Your lips are one of the facial features people notice first, and our Anchorage patients often come to us for full, lush lips that present a youthful, welcoming appearance. We create this plump pout using injectable dermal fillers, producing a hydrated appearance, removing fine lines and wrinkles that have formed over the years, and adding volume.
If you’ve never had dermal filler injections, though, you may be a bit anxious about the procedure and what it will be like. In this blog post, we’ll review the basics of the procedure and answer some common questions our patients have about lip injections.
What is the purpose of dermal fillers for the lips?
Dermal fillers hydrate the lips, enhance volume, correct asymmetry, and reduce smoker’s lines.
How long do dermal fillers last?
Most dermal fillers last from 6 to 12 months, but this depends on how quickly your own body breaks down the filler, the type of filler used during your treatment, and a variety of other factors. We use dermal fillers made with hyaluronic acid (HA) that last longer than most collagen-based fillers.
Do lip injections hurt?
Topical numbing is provided prior to injections to help with the discomfort. Many dermal fillers also contain a numbing agent to encourage your comfort during the procedure. Each injection lasts for only a second, and most patients say that it just feels like a quick pinch.
How do you prepare for lip injections?
Stop taking all blood-thinning medications and supplements for the 2 weeks before your procedure. Blood-thinning medications and supplements include ibuprofen, aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, fish oil, vitamin E, ginkgo, ginger, and garlic. Avoid having dental procedures for the 2 weeks before and after filler.
What is the best lip filler?
During your consultation, your injector will discuss with you which filler is appropriate for your desired outcome. Some fillers are thicker and heavier, while others are more fluid and smoother. This variety allows your injector to select the filler that best suits your needs.
We can also complement your lip filler treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic to reduce the fine lines and wrinkles around your mouth that may detract from your newly plumped lips. You can read more about how to get red-carpet ready with injections in this related blog post.
What can I expect after my lip injections?
Bruising is possible after lip injections, so it’s best to schedule your treatment at least 2 weeks before an important event or vacation. You can also expect swelling for 2 to 3 days after your injections. You can reduce some of this swelling by using ice packs and avoiding very hot temperatures and strenuous exercise for 1 to 2 days after your procedure.
If you’re ready for fuller, more luxurious lips and you’re in the Anchorage area, request a consultation with ACENT online or call us at (907) 279-8800.