Are you considering lip injections? If so, here’s everything you need to know! Lip fillers are one of the most popular procedures performed in the United States today. In fact, millions of people receive lip injections every year. Lip injections can drastically improve your appearance, but there are a few things you need to know before your procedure.
What Are Lip Injections
You’ve likely seen them in movies, your social circle, or side-by-side before and after pics floating around online. But what exactly are they? Lip injections are a special type of dermal filler. Usually made of hyaluronic acid like many other dermal fillers. There’s no shortage when it comes to lip filler brands. Some of the most popular include Juvederm®, Restylane® and Perlane®.
Who Are Lip Injections For?
People from all walks of life get lip fillers for many different kinds of reasons. The FDA has only cleared its use for those 21 and up though. As we age our lips form wrinkles around the mouth and sometimes lose volume, getting thinner which throws off the aesthetics of the face in some cases. Lip injections can help reverse this process. For others it’s less a question of age, and more about correcting an asymmetry they were born with. Regardless of the reason, most people who go through with the procedure come out the other side with a better body image and the boost in confidence of feeling more comfortable in their own skin. If you think it might be for you, the first step is to talk to your healthcare provider about allergies, prescriptions, and general health to see if it’s the best fit for you.
What To Expect?
Okay, so you’ve talked to your doctor who agrees you’re a good candidate and you’re excited to set up your first appointment for a lip injection. Great! So what now? Once you arrive at your medspa for lip injections, the first thing your provider will do is apply a numbing agent to make you as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure.
They then inject the lip filler with a thin needle into the desired parts of your lip. This can include the edge of the lips (vermillion border), the curve in the center of the upper lip (Cupid’s bow) or the corners of your mouth. If necessary they’ll inject all of the above for the fullest appearance. Where the injection will take place and how much will be applied is predetermined in the discussion between you and your provider before the actual procedure takes place.
Note: You won’t feel any pain during the procedure, but you might feel a slight pinching sensation while being administered lip injections.
On average, your healthcare provider will insert 1 milliliter (mL) of lip filler into your lips, which is about one-fifth of a teaspoon
Once the procedure is done, your provider may gently massage your lips to help them absorb the filler. They may continue to ice your lips to prevent swelling. They will then monitor you for about 15 minutes to make sure you don’t have any side effects from the lip injections which may include dizziness, nausea or bleeding. Once they’re certain that you don’t need monitoring, you’re all set to leave. A local anesthetic won’t make you drowsy, so driving yourself home should be no issue, but, it may be a good idea to have a family member or friend drive you home just in case. You may experience swelling, sensitivity and/or bruising at the injection site. Swelling usually goes away between 24-48 hours if it does occur.
After Your Treatment
After the procedure is over and you leave your medspa. The recovery process for lip injections is fairly quick and simple. However, following the tips below can help your lips heal as quickly and efficiently as possible:
- Apply cold to the area for about 10 minutes or as long as is comfortable in order to reduce any inflammation or pain.
- Avoid products such as lipstick, lip balm, etc. for at least 24 hours following your lip injection.
- Hold back from any kind of pressure on or wrinkling of your lips including touching, puckering, kissing, and drinking from straws. Brushing your teeth is still necessary, so just be careful when doing it.
- Make sure you hydrate
- Avoid exercise for at least the first 24 hours after your procedure.
So What’s Next?
If you’re over 21, are generally in good health, and think you can benefit from lip injections, check out our listing to find a medspa providing lip injections to find your next steps from there to fuller, shapelier lips!
