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How to Achieve Plump Lips: A Guide to Lip Fillers

Dr. Joanna Kam is a plastic surgeon in Voorhees and Sewell, NJ specializing in lip fillers to achieve plump and beautiful lips.

Non-surgical lip augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that enhances the appearance of your lips by providing a fuller, plumper look. This guide will walk you through the different types of lip fillers, the procedure for getting lip fillers, the common side effects, and how long the results typically last. Whether you’re considering lip fillers for the first time or experienced, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

What Are Lip Fillers?

Injectable dermal fillers, known as lip fillers, are used to enhance the shape and size of your lips. Hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body, is the most common type of lip filler. This popular injectable material helps to increase the volume of the lips. Injectable fillers for lips provide a non-surgical option for those looking to achieve fuller, more youthful-looking lips to enhance their natural beauty. 

Benefits of Getting Lip Fillers

There are several benefits to using hyaluronic acid fillers for lip augmentation. These include:

  • Control over lip volume: Hyaluronic acid fillers allow your healthcare provider to control the amount of product used, giving you the desired level of lip fullness with a natural appearance.
  • Gradual treatment pace: You can choose to have multiple treatments over time, gradually achieving your desired lip volume according to your facial features.
  • Easily dissolve bumps: Any lumps or bumps that form during the injection process can be easily dissolved maintaining your natural lip shape. 
  • Less bruising: Hyaluronic acid lip fillers in New Jersey typically cause minor bruising and swelling compared to other filler types.
  • Reasonably lasting results: The effects of lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid-based fillers typically last around six months.
  • Low risk of allergic reactions: The risk of allergic reactions from hyaluronic acid is extremely low because it is a natural substance found in the body.

Understanding the Types of Lip Injections

There are several types of lip injections available, but the most popular and widely used are hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers. Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero are well-known brands of filler for lips made with hyaluronic acid. Each brand has its unique formula and properties, making it essential to discuss your options with an experienced healthcare provider to determine the best lip injection for your specific needs and aesthetic goals.

Which is the Best Lip Injection?

The best type of lip injection will vary from person to person based on each patient’s desired results, skin type, medical conditions, allergies, or even the unique shape of the lip. It’s essential to consult with an experienced healthcare provider who can assess your needs and recommend the most suitable lip injection for you.

Hyaluronic acid lip fillers provide natural-looking results with minimal downtime, making them an increasingly popular choice for those seeking fuller lips.
Hyaluronic acid lip fillers offer a safe and effective way to maintain facial harmony

Procedure for Getting Lip Fillers

Preparation Before the Procedure

Before your lip filler appointment, you should avoid taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, for at least a week. You should also avoid consuming alcohol before the procedure. Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider, including any allergies or previous reactions to filler injections.

In addition, it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle leading up to your lip filler treatment. Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep can all contribute to better overall skin health and may improve the outcome of your lip augmentation procedure. If you smoke, try to quit or reduce your smoking habits, as smoking can negatively impact the healing process and the longevity of your filler results.

Finally, ensure you have realistic expectations for your lip enhancement and discuss these with your healthcare provider during your consultation. This will help ensure that both you and your provider are on the same page regarding the desired outcome and can help prevent any disappointment or dissatisfaction with the results.

What Happens During the Procedure?

To minimize discomfort during the lip filler procedure, your healthcare provider will first use a local anesthetic or apply a numbing cream. They will then inject the chosen hyaluronic acid filler into specific areas of your lips, carefully controlling the volume and placement to achieve the desired results. The entire process typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the specific treatment plan.

In some cases, your healthcare provider may use a cannula, a thin, flexible tube with a blunt tip, to inject the filler. This method can help reduce the risk of bruising and minimize tissue damage during the procedure. The cannula is inserted through a small incision near the treatment area and gently moved through the lip tissue to deliver the filler. This technique allows for more precise and controlled placement of the filler, resulting in a natural-looking enhancement.

After the injections are complete, your healthcare provider may gently massage the treated areas to ensure the even distribution of the filler and to smooth out any lumps or bumps. They will also assess the overall appearance and symmetry of your lips, making any necessary adjustments to achieve the desired outcome. It’s essential to communicate with your healthcare provider throughout the procedure to ensure your comfort and satisfaction with the results.

Aftercare Guidelines for Optimal Results with Lip Fillers

After your lip filler treatment, it is important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure optimal results and minimize potential complications.
Drinking plenty of water is recommended after getting lip fillers

Following proper aftercare guidelines after a lip treatment is an essential step for ensuring the most optimal results while minimizing the risk of complications. Some general aftercare tips include:

  1. Avoid massaging or touching your lips after the procedure for at least 24 hours.
  2. Apply ice or cold packs to your lips to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
  3. Stay hydrated to keep your skin and lips healthy.
  4. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.
  5. Elevating your head while sleeping is a commonly recommended method for reducing swelling.
  6. Avoid alcohol, blood-thinning medications, and herbal supplements, such as fish oil and arnica, for at least a week after the procedure.
  7. Follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects of Lip Filler Injections

While lip filler injections are generally safe, some common side effects may occur. These side effects are typically mild and temporary, lasting only a few days. Some common side effects include:

  • Bleeding: Some minor bleeding may occur at the injection sites.
  • Swelling: Your lips may be slightly swollen for a few days after the procedure.
  • Bruising: Some bruising may occur around the injection sites.
  • Redness: Your lips may be red and tender for a few days.
  • Tenderness: You should expect slight tenderness and soreness after treatment.

More serious side effects are rare but may include lip asymmetry, lumps, severe swelling, infection, scarring, or stiffening of the lip. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

What is the duration of lip injection results?

Depending on the type of filler used and individual factors like your metabolism and lifestyle, the longevity of lip injection results can vary. On average, the longevity of lip fillers is around six months. However, some people may see results lasting up to a year or more. To maintain your desired lip fullness, you may need to schedule additional treatments as the effects of the filler begin to wear off.

Look for an Injectable Treatment Expert

When considering lip fillers New Jersey, it’s crucial to find a qualified and experienced professional to ensure the best possible results. Look for an experienced injector like Dr. Kam, who has extensive experience and specialized skills in injectable treatments. During your initial consultation, discuss your aesthetic goals, medical history, and any concerns you may have. Dr. Kam will help you determine the best lip injection for your specific needs and guide you through the entire process, ensuring a safe and effective treatment. To schedule your consultation, please call 856-565-2903 or click here to schedule online.