Lip Filler

Lip Injections

Step 1: Consultation

Before you get lip fillers, you will have a consultation with your doctor or aesthetician. They will assess your lips and discuss your goals and expectations. They will also explain the risks and benefits of the procedure, and answer any questions you may have. They will also take some photos of your lips for reference.

Step 2: Preparation

On the day of the procedure, you will be asked to avoid wearing any makeup or lip products on your lips. You will also be advised to avoid alcohol, caffeine, aspirin and other blood-thinning medications for at least 24 hours before the procedure. This will help to reduce the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Your doctor or aesthetician will clean your lips with an antiseptic solution and apply a topical numbing cream to reduce any discomfort. They will also mark the injection sites on your lips with a pen.

Step 3: Injection

Your doctor or aesthetician will use a fine needle or a cannula (a thin tube) to inject the lip filler into your lips. They will inject small amounts of filler at different depths and angles to create a smooth and even result. They will also massage your lips gently to distribute the filler and avoid any lumps or bumps.

The injection process usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the amount of filler used and the areas treated.

Step 4: Aftercare

After the injection, your doctor or aesthetician will give you some ice packs or cold compresses to apply to your lips. This will help to reduce any swelling, bruising, or pain. They will also give you some aftercare instructions, such as:

- Avoid touching or rubbing your lips for at least six hours after the procedure
- Avoid eating or drinking anything hot or spicy for at least 24 hours after the procedure
- Avoid smoking or kissing for at least 48 hours after the procedure
- Avoid strenuous exercise or sun exposure for at least 72 hours after the procedure
- Apply lip balm or moisturizer regularly to keep your lips hydrated
- Use arnica cream or gel to reduce any bruising
- Take over-the-counter painkillers if needed

You may experience some mild side effects after the procedure, such as:

- Swelling
- Bruising
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Allergic reaction

​

These side effects are usually temporary and should subside within a few days. However, if they persist or worsen, you should contact your doctor or aesthetician immediately.

​

Step 5: Results

You will notice an immediate improvement in your lips after the procedure, but the final result may take up to two weeks to settle. The results of lip fillers typically last for six to 12 months, depending on the type and amount of filler used and how your body metabolizes it. To maintain your results, you may need to have touch-up treatments every few months.

Lip fillers can enhance your appearance and boost your confidence by giving you fuller, plumper, and more defined lips. However, they are not permanent and they are not suitable for everyone. Therefore, it is important to do your research and consult a qualified professional before getting lip fillers.

Lip Filler Recovery

What to expect during the recovery process

The recovery process from lip fillers varies depending on the type of filler used, the amount injected, the technique used and your individual response.

However, some common effects that you may experience after the procedure are:

- Swelling: This is normal and expected after lip fillers. It usually peaks within 24 to 48 hours and then gradually subsides over the next few days. Swelling can make your lips look bigger and uneven than you desired, but this is temporary and will resolve as the filler settles.
- Bruising: This is also common and expected after lip fillers. It may appear as small dots or patches of purple or blue on your lips or around your mouth. Bruising can last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the severity and your healing ability.
- Tenderness: Your lips may feel sore, sensitive or numb after lip fillers. This is normal and should improve within a few days. You may also feel some lumps or bumps under your skin where the filler was injected. These are usually harmless and will dissolve over time.
- Dryness: Your lips may feel dry or chapped after lip fillers. This is because the filler draws water from your tissues to hydrate itself. You should keep your lips moisturized with a gentle lip balm or ointment to prevent cracking or peeling.

How long does it take to recover from lip fillers?

The recovery time from lip fillers depends on several factors, such as the type of filler used, the amount injected, the technique used and your individual response. However, here is a general timeline of what you can expect:

​

The First Week

Most of the swelling and bruising should have gone down by now. Your lips may still feel tender or numb, but you should be able to resume most of your normal activities. You may also start to see the final results of your lip fillers, as the filler integrates with your tissues and creates a natural-looking shape and volume.

​

After Two Weeks

Any remaining swelling, bruising or tenderness should have resolved by now. Your lips should look smooth, plump and symmetrical. You should be able to enjoy the full benefits of your lip fillers without any discomfort or side effects.

​

After Three Weeks

Your lips should be fully healed and stable by now. You should not experience any changes in your appearance or sensation. You should follow up with your provider to check if you need any touch-ups or adjustments to achieve your desired outcome.

​

After Four Weeks

Your lips should look and feel great by now. You should be able to appreciate the long-lasting results of your lip fillers for months or even years, depending on the type of filler used and how well you maintain them.

​

After Three Months

Your lips should still look and feel great by now. You should not notice any significant changes in your appearance or sensation. You should continue to protect your lips from sun damage, dehydration and trauma to preserve their health and beauty.

​

After Six Months

Your lips should still look and feel great by now. You may start to notice some subtle signs of aging or volume loss, depending on your age, lifestyle and genetics. You may also start to consider getting a maintenance treatment to refresh your lip fillers and prolong their effects.

​

After One Year

Your lips may still look and feel great by now, but they may also show some signs of aging or volume loss, depending on your age, lifestyle and genetics. You may also notice that some of the filler has metabolized or dissolved over time. You may need to get a maintenance treatment to restore your lip fillers and maintain their results.

Risks and Complication

Some of the possible risks and complications of lip fillers are:

- Infection: This can occur if the injection site is not properly cleaned or sterilized, or if the filler material is contaminated. Infection can cause pain, swelling, redness, pus, fever, and in severe cases, tissue necrosis or blood poisoning. To prevent infection, it is important to choose a reputable and experienced injector who follows strict hygiene protocols and uses sterile equipment and filler products. It is also advisable to avoid touching or applying makeup to the injection site for at least 24 hours after the procedure and to follow the aftercare instructions provided by the injector.

- Allergic reaction: This can occur if the patient is allergic or sensitive to the filler material or any of its components. Allergic reaction can cause itching, hives, rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis. To prevent allergic reaction, it is important to inform the injector of any known allergies or medical conditions before the procedure and to undergo a patch test if necessary. It is also advisable to avoid any products that may contain allergens that could trigger a reaction after the procedure.

- Bruising and bleeding: This can occur due to the needle puncturing the blood vessels in the lips. Bruising and bleeding can cause discoloration, pain, and swelling of the lips. To prevent bruising and bleeding, it is important to avoid taking any blood-thinning medications or supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil, etc. for at least a week before and after the procedure. It is also advisable to avoid alcohol, smoking, caffeine, and strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours before and after the procedure.

- Lumps and granulomas: This can occur due to the uneven distribution or migration of the filler material in the lips. Lumps and granulomas can cause asymmetry, distortion, hardening, inflammation, and pain of the lips. To prevent lumps and granulomas, it is important to choose a skilled and qualified injector who uses appropriate techniques and amounts of filler material for each patient. It is also advisable to avoid massaging or manipulating the lips for at least two weeks after the procedure.

- Vascular occlusion: This can occur due to the accidental injection of filler material into an artery or vein in the lips. Vascular occlusion can cause blanching, bluish discoloration, numbness, coldness, pain, ulceration, scarring, and tissue loss of the lips. To prevent vascular occlusion, it is important to choose an injector who has extensive knowledge of facial anatomy and vascular structures and who uses a blunt cannula instead of a sharp needle whenever possible. It is also advisable to seek immediate medical attention if any signs of vascular occlusion are noticed after the procedure.

How to Minimize Risks and Complications

The best way to minimize the risks and complications associated with lip fillers is to do your research and choose a reputable and experienced injector who has proper training and certification in cosmetic injectables. You should also consult with your injector before the procedure and discuss your expectations, goals, medical history, allergies, medications, etc. You should also follow the pre- and post-procedure instructions provided by your injector carefully and report any adverse effects or concerns as soon as possible.

Lip fillers can be a safe and effective way to enhance your lips if done correctly by a qualified professional. However, they are not without risks and complications that should be weighed against the benefits before deciding to undergo the treatment. By being informed and prepared, you can reduce the chances of experiencing any unwanted outcomes and enjoy your new look with confidence.