Everything You Need to Know About Lip Fillers

Beauty trends may come and go, but hyaluronic lip fillers are more popular than ever before because everyone can get something different from them. Some people might want their lips to look fuller. Others might want some definition. Another person might look in the mirror and decide it’s time to take some time off their kisser. You might want a combo of both depending on the result you want. What’s to love about fillers? Walking out with an Insta-ready look worth a million and one selfies. Who are lip fillers right for and why should you get them? What happens during and after the procedure? How long do fillers last for? And are there any risks?

The good news is that lip fillers are nothing to pout over — and everything to pucker up for.

Why should you get lip fillers?

There are lots of reasons why women (and men, too) might want to try lip fillers::

A fuller-looking appearance. Younger patients, or those with thinner or asymmetrically shaped lips, may get lip fillers.
Restoring past fullness to the lips. Lips may get smaller, thinner and lose volume as we age, making lip fillers the ideal treatment. Correcting genetic or hereditary conditions. Improving lip fullness through lip fillers has helped children with lips that are congenitally too thin, which can impact speech development.
Lip fillers can also boost self-esteem once you’re satisfied with a desired look.

The Procedure, A–Z

What happens before, during and after a lip filler treatment?

Before Treatment

You’ll first meet with your injector for a consultation. They’ll ask you questions about your mental health or personal life to see if you’re a good candidate for lip injections. Some beauty labs like if you bring a picture with you of a celebrity or influencer whose lips you want (like bringing a pic of a hairstyle you want to a salon), but remember that the consultation is all about measuring your face and lips to see what your individual needs are, since no two treatments are alike since everyone’s lips are a different shape and density.

What should be your lip filler prep? These are the big NO’s 48 hours before your procedure::

Smoking
Drinking alcohol
Taking ibuprofen, aspirin or herbal supplements (i.e. St. John’s Wort, vitamin E or fish oil)

These could thin your blood and encourage bruising or swelling. Lip fillers may also trigger cold sores, so you might be prescribed antiviral medication.

During the Treatment

First, let’s address the big question: do lip fillers hurt? You may feel a slight pinch with each injection, but overall, treatment is fast and mostly painless. A topical anesthetic is applied about 20 minutes before (similar to visiting the dentist). Most hyaluronic acid dermal fillers contain lidocaine, an anesthetic that reduces injection discomfort. If you’re allergic to benzocaine, lidocaine or tetracaine, you can be administered a nerve block injection to numb your lips.

How much filler is injected? About one milliliter is filled into your lips, and the needle won’t go any deeper than two and a half millimeters. An ice pack may be applied throughout to reduce swelling. The whole treatment may last anywhere from a half hour to two hours.

After Treatment

There may be swelling for 24 to 48 hours, and in some cases, up to a week, but this is normal.

Empower your filler treatment by following these do’s and don’ts:

Apply an ice pack to your lips, as needed, for up to 10 minutes to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling.
Avoid wearing anything on your lips, such as lipstick or lip balm, for at least 24 hours after treatment.
Don’t touch or pucker your lips, including kissing or drinking from a straw.
Avoid eating any messy foods requiring you to wipe your face or lips for at least 24 hours.
Take care when brushing your teeth.
Drink plenty of water and fluids.
Avoid exercising for at least 24 hours.

How long do lip fillers last?

Like Botox or other injectables, lip fillers are temporary and do wear off over time — but the good news is that the results are noticeable right away. You should expect the first 20 percent of what you see to be swelling. Once that’s subsided, full results should last from nine to 18 months.

What’s next after lip filler treatments?

Following your dermal fillers, your beauty lab will schedule a follow-up appointment with you in about two weeks to check in on your progress and how your lips are taking to treatment; this is especially important if this is your first time getting lip fillers.

They’ll examine your lips and discuss the final results with you to check your satisfaction. If you feel your lips aren’t as full or voluminous as you’d like, don’t be afraid to say so. They can schedule a follow-up appointment for additional filler.

If you don’t like the look of lip fillers or you’re unhappy with the results, an eraser enzyme (hyaluronidase) can be injected, dissolving the filler within minutes.

However, we’re confident that you’ll be happy with the results and make dermal fillers a regular part of your beautifying regimen for years to come.

Enjoy Exclusive Service and an Inclusive Vibe at VI Beauty Lab

Vi Beauty Lab is in the business of making you look better, feel better and put your best face forward. Our lip fillers are beloved throughout the Twin Cities, and our experienced team of specialists is prepared to give you the look you’d like to achieve.

Ready to pucker up for the world? Contact us today for a consultation.