Whether you want to add volume to your lips or enhance your lip line, lip injections can help you to achieve your desired size and shape. Getting natural looking lips requires a skilled and experienced hand as well as the relevant pre- and post-care steps being followed. Let’s take a look at how you can achieve the lip shape you desire.
What Are Lip Injections?
Lip injections are made from hyaluronic acid, which is a gel-like substance that occurs naturally in the body. It plumps up and hydrates the lips, creating fuller volume and enhancing your natural lip shape. Dermal fillers can also be used to fill the lines and creases around your mouth, which may also give your lips a thinner appearance.
It’s a good idea to have an initial consultation where you discuss your expectations with your aesthetician. Patients tend to think that bigger is better, but your lip shape and size should be balanced with the other features of your face and your aesthetician can give you the necessary guidance to ensure you end up with a natural-looking result. If you want to avoid the ‘trout pout’ and ‘duck face’, it’s a good idea to start conservatively and then review your results.
Do Dermal Fillers Hurt?
Topical numbing cream is usually applied before dermal fillers are done, so it’s unlikely you will feel any discomfort while they are being injected. The hyaluronic acid that is injected is mixed with some anaesthetic as well, which makes it more comfortable. That being said, everyone has a different pain tolerance and responds differently to pain. Your lips may feel sensitive afterwards as the skin around the mouth is very thin.
Sometimes a little bleeding and bruising can occur where the skin is injected. Skilled aestheticians and surgeons use very fine needles, which are gentler on the skin and less likely to leave marks and scars.
You might feel some discomfort once the anaesthetic has worn off but the majority of patients find they can go straight back to work afterwards.
How Long Do Lip Injections Last?
There is quite a bit of variability in terms of how long dermal fillers last in the lips, and it can be between three and 12 months, depending on the product that is used. It’s a good idea to discuss this beforehand so you have an idea of how to plan ahead.
How long the fillers last depends on how much filler was injected, how thick it was and whether it’s your first time using dermal fillers. Fillers do not last for as long the first time they are injected. Over time the hyaluronic acid dissolves and your lips will return to their natural size if you do not have a top-up treatment.
Choosing The Right Surgeon
Choosing The Right SurgeonYou have probably seen the results of too much lip filler online, so it’s always a good idea to ask a prospective surgeon or aesthetician for examples of their previous work.
You will be able to tell from before and after photos, whether the person you’re considering working with can help you to achieve natural looking lips.
What To Do Before Treatment?
You should discuss any medications you are taking with your surgeon or aesthetician prior to your procedure. If you are taking any blood-thinning medication you will need to stop it before you have lip fillers.
What To Do After Lip Fillers?
You should discuss any medications you are taking with your surgeon or aesthetician prior to your procedure. If you are taking any blood-thinning medication you will need to stop it before you have lip fillers.
Managing Swelling
The lips are very sensitive and are more prone to swelling than other areas of the face. You should avoid exercise and alcohol for at least 24 hours after your lip fillers, as these can both increase swelling.
The first 24-48 hours after your lip injections probably won’t give an accurate idea of the end result as this is when your lips will be their most swollen. Wait a week or two for the swelling to subside completely.
Massaging Your Lips
Make sure you follow your aesthetician’s care guidelines. You will be shown how to massage your lips after treatment and should do this as instructed, in order to keep your lips soft and help with managing the swelling. Sometimes patients will be told not to massage their lips, so make sure you do as directed.
The Importance Of Facial Balance
If you want natural looking lips it’s important that your facial features are balanced after fillers. Lip fillers should enhance your natural beauty and not draw overt attention to your lip shape or size.
Managing Risks And Complications
Only AHPRA registered practitioners are permitted to prescribe and administer fillers and allowing anyone else to do it carries a number of risks including medical complications and skin problems.
Other complications that can occur if you work with unregistered practitioners include hard lumps forming under the skin and distortions of symmetry in your lip shape. In rare cases, patients can have allergic reactions to lip fillers, so the relevant precautions must be taken and risks should be professionally managed.
Are Lip Fillers Worth It?
Many patients find that enhancing their lips boosts their confidence when the results are natural and subtle. Always discuss your expectations with your surgeon beforehand so you have a reasonable idea of what to expect after your treatment.
To find out more about lip fillers and how they can enhance natural looking lips, it’s always best to consult with a professional. Please contact us for a convenient appointment: (02) 9158 6375.
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