Category: Botox

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.

1. Apply arnica gel after the procedure.
2. Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements.
3. 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.

1. Stay hydrated. Keeping your lips moisturized helps to maintain their plumpness.
2. Sun protection. Use lip balms with SPF to protect your new lips from UV damage (even on cloudy days.)
3. 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!

Schedule Your Consultation!

Are you looking for a way to refresh your appearance and open up your eyes without surgery? 

At New Leaf Restorative Medicine in Asheville, we offer a solution that’s quick, effective, and requires no downtime: the Botox brow lift.

What is a Botox Brow Lift?

A Botox brow lift is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses Botox injections to lift the eyebrows and open up the eye area. Unlike a surgical brow lift, which involves incisions and a longer recovery period, a Botox brow lift is minimally invasive and can be completed in just a few minutes.

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.

Benefits of Botox Brow Lifts

• Opens up the eyes: By lifting the brows, this treatment can make your eyes appear larger and more vibrant.
• Reduces the appearance of hooded eyes: For those with slightly drooping upper eyelids, a Botox brow lift can create a more youthful, alert look.
• Quick and minimally invasive: The procedure typically takes only 10-15 minutes and doesn’t require any incisions.
• Natural-looking results: When performed by skilled practitioners like those at New Leaf Restorative Medicine, the results look subtle and natural.

The Procedure at New Leaf Restorative Medicine

When you come to New Leaf Restorative Medicine for a Botox brow lift, you can expect a comfortable, efficient experience. Our board-certified practitioners will first assess your facial structure and discuss your goals. 

The actual treatment involves a few quick injections and is typically completed in less than 15 minutes.

Many patients describe the injections as feeling like a slight pinch. We can apply a topical numbing cream if you’re concerned about discomfort, but most find it unnecessary due to the procedure’s speed and the very fine needles used.

Results and Recovery

You may start to notice results from your Botox brow lift within a few days, with full results typically visible after about two weeks. 

The effects usually last for 3-4 months, after which you can choose to maintain your results with follow-up treatments.

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.

Is a Botox Brow Lift Right for You?

Botox brow lifts are an excellent option for many people looking to rejuvenate their appearance. Ideal candidates include:

• Those with mild to moderate brow drooping
• Individuals looking for a non-surgical alternative to a brow lift
• People who want to address signs of aging around the eyes

However, it’s important to have realistic expectations. 

While a Botox brow lift can provide a noticeable improvement, the results are more subtle than a surgical brow lift. 

During your consultation at New Leaf Restorative Medicine, we’ll discuss whether this treatment is the best option for your specific goals.

As with any medical procedure, there are potential side effects, although they’re typically mild and temporary. These may include bruising or headache. Our experienced practitioners will discuss all potential risks with you before the procedure.

Why Choose New Leaf Restorative Medicine in Asheville

At New Leaf Restorative Medicine, we pride ourselves on our expertise in non-surgical cosmetic treatments like the Botox brow lift. 

Our board-certified practitioners have extensive experience in facial aesthetics and understand how to achieve natural-looking results that enhance your unique features.

We take a personalized approach to every treatment, ensuring that your Botox brow lift is tailored to your specific facial structure and aesthetic goals. 

Our commitment to patient education means we’ll thoroughly explain the procedure and answer all your questions, helping you feel confident in your decision.

Located in the heart of Asheville, we combine cutting-edge treatments with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Our goal is not just to enhance your appearance, but to boost your confidence and help you feel your best. Book your appointment today!

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What is a Botox Lip Flip?

Botox lip flip is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that involves injecting small amounts of Botox (botulinum toxin type A) into the orbicularis oris muscle, which surrounds the mouth.

By carefully targeting this muscle, the treatment aims to relax it and cause a slight “flip” or outward projection of the upper lip, creating the illusion of a fuller, more defined upper lip without the need for dermal fillers.

Botox Lip Flip vs Lip Fillers

While lip fillers involve injecting a hyaluronic acid-based gel directly into the lips to add volume, a Botox lip flip works by altering the muscle activity surrounding the mouth. Lip fillers tend to increase the size of both the upper and lower lips, whereas a Botox lip flip primarily enhances the appearance of the upper lip.

Additionally, lip fillers generally last longer than a Botox lip flip, with results typically lasting 6-12 months, while a lip flip usually lasts around 8-12 weeks.

However, with consistent treatments, the effects of a lip flip may last longer as the muscle becomes trained over time. Lip fillers also tend to be more expensive than a Botox lip flip, as the latter requires fewer units of Botox compared to other treatment areas.

Ideal Candidates for a Lip Flip

• Those who desire a subtly enhanced upper lip appearance without a significant increase in lip size
• Individuals who have a thin upper lip or those whose upper lip seems to disappear when they smile
• People who wish to reduce the appearance of upper lip lines or create a more defined cupid’s bow
• Patients who are not yet ready for lip fillers or who are happy with their overall lip size but want a slight improvement in upper lip fullness and shape
• Those who have had lip fillers in the past and want to maintain their results between filler appointments

It’s important to note that if a patient has naturally full, everted upper lips, a Botox lip flip may not provide a noticeable improvement.

How Many Units of Botox Are Used for a Lip Flip?

On average, most patients will require between 4 to 6 units of Botox for a lip flip, with some patients needing up to 10 units in total.

Our experienced botox injectors in Asheville will carefully assess your facial anatomy, take into account your desired outcome, and recommend the appropriate number of units for your individual needs. 

We may also start with a more conservative dosage and gradually increase the number of units in subsequent treatments if needed to achieve the optimal lip flip effect while minimizing the risk of complications.

Botox Lip Flip Technique

At New Leaf Restorative Medicine, our experienced Botox injectors understand the importance of precise injection placement and technique for achieving the best possible lip flip results.

When you come in for your lip flip treatment, our skilled practitioners will focus on the following key injection points:

1. Cupid’s bow: We’ll inject Botox just above your cupid’s bow to help relax the muscle fibers and create a more defined, lifted appearance.
2. Sides of the upper lip: Our injectors will place additional injections along the edges of your upper lip to ensure an even lift and enhanced fullness.
3. Corners of the mouth: If needed, we may place a small amount of Botox near the corners of your mouth to prevent your upper lip from being pulled downward when you smile.
4. Lower lip: In some cases, we may inject a small amount of Botox in the center of your lower lip to balance the appearance of your upper and lower lips.

At New Leaf Restorative Medicine, we use fine needles and a precise injection technique to ensure that the Botox is delivered accurately into the orbicularis oris muscle. Our injectors have a deep understanding of facial anatomy and will tailor the injection points and technique to your unique needs and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Botox lip flip painful?

At New Leaf Restorative Medicine, we understand that comfort is a top priority for our patients. While you may experience a slight pinching or stinging sensation during the injections, most patients find the procedure to be quite tolerable.

How long does the procedure take?

One of the great things about a Botox lip flip is that it’s a quick and easy treatment. The entire procedure typically takes only 10-15 minutes, making it a perfect option for those with busy schedules.

When will I see results, and how long do they last?

After your Botox lip flip treatment, you may start to notice results within a few days, with full effects becoming apparent within 7-14 days. The longevity of your results may vary, but typically, a lip flip lasts around 8-12 weeks. To maintain your enhanced lip appearance, we recommend scheduling touch-up treatments every 2-3 months.

Can a Botox lip flip be combined with other treatments?

Absolutely! A Botox lip flip can be combined with a variety of other treatments to create a more balanced and harmonious look. For example, many of our patients choose to combine a lip flip with dermal fillers to add volume and definition to their lips.

Others may opt to combine their lip flip with Botox treatments in other areas of the face, such as the forehead or crow’s feet, for a more complete facial rejuvenation. Contact us for a free consultation today!

For more information on our botox lip flip service, reach out to New Leaf Restorative Medicine at (828) 552-4668 or fill out our online form to request an appointment here!

Schedule Your Consultation!