What Can You Expect From Lip Fillers?
Would you like to increase the fullness of your lips? Have your lips lost the plumpness they had in your younger days? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then lip fillers may be an option for you. Lip fillers allow you to to achieve a youthful look for your lips without the expense and risks that come with invasive plastic surgery.
What Are Lip Fillers?
Injectable lip fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA). It is a temporary natural filler is sold under the brand names of Restylane, Juvederm, and Volbella. These fillers are perfect for plumping up the volume of the lips and softening the appearance of lines and wrinkles in the lip area.
How Are Lip Fillers Administered?
For the best results, you should only visit a cosmetic dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, or licensed nurse practitioner. You and your doctor should discuss your expectations of the procedure so that you understand what an achievable and reasonable outcome is.
Before the Procedure:
The doctor will apply numbing cream to the lips or you can opt for a dental nerve block to dull the pain of the injection.
During the Procedure:
The doctor will use a tiny needle to inject the filler into the lips. There might be a pinching sensation and the doctor may massage your lips to achieve the shape you want. The procedure takes only 10 to 15 minutes to complete and the results are immediate.
After the Procedure:
If you’re not satisfied with the size of your lips, the doctor can inject an enzyme called hyaluronidase that will dissolve the fillers in less than five minutes.
Recovery Time:
There’s essentially no downtime when you get lip fillers. The numbing agent begins to wear off within 15 to 30 minutes and you can apply an ice pack to your lips for about 10 minutes before you go about your normal day. Slight bruising or swelling may appear. Later,
For any lingering pain, you can take a pain reliever (i.e. Tylenol) and apply a cold compress to your lips as needed. It is best to not exercise the day of the procedure.
How Long Will My Results Last?
HA lip fillers usually last about four months. After that time, your lips will return to their normal size and shape. Your lips will not be saggy or misshapen after the filler wears off. If you loved your new look, you should book another appointment at the four month mark. At this point, you can talk to your doctor about injecting more filler for a more dramatic change, if desired. It’s better to increase lip volume gradually over several appointments rather than all at once.
How Much Does It Cost?
Injectable lip fillers average from $500 to $2,000 per treatment.
Side Effects and Risks of Lip Fillers
HA lip fillers are safe. However, be aware that you could experience the following side effects near the injection site:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Small bumps on the surface of the lips (usually resolves on its own)
- Blood clots (the doctor can dislodge it with a laser)
If you think lip fillers are right for you, schedule an appointment with Sculpt CosMedics today. Our medical team is highly trained in administering HA lip fillers in addition to many other rejuvenation and aesthetic enhancement procedures in our state-of-the-art Brooklyn facility.