Lip Filler San Diego can give you a subtle boost of volume for a more defined, symmetrical lips. Most lip fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in your body.
Most experienced injectors can perform a consultation and injection on the same day to make your experience as convenient as possible. A follow-up appointment will allow them to evaluate the results and provide touch-ups as needed.
Injecting hyaluronic acid filler, which is made of a gel-like substance that naturally occurs in your body, will add volume to the lips and create a plumping effect. It also supports the tissue of the lips, giving them structure and shape. It is often combined with lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic that makes the treatment more comfortable. This type of filler is considered the safest because it does not require any invasive surgery, cuts or stitches. It can be done in a short appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Before the procedure, you and your plastic surgeon will discuss your desired outcome for the lip filler and review any potential risks or side effects. Then, a numbing cream will be applied to the lips. This will significantly reduce any discomfort during the injections, which only take a few minutes.
Your doctor will use a small needle to inject the filler into your lips. You may feel a slight prick when the needle is inserted, but this won’t last long. Then, your lips will be gently massaged to help with the distribution of the filler. This will also prevent any lumps or bumps from forming.
The best injectors are experts in facial anatomy and can use their knowledge of the lips’ detailed underlying structure to guide them into the ideal locations for the filler. This approach helps avoid the overfilled or “duck lip” appearance that is a common problem with dermal fillers.
After the filler has been distributed evenly, your doctor will give you a few tips to ensure that it stays in place. This might include avoiding certain foods or drinks, changing your skincare routine and scheduling regular follow-up appointments.
The results of your lip filler can last up to six months before they begin to break down naturally. However, they can last even longer if you maintain your skin’s natural healthy glow by following these tips. For example, you can prolong your lip filler results by regularly applying a good quality lip balm with hydrating ingredients, staying hydrated and avoiding sun exposure and smoking.
Preparation
Before any cosmetic procedure, patients should always take the time to research practitioners. They should look at their qualifications, reviews and social media accounts to ensure they’re a reputable, qualified aesthetic professional with the experience and training to carry out the treatment safely. They should also ask about a practitioner’s experience in the type of filler they’re considering.
Preparation for lip filler can include avoiding certain foods and drinks as well as temporarily changing a client’s skincare routine. It’s also important to let a practitioner know about any dietary supplements you’re taking, as some of them have blood-thinning properties and can increase the risk of bruising or swelling during the injection process.
It’s best to avoid exercise, saunas and hot tubs for the first 24 hours post-treatment as they can exacerbate swelling. Patients should also be sure to apply a cold compress at regular intervals to reduce inflammation and swelling. During this time, it’s important to stay hydrated as this aids the healing process. Drinking at least two litres of water a day is recommended. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers bind to water in the body, so keeping hydrated improves the results and increases their longevity.
During the injection process, Anna will use a fine needle to inject the lip filler in various locations depending on your desired shape and volume. Once the lips are numbed, this process is quick and relatively painless. Some patients might have some bruising or swelling after their appointment, but this should fade quickly. It’s also important to schedule regular follow-up appointments with a provider to check how the fillers are settling and make any necessary adjustments.
It’s also a good idea to avoid flying for at least 48 hours after getting lip fillers as the air pressure on the plane can intensify swelling, bruising and bleeding. Finally, it’s best to avoid smoking as this can negatively affect your lip filler results. A good skincare routine, including the use of a hydrating lip balm or ointment and a healthy diet, can help maintain your results and prevent any further damage to the skin tissue.
Injections
Lip filler injections use hyaluronic acid, which is naturally present in the lips, to add volume and shape. This material also attracts water molecules to the lips, which makes them appear more hydrated and healthy. The treatment is injected with a fine needle that is often accompanied by a local anesthetic to reduce any discomfort.
As the lips are a vascular area full of blood vessels and arteries, numbing them is important. Most doctors apply numbing cream and use a vibrating pen-like device that distracts the nerves that perceive pain, which makes lip injections relatively painless.
The skill of the injector is just as important as the quality of the product, which is why you should only work with a reputable professional. A seasoned injector understands the limits of what lip filler can do, so he or she won’t overfill your lips, creating that counterfeit “sausage” look.
A skilled injector also understands how to soften lip lines and wrinkles, such as lipstick lines (fine wrinkles that extend vertically from the upper and lower lips) or smoker’s lines (fine lines that get deeper over time due to smoking or repetitive facial expressions). He or she will use a light hand and manipulate the tissue carefully.
Like most dermal filler procedures, lip injections are temporary. Most common fillers last six months before they are naturally metabolized by the body. However, some newer fillers are more permanent or longer-lasting.
Injections to reshape the lips can be done gradually over multiple appointments until the desired outcome is achieved. This is an excellent option for people who are unsure of how much they want their lips to be fuller or who are hesitant to commit to a permanent change that may not look natural.
It is important to allow the lips to settle after the procedure, which can take up to two weeks. During this time, you can expect some bruising and swelling to occur at the injection site. Some healers suggest ice packs, aloe vera, vitamin K, or arnica, or a combination of the four, to help relieve bruising and swelling.
Recovery
As with any medical procedure, swelling is a normal part of the healing process. Swelling is the result of your body responding to the trauma caused by the injection needle (even if the damage is minimal). The body sends increased fluid and white blood cells to the area, which causes inflammation and redness. It’s important to monitor your swelling during this time and contact your doctor if you experience any severe or persistent symptoms.
Applying a cold compress can help ease discomfort and reduce swelling. Use ice packs or ice cubes wrapped in a cloth on your lips for 10-15 minutes several times a day. This will also help to reduce bruising. Avoid exposure to excessive heat or sunlight, as this can increase inflammation and bruising. It’s also a good idea to avoid hot showers, saunas, steam, and heated exercise for 48 hours after your treatment.
It’s a good idea to sleep with your head elevated on pillows to help minimize swelling. You should also avoid applying pressure to your lips, such as kissing or massaging them. This may cause the filler to migrate from where it was injected, leading to unevenness or the filler traveling past the lip line.
By day two, the swelling should start to decline gradually. You should be able to resume light activity at this point, though you will still need to avoid exertion that could lead to an increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to more swelling and bruising.
At this point, a lot of the firmness and bumps should have disappeared, and your lips should look and feel more natural. It’s also a good idea at this stage to have a follow-up appointment with your provider to analyze the results and make any necessary adjustments.
The effects of lip filler can last from a few months to over a year, depending on the type of product used and individual factors such as metabolism and lifestyle. It’s usually best to have re-treatment sessions every six months, as this will help maintain your desired shape and keep the effect from degrading too quickly.