working with an expert injector, such as a board-certified dermatologist, who specializes in cosmetic injections to avoid complications and achieve beautiful, natural-looking results is essential.
In the past, permanent lip augmentation was only available through facial plastic surgery with silicone implants, but dermal fillers have surpassed that due to their ease and safety profile. Lip injections are entirely safe, non-invasive, and incredibly customizable. They are also reversible and can be removed in the future if desired.
What Are the Options?
Typically, lip fillers use hyaluronic acid to help shape and plump your lips. They are super customizable, so your dermatologist can create the look you’re going for, from Instagram-influencer pouts to more natural-looking fullness.
Before the injections, a topical anesthetic is applied to ease discomfort and prevent bleeding or sensitivity. Your dermatologist will likely also give you some ice to hold in your mouth for up to 15 minutes to numb the area and reduce swelling.
A popular enhancement to lip fillers is a “lip flip,” which uses BOTOX Cosmetic to subtly turn the upper lip outward and upward, helping make the top lip appear larger. There are also permanent options for lip augmentation, like Permalip implants, which are soft, solid silicone implants that come in several different sizes.
What’s the Process Like?
Lip fillers are a quick procedure that can be done at the doctor’s office. The process involves applying a topical numbing cream to the lips and injecting them with fine needles. Depending on the desired look, your provider might recommend using one or two syringes of filler.
Most of these treatments are hyaluronic acid-based (like Juvederm and Restylane). They’re designed to add natural volume and soften vertical lip lines, lasting about six months to a year.
The procedure can cause discomfort and swelling, which can be alleviated by using ice or taking supplements. Patients should avoid high heat—like steam rooms and heated exercise classes—after treatment since the high temperatures can exacerbate bruising or swelling.
The most important thing when getting lip fillers is finding an experienced, board-certified injector. Non-qualified injectors might cause severe filler complications; you don’t want to take that risk.
What Can I Expect?
Lip injections can be painful if no anesthetic is applied. However, some options contain lidocaine, which can help reduce pain and discomfort. Alternatively, a nerve block injection can numb the lips completely.
After the procedure, redness, swelling, and bruising are normal and will fade within a few days. During this time, avoiding strenuous exercise and intense sun exposure is vital as this can increase swelling.
It is also recommended to sleep with your head elevated to help reduce the swelling and to apply cold compresses to ease itching and bruising. After your procedure, Arnica Montana is also a tremendous homeopathic supplement to help with bruising and swelling. It may take up to a week for the full results to be apparent, but many patients love their new look. If you are unhappy with your result, talk to your injector about a touch-up session to improve the appearance.