lip injections are a cosmetic procedure used to increase fullness in the lips by using injectable
fillers like hyaluronic acid, fat, or implants. hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in the body—is the most common type of filler used to get a plumper pout.
the type of filler chosen depends entirely on what your goal is for the treatment, whether it be to balance out the shape of your lips or add fullness or structure. the cost for lip injections ranges depending on where you go and the injector, but most places will charge between $650 to $2000.
while lip
fillers have become synonymous with pumping up the volume, they have a number of other benefits.
• evens out asymmetrical lip shapes
• adds natural fullness to desired areas
• reduces the appearance of fine lines on the lips and surrounding mouth area
• is customizable based on needs and desires
• offers temporary results
the lip filler procedure takes just a few minutes and is minimally invasive. however, the procedure is tenporary and you will need to get future injections to maintain a plump pout.
you might have
swelling or tenderness and
bruising after the procedure, though the side effects should be minor. aftercare for lip
fillers is manageable. if you’re unsure whether the procedure is right for you, it helps to be aware of what to expect during aftercare.
aftercare tips
1.
your lips will likely be swollen after the procedure. you may also notice some redness or
bruising at the injections sites, which is normal. most side effects will be minor, and you will be able to resume most activities once the procedure is done.
2.
apply ice to your lips afterward using an ice pack or an ice cube covered in cloth (so it doesn’t stick to the lip and cause pain). this will help ease
swelling, itching,
bruising, and any other pain.
3.
avoid strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours after you get lip or any other
dermal fillers. elevated blood pressure and heart rate from exercise may make
swelling or
bruising worse. you can take arnica for
bruising if your doctor approves. it’s fine to engage in light activity like walking.
4. stay hydrated. drinking plenty of water will help your body heal.
5.
eat plenty of hydrating fruits and vegetables and try to avoid excess sodium, which may worsen
swelling.
6.
avoid high temperatures like steam rooms, saunas, or heated exercise classes for 48 hours after treatment. high heat can make
swelling more pronounced.
7. ask your doctor which painkillers are ok to take in the days after your treatment. normally tylenol will be fine, but not blood-thinning medications like ibuprofen.
8.
if you’re getting lip
fillers for a specific event, make sure to leave plenty of time in between the procedure and the event to allow your lips to properly recover.
9.
try to sleep with your head elevated on pillows to reduce
swelling. do not sleep on your face.
10. avoid makeup on your lips for up to 24 hours after the procedure.
what to avoid
here are a few other things your doctor will likely recommend avoiding after your lip filler procedure:
• stop smoking
smoking can increase the risk of infection, so it’s important not to smoke immediately after getting lip
fillers. you may also want to avoid being around others who smoke.
• avoid alcohol
alcohol acts a blood thinner, and should be avoided for at least 24 hours after getting lip
fillers. alcohol can cause inflammation, increase the likelihood of
bruising, and make the
swelling worse. it’s also a good idea to avoid alcohol a few days before your appointment.
• don’t fly
your doctor will likely recommend that you wait at least a week after your treatment before flying. this is because the air pressure in a plane can make
swelling and
bruising worse.
when will it achieve the final look?
you will see immediate results with lip
fillers, but once the
swelling goes down, the results will not look quite as pronounced.
it typically takes about 4 weeks for the filler to settle in and achieve the final, desired look. the results will typically last about 6 months.
when to see a doctor
while minor side effects like
swelling and redness are normal, see a doctor if you experience any of these complications:
if you experience intense
bruising or
swelling for more than a week, check in with your doctor. it’s rare, but allergies and reactions to hyaluronic acid are possible.
• vascular occlusion
vascular occlusion happens when the filler is injected into or around an artery, which reduces or stops the blood flow. the surrounding skin and tissue will start to die without adequate blood supply.
signs of vascular occlusion include immediate, severe pain and a change in skin color, which can look like white spots or blotches. it’s also important to note that the pain could take a while to become noticeable, as most
fillers include lidocaine, which is an anesthetic. it can take an hour to wear off.
• cold sores
your doctor will ask if you’re prone to cold sores, or herpes simplex virus 1 (hsv-1).
dermal fillers can trigger an outbreak, which may require antiviral treatment. it’s best to discuss with your doctor if you’ve had herpes outbreaks after receiving
dermal fillers in the past.
the bottom line
lip
fillers are injections of hyaluronic acid that give the lips a plump, full look. while the procedure is quick and easy with minimal down time, it should always be done by a qualified professional.
if you’re considering lip
fillers, be aware of both the pros and cons. the procedure is easy and effective, but it can cause
swelling, redness, and pain. if you’re unable to avoid smoking, drinking, or flying in the days after your procedure, lip
fillers may not be for you.