What to Expect Before, During, and After Getting Lip Filler

Soft tissue lip fillers have become one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments for enhancing lip volume, improving symmetry, and achieving a fuller, more youthful appearance. Lip fillers can also be used to redefine the lip border and with the new advent of skin boosters one can improve hydration without increasing volume or enhancing the lips.

Whether you’re considering lip fillers for the first time or just curious about the process, it’s important to know what to expect. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand the procedure, potential risks and side effects, recovery, and what results you can expect.

Before Your Lip Filler Appointment

  1. Consultation and Assessment
    The first step is a consultation with a HPCSA registered medical doctor and experienced medical doctor. During this appointment, your doctor will assess your facial anatomy and listen to your aesthetic goals. You’ll discuss the type of results you desire including a more subtle, natural enhancement or a more noticeable volume. Other options including lip border (vermilion border) definition and hydration will also be discussed.
  • Medical History: Be prepared to discuss your medical history, including any allergies, past lip filler treatments, or health conditions (e.g., cold sores, which can affect healing).
  • Expectations: Clear communication about what you want is key. Keep in mind that the goal is to enhance your natural lip shape, not drastically change it.
  • Contraindications: lip fillers should not be performed if in the preceding four weeks you have experienced any of the following:
    • Any type of infection including but not limited to COVID, flu, a mild cold or upper respiratory infection, bladder infection, etc.
    • Any break in the skin barrier such as a cut or sore, Dermapen or needling, fractional laser treatment, medium or deep chemical peel, etc.
    • Any type of skin rash including dermatitis.
    • Visiting the dentist or oral hygienist.
    • Any vaccinations.
  1. Choosing the Filler
    There are different types of dermal fillers, and your medical doctor will recommend the most appropriate one for your goals. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers, such as Restylane®, Juvéderm®, or Teosyal®, are the most commonly used for lip augmentation due to their natural feel and reversible nature.
  2. Avoid Certain Medications
    To reduce the risk of bruising or swelling, your medical doctor may advise you to avoid blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, for 14 days before your appointment. Over the counter supplements such as vitamin C and Omegas should also be avoided for two weeks prior to the lip filler procedure. If you are using blood thinners for medical reasons then these should not be stopped unless there has been prior approval by your attending specialist physician.

During the Procedure

  1. Numbing Your Lips
    Before the filler is injected, your medical doctor will apply a topical anaesthetic cream to the treatment area. Some practitioners may also use ice packs to further numb the lips. Many hyaluronic acid fillers also contain lidocaine, a local anaesthetic, which helps minimize discomfort during the injections.
  2. The Injection Process
    The actual injection process typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the complexity of the treatment and how much finesse is required to achieve the desired result. The medical doctor will use a very fine needle to inject small amounts of filler into specific areas of the lips, targeting areas that require volume, shaping, and symmetry correction.
  3. Minimal Discomfort
    Most patients report only mild discomfort or a slight stinging sensation during the procedure. The numbing cream and anaesthetic in the filler itself generally make the experience extremely well-tolerated.

After Your Lip Filler Appointment

  1. Immediate Aftercare
    Once the filler is injected, you may experience some swelling, redness, or mild bruising around the lips. This is completely normal and usually resolves within a few days. Some patients may also have a slight bump or unevenness at the injection sites, but this typically smooths out as the filler settles. Rarely one can also have hematoma formation which is a collection of blood. The body will resolve this on its own, but your medical practitioner may advise firm pressure 24 hours after your procedure to speed up the healing process. We generally apply an antibacterial ointment on all our patients to further prevent any infection post procedure.
  • Ice: Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling.
  • Anti-inflammatories: these can be used for a few days to help with swelling but should only be used if there are no contraindications such a gastric reflux or peptic ulcers.
  • Avoid Pressure: Avoid pressing on your lips or massaging the area for 24 hours to allow the filler to set.
  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated and help with healing.
  1. What to Avoid
    For the first 24 hours, it’s recommended that you avoid certain activities:
  • Intense exercise: Exercise can increase blood flow and lead to more swelling.
  • Hot showers or saunas: Extreme heat can cause increased swelling.
  • Makeup: Try to avoid applying makeup on or around your lips for the first 12 hours to minimize the risk of infection.
  1. Swelling and Bruising
    Swelling can last anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, but some patients may experience swelling for up to seven days, and bruising may take up to a week to fully resolve. You may want to plan your treatment at least a week before any big events if you're concerned about visible bruising. For most people, swelling is the most noticeable immediately after treatment but will gradually subside.
  2. Results
    After the swelling subsides, you should be able to see the final results. Depending on the amount of filler used, your lips may appear fuller, with enhanced shape and definition. Hyaluronic acid fillers typically last up to 12 months but this does vary slightly depending on the individual and the type of filler used.

Long-Term Care and Maintenance

  1. Maintenance Appointments
    To maintain your enhanced lip appearance, you’ll need to schedule follow-up treatments. Since hyaluronic acid fillers are absorbed by the body over time, the results will gradually fade. Touch-up sessions every 12 to 18 months are generally recommended to maintain volume and shape. However new data is showing that HA based soft tissue fillers tend to last longer with repeated treatments and that some patients may only require ‘top ups’ every 24 to 30 months.
  2. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Are Reversible
    One of the major benefits of hyaluronic acid-based fillers is that they are reversible. If you're not happy with the results or if you experience complications, an enzyme called hyaluronidase can be injected to dissolve the filler.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Although lip filler treatments are generally safe, there are some risks and side effects to be aware of, including:

  • Bruising and swelling: These are the most common side effects and usually resolve on their own after a few days.
  • Asymmetry: In some cases, the lips may appear uneven immediately after the treatment. Typically, this is due to swelling as each quadrant of lip may be affected differently by the procedure and will settle after 7 to 14 days. If however, this is due to the actual filler placement, then this can be corrected with a touch-up 4 weeks later.
  • Infection: Though rare, any injection carries a risk of infection. To prevent this as much as possible be sure to follow aftercare instructions carefully.
  • Allergic Reaction: Although allergic reactions to hyaluronic acid are uncommon and extremely rare, it is possible. Be sure to inform your medical doctor of any allergies or sensitivities. Allergic reactions will be treated like any type of allergy which can include antihistamines and even steroids like prednisone.
  • Lumps or Nodules: In some rare cases, lumps or bumps can form under the mucosa of the lip. These may resolve on their own, but if they persist, your medical doctor may need to massage the filler or even consider dissolving the lump.

Is Lip Filler Right for You?

Lip fillers are a safe and effective way to enhance your lips, but they aren’t for everyone. It’s important to have realistic expectations and discuss any concerns with a qualified medical professional. If you’re looking for subtle enhancement or more dramatic changes, lip fillers can offer beautiful, subtle, and natural-looking results.

If you're considering getting lip fillers, make sure to choose a licensed medical doctor with experience in facial aesthetics. Always do your research to ensure you’re in safe hands, as the skill of the medical doctor plays a significant role in achieving the best results.

Conclusion

Lip fillers are a fantastic way to enhance your smile, restore volume, and achieve a more youthful appearance. With proper planning, communication with your medical doctor, and realistic expectations, you can enjoy fuller lips with minimal downtime. Be sure to follow all pre- and post-treatment instructions to ensure the best possible outcome. If you're still unsure, consider scheduling a consultation with a licensed medical practitioner to discuss the procedure in more detail.

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