The Hollywood smile has become the trademark look among celebrities. Many people would like to replicate this look but are afraid of invasive surgical procedures. Lips are one of the most alluring facial features that can improve our appearance and attract good attention from others.
Having a voluminous pair of lips is a sure way to stop people in their tracks when you walk by them. That is why many people are considering dermal fillers such as lip injections. Boston is home to our establishment where we readily offer this service.
The whole process is relatively noninvasive, and it can give you beautiful results within a short period. But before taking the plunge, you must understand the potential side effects of doing this cosmetic procedure.
Lip fillers, or lip augmentation, is the process of giving your lips a fuller, more attractive look. Lip fillers can also be used to correct uneven lips, lift the corners of your mouth, and smooth out lip wrinkles that become more prominent with age.
Injectable fillers have been used in the cosmetic surgery procedures of patients, for many years worldwide, including in Boston. The process of lip augmentation using dermal fillers is simple.
A few injections of a filler within your lips are sufficient to add lip volume and fullness to the lips, resulting in plumper, more colorful, and attractive lips. There are three main types of lip fillers:
Considered the "gold standard" in the hyaluronic acid filler, both Restylane and Juvederm can be used to add volume and enhance lip appearance. These hyaluronic acid-based fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that can add volume to your lips and enhance the shape and structure of your lip volume. Please note: this is the only type of lip filler treatment offered at Skin Deep Med Spa.
Collagen is a natural protein that makes up one-third of the total protein in the human body. It's often used in food as a gelling agent, and the FDA approves it for human consumption. This injectable dermal filler works by filling out lines and wrinkles on the lips to increase volume over time, making them appear fuller.
This procedure, done by plastic surgeons, will harvest body fat by inserting a needle into an area with fat deposits (such as the hips, thighs, or stomach). The fat cells are then extracted through suction and used by plastic surgeons for injection into the lips, or smile line.
The first step in lip augmentation is consultation. During your consultation, we will discuss your goals and concerns. Then, you will be given a thorough evaluation of how we will proceed.
To make the most out of your results, be sure to follow these steps:
It’s normal to be concerned about the safety of having dermal fillers injected into your body, particularly if you are middle-aged or elderly. To help alleviate your concerns, below is a quick run-down of the most frequently asked questions regarding lip injections.
After a lip injection, you may notice some bruising and slight swelling in the areas that have been treated with dermal fillers. The swelling and redness will lessen each day as your body heals.
Avoid touching the treated area as it may compromise the results of your procedure. If you are experiencing prolonged redness, swelling, or severe bruising, call your board certified plastic surgeon immediately. It is important to remember, certain medications and other commonly ingested items may increase the risk of bruising and swelling. Contact your injector if you are concerned about any medications etc. that may affect your treatment.
The link between lip fillers and cold sores (herpes simplex virus) outbreaks is not clear. If you’re concerned about lip injections triggering an outbreak, talk with your dermatologist about taking prophylactic antiviral medication (prescribed topically or taken orally) a few days before the procedure to help reduce the risk of an outbreak.
Bleeding may appear around the injection site, especially in the first 24 hours after your injection. When this happens, it is usually minor and stops within several hours. However, if this persists, you should consult your injector.
It is possible to have temporary changes in the appearance of your lips or face after dermal fillers, but irreversible damage can happen too. Necrosis, which means filler was injected into a blood vessel causing tissue death, can have long term effects.
Complications with filler injections are relatively rare, but they do sometimes happen. Anyone considering lip injections should choose a medical professional who has experience performing this type of procedure.
Lip fillers are not permanent. The lip fillers used in your lips have a shelf life of approximately six to twelve months, however, the lip area is in constant movement, and in a short period, you may need to have them replenished depending on your desired results.
Also, depending upon genetics and how well you take care of your lips, you may need to have your dermal fillers replaced within this time frame.
Lip augmentation can reshape and redefine the lip line and correct uneven shape and symmetry of the lips or some other defects due to injury or trauma. To help minimize, obscure and correct some facial defects such as scars, asymmetry etc.
While an allergic reaction to cosmetic injections is rare, they do happen. Some of these reactions can be severe and even life-threatening, but if treated quickly and properly, the patient recovers.
It is best to be prepared for any possible inflammatory reaction, however, including anaphylactic shock. Be sure to discuss your risks and what precautions you should take with your board certified plastic surgeon before getting injections.
The most common side effect of lip injections is the formation of nodules, which is common and can happen naturally due to the movement of the lips. If lumps or bumps should form, a hyaluronidase injection can be given to dissolve temporary hyaluronic acid filler (HA) like Juvederm and Restylane.
Aftercare Tips
Most lip filler side effects can be resolved by using proper aftercare. By following these steps immediately after your procedure, you will minimize any complications that may arise from lip filler injections.
After your Lip Injections, apply an ice pack or ice cube to your lips for 10 minutes. Taking this quick and easy precaution can help reduce swelling, relieve pain, and prevent bruising in the aftermath of your cosmetic procedure.
For at least the first 24 to 48 hours after your lip augmentation procedure, you should avoid strenuous exercise at all costs. Strenuous exercise increases blood flow to the millimeter levels around your lips, which may make swelling worse.
The results of lip injections can be a little bumpy. Bruising and swelling are to be expected after a lip augmentation procedure. It is critical to have a plan for resting and recuperating during the initial recovery period so that you can see the maximum results.
You will have to avoid anticoagulant medications that may increase bruising or bleeding. Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamins E and K, fish oil, anti-inflammatory drugs, or fibrinolytic agents for ten days following your procedure.
Keep hydrated with adequate water before, during, and after your dermal fillers to minimize swelling and speed your body's natural healing process. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables high in water content like apples, celery, and cucumbers.
Follow a bland diet for a few days. Consider foods rich in hydration (like fruits and vegetables), healthy oils, such as avocados and nuts to help your lips stay smooth and soft. Avoid excess sodium, which can worsen swelling.
Get smooth, plumper lips without any pain or downtime with Skin Deep Med Spa's lip filler injections. At Skin Deep Med Spa, we offer advanced skin care treatments, managed by licensed and board-certified professionals. With our state-of-the-art facility and over 15 years of experience, you can rest easy knowing that your lips are in good hands.Call us on (617) 812-0954 to reserve an appointment.
Bachelors of Science in Nursing
Michelle Cory, R.N. worked in emergency medicine for eighteen years before developing a passion for aesthetic nursing and has now practiced for over seventeen years. Cory is an expert injector with extensive training in neuromodulators and dermal fillers, specializing in non-surgical facial aesthetics while understanding the importance of combination therapy. Her expertise is in listening to her patients and customizing an individualized treatment plan based on the clients needs.
All content are reviewed by Nichole Starr, R.N., owner and founder of Skin Deep Med Spa.
