Lip Injections San Diego can be a great way to add natural-looking volume to the lips, but it’s important to choose a skilled injector. If done incorrectly, the results can look fake and overdone.
A well-trained injector knows how to minimize the risks associated with this procedure, including bruising and swelling. He or she also will know how to prevent the more serious complications such as vascular occlusion and skin necrosis.
Lip injections work by adding volume where it’s needed to create a fuller, plumper appearance. This is accomplished with a dermal filler that contains hyaluronic acid, which is naturally occurring in your skin. The result is a soft, natural look that enhances your facial contour and lasts for up to a year.
Lip fillers can be used to add fullness to one or both lips, and they can also smooth out fine lines around the mouth. The procedure is quick and safe, and it requires little downtime. Before the injections, a topical or local medication is applied to numb the area. Ice can be held to the lips before and after the treatment to help ease discomfort, control bruising, and prevent swelling. Once the area is numb, a series of very fine needles are used to inject the filler into the desired areas of your lips.
Choosing the right lip filler formula and an experienced injector are the keys to achieving natural-looking results. An experienced practitioner will take into consideration the size and shape of your face to ensure the results look proportional.
Unfortunately, inexperienced practitioners may overdo the lips, causing a duck-like appearance or “sausage lips.” This is a common problem with older injection techniques that add filler evenly throughout the upper and lower lip.
The most popular dermal filler for lip enhancement is hyaluronic acid. This naturally occurring substance is found in the skin and supports and shapes the tissues of your lips. Another popular option is Alloderm, which is donor tissue taken from a cadaver that is denatured, purified, and treated to remove any viable cells that could transmit disease. This tissue is then injected into the lips in small rolls to make them larger and to create more definition.
Experienced injectors use a cannula technique to minimize the risk of bruising and swelling, as well as vascular compromise. They will also choose the best filler for your specific needs based on its flexibility, thickness, and how long it lasts. They can even stage the injections throughout multiple appointments to allow your skin to adjust and accommodate the new volume gradually.
No Downtime
Lip fillers are a quick, non-surgical treatment that can be performed in the office. Depending on the type of filler used, the treatment can take less than 30 minutes to complete. Some patients experience bruising and swelling following their treatment, but this is normal and will resolve quickly. Drinking alcohol and exercising can worsen or prolong the duration of any swelling, so these should be avoided for around 48 hours after treatment. Smoking can affect how quickly the body metabolizes dermal fillers, so it should also be avoided for the same period of time.
Typically, patients only need one to two appointments to achieve their desired results. The first appointment will include a consultation, which gives the injector an opportunity to listen to your goals and determine what kind of treatment is best for you. For your comfort, numbing cream can be applied to the lips prior to injection. However, not all patients require this and the discomfort associated with lip filler injections is very low.
The most common filler for lip augmentation is hyaluronic acid, which the body naturally produces. This compound can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, which helps to keep the skin hydrated and looking youthful. The injections can be delivered using a traditional needle or a needleless device, which allows for a more comfortable and quicker procedure.
For those who would prefer to avoid needles entirely, a variety of lip fillers that contain hyaluronic acid are available as cannulae. This can be an important factor for patients who are considering dermal fillers, as these devices allow for a much faster and more precise treatment with little to no discomfort.
Lip injections are very popular among women in the Vancouver area who want that perfect kissable pout. With newer fillers and injection techniques, it is now possible to get results that last up to a year. Touch-ups are recommended about halfway through this time to maintain your beautiful pout.
No Precautions
Lip injections are not nearly as invasive as surgical lip augmentation procedures, such as lip implants, which involve inserting a strip of silicone into the lips through an incision. As such, they don’t come with the same pitfalls. Injectors are able to create a customized treatment plan that focuses on the patient’s specific anatomy. This ensures that the results will look natural and well-suited to the patient’s face.
In addition, hyaluronic acid fillers contain a built-in anesthetic that eliminates any pain associated with the procedure. Furthermore, injectors may apply a topical anesthetic to numb the lips prior to administering the filler to further minimize discomfort.
While lip injections are not as invasive as other cosmetic injectables, such as dermal fillers or liposuction, patients should follow all aftercare instructions provided by their practitioner to avoid complications such as excessive swelling and bruising. For example, they should not consume alcohol for a few days prior to or following the procedure since alcohol can thin blood and exacerbate any bruising that occurs. Additionally, they should not take NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin for the same reason.
Moreover, they should not exercise for 24 hours or longer since intense physical activity can increase blood flow to the lip area and worsen swelling, bruising, and tenderness. Excessive sweating from strenuous activity can also irritate the site and introduce bacteria to the wound, thus putting patients at risk of infection. Patients should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush out any toxins that could cause complications.
Swelling and bruising are normal for the first day or so after lip injections, but they should subside gradually throughout the course of a few weeks. Injectors will disclose this potential side effect during the consultation and assessment stage, so that patients can make informed decisions about their desired lip shape and volume and prepare accordingly. They can also choose to book this treatment appointment far enough in advance of any social events or pictures that require a polished appearance so that they have time to recover from the initial downtime.
No Side Effects
With proper selection and technique, lip injections provide a natural-looking enhancement of the lips. These treatments are highly customizable and can include enhancing the size or shape of the lips, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, or adding more definition to the lip region. The results can last up to six months, and re-treatment sessions will maintain the look you desire.
One of the most important factors in achieving natural-looking results is finding an experienced practitioner who understands how to create balance with your natural features. It is vital to discuss your goals and desired outcome during a consultation before your procedure, as this information will guide your injector.
The most common side effects associated with lip fillers are swelling, bruising, and redness around the treatment area. Luckily, these side effects are usually mild and short-lived. A topical anesthetic will be applied before the treatment to reduce discomfort. At Westlake Dermatology, we utilize a cannula technique to minimize bruising and swelling, as well as maintain an excellent hygienic protocol to further reduce the risk of infection.
Depending on the type of lip filler, some products are more likely to produce early side effects than others. For example, the hyaluronic acid found in Juvederm fillers is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is naturally absorbed by the body after injection, which helps reduce the likelihood of bruising.
Another potential side effect is overfilling, which can be a problem for some patients. This can cause unnaturally inflated lips, which can be remedied by a skilled injector who will add more filler as needed to achieve the desired result.
While the benefits of lip injections are numerous, it’s always best to consult with a qualified medical professional before undergoing any cosmetic procedure. During the initial consultation, the healthcare professional will gather the patient’s health history to identify any potential risks or complications, including allergies. This will allow the practitioner to make alternative recommendations if the desired cosmetic outcome is not feasible with lip injections.
Lip injections can be a great way to enhance your smile and boost your confidence. By taking the time to select a qualified practitioner and having realistic expectations, you can enjoy the fuller lips you’ve always wanted without looking overdone.