As the new year approaches, the trend of soft, plump lips continues to be as popular as ever. Full, voluptuous lips are not just a trend, but a way to achieve a more youthful appearance since aging and genetics can thin your lips. Whatever your reason for getting lip fillers, we want to help you understand your options, recovery details, and the potential results you can expect from these injectable treatments.
How Do Lip Injections Work?
Soft, smooth gels containing hyaluronic acid are typically used for the lips to add shape and volume and define the cupid’s bow. When the filler is injected into the lips, the gel fills them, providing instant fullness. The gel’s hyaluronic acid content also attracts water from surrounding tissues and causes a plumping effect.
Most lip fillers contain lidocaine, a numbing medication, to keep you comfortable. During your procedure, your injector will administer the filler using a small, blunt-tipped microcannula or an ultrafine needle. The treatment takes around 15 minutes to 1 hour to complete. You should have no discomfort due to the numbing medication and can immediately get back to your daily routine after the treatment.
How Long Do Lip Fillers Last?
How long your lip filler lasts depends on the area injected and the type of filler you choose. Because the lips move frequently, fillers injected in this area tend to break down more quickly than dermal fillers in other areas of the face, like the tear troughs. You can typically expect dermal fillers in the lips to last 6 months to a year.
Different Types of Lip Fillers
Your injector will recommend your lip filler based on the results you want to achieve.
JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® XC
This lip filler is perfect for a plumper pout and softer lines and wrinkles around the mouth. JUVÉDERM VOLBELLA XC gives you long-lasting results as you can enjoy for up to 1 year.
JUVÉDERM ULTRA XC
This FDA-approved lip filler is a good option for adding fullness to your lips and improving lip lines. You can enjoy your results from this lip filler for 6 months to 1 year.
Restylane® Silk
This gel is a good option if you want to add definition to your lips as well as volume. Restylane Silk also softens the lines around your mouth and gives you natural-looking results. The FDA specifically approved the filler for lip augmentation and to improve wrinkles around the mouth.
Restylane Silk can last up to 6 months, at which point you can seek a touch-up treatment.
Restylane-L®
As you age, you lose volume and definition in your lips. Restylane L is a clear gel that restores volume and provides soft, full, and defined lips. Your results will typically last up to 6 months.
What Is Lip Filler Recovery Like?
Recovering from your lip filler treatment is relatively easy, with little to no downtime. After your treatment, you can lightly apply ice packs to the injection site to manage swelling. Typically, any swelling you have should subside within 2 to 3 days. Avoid strenuous activities for a couple of days after your procedure, as it may cause heightened bruising due to increased blood flow.
While you may have some mild swelling and bruising after your treatment, you can go back to work and get back to your daily routine the same day.
Am I a Good Candidate for Lip Fillers?
You are a good candidate for lip fillers if you want fuller, shapelier lips, are in good health, and have realistic expectations about your potential results. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under the age of 22 cannot have lip injections. Additionally, according to the FDA, dermal fillers may not be suitable for individuals with bleeding disorders or allergies.
Having realistic expectations is key because lip fillers do not work the same for everyone. It’s better to view lip fillers as an enhancement to your already lovely lips rather than assume they will drastically change your appearance.
What Results Can I Expect From My Lip Filler Treatment?
The results you can expect will depend on the type of filler you choose and the skill and experience of your injector. An experienced injector can help you pick the best lip filler and give you results that look and feel natural. Your injector will also review the natural shape of your lips before recommending a certain lip filler.
If your goal is to add volume with longer-lasting, more natural results, you can try fat grafting, also offered at our practice. This procedure uses fat deposits from specific areas of your body to fill in thinning lips.
You will probably have many questions about your lip injection treatment, and our team can help! Individuals who come to our practice to enhance their lips with fillers enjoy excellent results; you can see some of their results in these before and after photos. If you are ready to try lip fillers for yourself, request a consultation or call us at (434) 924-1234 to schedule an appointment.
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