Full lips have never been more in-style. If your lips always look a little flat, you may be relying on plumping serums and lipsticks to add volume, but these solutions are just temporary, and they only provide minimal volume. Lip filler injections yield more dramatic results, but you probably have a few questions on your mind before you sit down in the dermatologist's chair for treatment.
Will the injections hurt?
The injections won't feel great, but they'll cause about as much pain as a needle stick or bee sting. Most patients find the pain very manageable and minor. Your dermatologist will probably apply a numbing cream to your lips before they inject you, which should take the edge off the pain. After the injections, you may feel a little soreness and stinging, but again, this should not even be serious enough to prompt you to pop a pain reliever.
What is being injected?
There are several different substances that are often used for filler injections in the lips. Many are collagen-based. Collagen is a protein that your skin and lips naturally contain. Your body produces less collagen as you age, which could be one reason your lips are looking less full than you would like. Some injections also contain hyaluronic acid, another natural plumping substance.
Both hyaluronic acid and collagen fillers are quite safe as they are substances your body produces naturally. Just make sure you have the injections done by a qualified professional since there is a risk of infection if proper sanitary precautions are not taken.
How long will the fullness last?
Most injections last several months. Everyone's metabolism is different, so you may find that your filler injections last longer or not quite as long. The good news is that as soon as you start to feel like your lips are flat again, you can call your dermatologist and make an appointment for more injections. After your first round of injections, you will have a better idea of how long the effects last for you, personally.
Do you need to prepare for your appointment?
Getting lip injections is really simple, and most people do not need to do anything significant to prepare for the procedure. Do tell your doctor if you are taking any medications. If those medications thin your blood, your doctor may want you to stop taking them for a few days before and after your injections so that you do not end up bleeding from the lips during the procedure.
How do you care for your lips after the procedure?
To protect your lips after the procedure, you will want to make sure you apply a sun-blocking lip balm for a few days. Don't use any lip products that contain alcohol, as this may bother the injection sites. You should, however, be able to use most gentle lipsticks and glosses immediately after the injections without worry.
Some people are more sensitive to needles than others and might develop a little bruising and swelling around their lips following the injections. If this happens to you, try icing your lips for a few minutes several times per day. This will help the bruises fade faster and will decrease inflammation. You can also use makeup to mask any bruising.
Getting lip injections is a relatively easy, safe way to give your lips more volume. If you have any lingering questions about the injection process or the fillers your dermatologist may use, you can reach out to their office in the days before your appointment.
For more information on dermal filler treatments, contact a medical center in your area.
Share8 October 2019
