Lip fillers are a quick and simple way to enhance the volume and shape of your lips.
No wonder they’ve become so popular over the last few years! Whether you’re looking for a subtle way to enhance your features or a more dramatic lip, educating yourself about the process is important.
Here at New Leaf Restorative Medicine in Asheville, NC, we believe in helping our patients make the best decisions for their aesthetic journey.
In this article, we will share everything you need about lip fillers from preparation to aftercare.
The Lip Filler Journey: Consultation and Expectations
Lip fillers fall under the category of injectable facial fillers.
We add volume to the lips using either Juvéderm or RHA. Both contain hyaluronic acid (HA), which makes them perfect for filler since HA naturally occurs in our bodies and provides smooth, natural-looking results.
During your consultation, you’ll get the opportunity to discuss your goals and expectations.
This is where your provider will evaluate your lips and facial structure, suggesting the best type of filler and approach to achieve your desired look.
Being honest about your medical history and any medications you take is extremely important here, as it can affect the procedure as well as your healing process.
The procedure works by strategically injecting small amounts of Botox into specific muscles around the eyebrows. This relaxes the muscles that pull the brows down, allowing the muscles that lift the brows to work more effectively.
The result is a subtle lift that can make your eyes appear larger and more awake.
The Lip Filler Journey: Preparing For Your Procedure
Before your first filler appointment, it’s important to follow a few simple ground rules. These will minimize the risks and ensure the best results.
In addition to what your provider recommends for your specific situation, you should:
- Avoid blood thinners like aspirin or ibuprofen a week before the procedure
- Abstain from alcohol and smoking for at least 48 hours prior.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to the best of your ability.
The Lip Filler Journey: The Actual Procedure
When the day finally rolls around and it’s time to have your procedure done, you may feel a little nervous. But don’t worry! We make it a breeze here at New Leaf Restorative Medicine
You’ll be escorted into our cozy office, where one of our licensed injectors will work on you to give you your desired aesthetic look.
The actual process of getting lip filler is usually quick–anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour.
Yet, it requires a whole lot of skill. That’s why it’s important to choose a skilled injector. (Lucky for you, we have the best in Asheville, NC here at New Leaf!)
Here’s what to expect:
- A topical anesthetic will be applied to your lips to minimize discomfort.
- Our practitioner will carefully inject the filler into specific areas of your lips using a fine needle or a cannula.
- You may get a lip massage to evenly distribute the filler and get your desired shape.
The Lip Filler Journey: Aftercare
What you do after you get your lip filler is just as important as what you did before.
To get optimal results and minimize your side effects, you should do these things immediately after your treatment.
- Apply an ice pack to the area to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Avoid touching or applying pressure to your lips.
- Refrain from vigorous exercise and alcohol for at least 24 hours.
Your provider will let you know if there are any specific aftercare instructions for your specific situation.
One of the major advantages of a Botox brow lift is the minimal recovery time. You might experience slight redness or swelling at the injection sites, but this typically subsides within a few hours.
You can resume your normal activities immediately, although we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours after treatment.
The Lip Filler Swelling Stages
Swelling is a normal part of your body’s healing process. Typically after getting filler, the lip filler swelling stages go something like this:
- Day 1-2: Significant swelling and possible bruising. Your lips may feel tender and appear larger than expected.
- Day 3-4: The swelling will start to subside and the bruising may become more apparent.
- Day 5-7: Most of the swelling should be gone, and your lips should look more like what you want the final result to be.
- Week 2: By this point, your full results should be visible and any residual swelling or bruising should be minimal if not completely gone.
How Long Does Lip Filler Last?
How long your lip filler lasts depends on the type of filler you use, as well as your metabolism and lifestyle.
On average though, you can expect it to last anywhere between 6-12 months. Touch-ups can maintain the desired look.
Why Is My Lip Sticky After Lip Filler?
It’s completely normal for your lips to be sticky after getting lip filler. Sticky lips can be due to the filler’s consistency and the healing process.
It is a temporary sensation and usually resolves itself within a week as the filler integrates with your natural tissues.
How Can I Minimize Lip Filler Bruising?
Lip filler bruising is a common side effect of getting lip fillers. To minimize bruising here are three things you can do.
- Apply arnica gel after the procedure.
- Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements.
- Use a cold compress after the procedure to reduce inflammation.
What Should I Expect from Lip Filler Before and After?
Before the procedure, expect a consultation to discuss your goals and medical history.
After the procedure, expect some swelling and bruising, which should subside within a week, revealing the final results.
The Lip Filler Journey: Managing Expectations and Results
Realistic expectations are key to satisfaction with your lip filler results.
While fillers can enhance your lips, they won’t drastically alter your natural lip shape.
Discussing your goals and potential outcomes with your provider can help align your expectations with achievable results.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
There are three things we recommend to maintain your lip filler results for as long as possible.
- Stay hydrated. Keeping your lips moisturized helps to maintain their plumpness.
- Sun protection. Use lip balms with SPF to protect your new lips from UV damage (even on cloudy days.)
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Doing your best to maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly contributes to the overall health of your body, and by extension your lips. (If you need help with increasing your wellness, we can help with that too!)
All in all, embarking on a lip filler journey can be an exciting way to enhance your appearance without spending too much money, or having to deal with the complications that come from surgical treatments.
By understanding what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, you can ensure that you have a smooth experience. We’re here to ensure you get the results that you want!
Here at New Leaf Restorative Medicine, we’ve created a name for ourselves as the medical spa of choice for lip filler in Asheville, NC.
Ready to book your consultation? Click here to schedule an appointment with us to discuss your lip filler needs, or give us a call at (828) 552-4668. We even offer payment plans.
We’re excited to help you!
