How to Avoid Botched Injections and Disastrous Results
Full, plump lips are one of today’s most coveted beauty trends. It’s no wonder lip augmentation is the second most popular minimally invasive cosmetic treatment in the United States. But while lip fillers can offer stunning, natural-looking results when done correctly, they also carry risks of complications in unskilled hands.
If you’re considering lip fillers, it’s crucial to understand what can go wrong so you can make educated choices to minimize risks. Read on as we dive into the common pitfalls of bad lip jobs, and how to find a provider who will give you gorgeous, subtle enhancement instead of the dreaded “trout pout.”
Common Problems Associated with Bad Lip Filler Jobs
Lip fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body. When injected skillfully by an experienced provider, dermal fillers can add volume and definition in a very precise manner. However, there are several ways lip injections can go awry:
- Lumps and bumps under the skin from poor injection technique. Research reveals that about 55% of patients experienced complications described as nodules, lumps, masses, abscess, granulomatous reaction, and lesions during their study. Filler should be deposited in a smooth, even manner within the lip’s natural anatomical planes. Irregular lumps signal the provider lacked skill.
- Asymmetry between top and bottom lip. The filler volume should be balanced and proportional. More product in one lip creates a lopsided, unnatural look.
- Overfilled lips that look cartoonish. Some providers err on the side of too much filler instead of building volume gradually over multiple treatments.
- Filler migration that distorts other areas. Filler can move out of place and cause lumpiness in nearby areas like the cheeks or nose.
- Infection from unsanitary injection practices. Thankfully very rare, but improper sanitization protocols could allow bacteria to enter the site.
- Bruising and swelling from superficial injections. Filler should be deposited deep within the lips’ muscular layers, not near the surface, to avoid trauma.
The key to avoiding these undesirable outcomes lies in choosing an injector with extensive experience and anatomical knowledge of the lips. The Ethos Spa’s medical experts led by Dr. Soni has performed thousands of flawless injections. Our artistry and eye for balance ensures you’ll leave with a soft, pillowy pout, not a puffy, misshapen deformity.
What are the Best Options for Correcting Bad Lip Filler Results?
While prevention is ideal, there are ways to address subpar lip injections:
| Method | Description |
| Dissolving filler with hyaluronidase | This enzyme breaks down hyaluronic acid. It can be injected to eliminate filler, allowing it to dissipate within 24-48 hours. However, dissolving all the product means starting over from scratch. |
| Surgical lip reduction | In some cases with significant overfill, surgical excision of excess filler may be required. An expert like Dr. Soni can adeptly reshape and reconstruct the lips. |
| Strategic camouflage injections | Adding filler in specific areas could potentially mask or smooth away lumps. But this approach risks further complications, so is not always effective. |
| Allowing filler to be naturally metabolized over time | Depending on the type of HA filler used initially, it may dissipate within 6-18 months. Letting moderate overfill subside on its own may be an option if the patient can tolerate imperfection temporarily. However, surgical intervention is still faster and provides definitive results. |
Rather than attempting to fix and camouflage a poor lip job, your best bet is selecting an outstanding injector from the start. Dr. Soni has the advanced expertise needed to give you a flawless outcome you’ll love.
Key Factors that Lead to the Worst Lip Filler Jobs
Many elements can culminate in an unpleasant lip filler experience. The most common culprits include:
Injecting an excessive amount of filler product.
More is not always better with lips. Too much volume appears unnatural and distorts the face. A conservative approach allows for gradual enhancement session-by-session.
Injecting into blood vessels
Intravascular injection of filler can cause dangerous blockages. It requires urgent medical attention to avoid potential scarring or blindness. Unfortunately many non-medically trained injectors lack the knowledge to avoid vascular structures.
Filler migration
Some products spread to surrounding areas over time, creating irregular lumps and bumps in places like the cheeks.
Untrained, unqualified injectors
Anyone with a syringe and filler can offer injections, but only expert physicians like Ethos Spa’s board-certified specialists have the eye for aesthetics and intricate anatomical knowledge to perform this advanced procedure safely.
Not following proper post-procedure guidelines
Activities that increase blood flow like exercise, sun exposure, and alcohol can worsen swelling after treatment.
Underlying patient health issues
Bleeding disorders, infections, and other medical issues can increase complication risks. A comprehensive consultation with Dr. Soni ensures lip fillers are right for you.
What are Some Warning Signs of a Potentially Bad Lip Filler Provider?
If a lip injection specialist gives you pause about any of the below, it may be best to continue your search:
- They fail to recognize signs of vascular occlusion, the most feared injection complication. You want someone hypervigilant about preventing intravascular filler injection.
- They have no medical background or training. Nursing or physician injectors have vital anatomical knowledge.
- They downplay risks like bruising, swelling or lumpiness instead of discussing them transparently.
- They offer discounts or high-pressure sales tactics instead of focusing on your safety and goals.
- They operate outside a licensed medical office. These “shot and go” environments often cut corners.
- They have minimal experience specifically injecting lips. The lips and surrounding areas have intricate muscular and vascular architecture requiring specialized expertise.
- They use anything other than FDA-approved dermal fillers. These regulated products have proven safety data.
How to Communicate Your Concerns about Lip Filler Results
If you are dissatisfied with the results of your lip filler injections, it is important to communicate your concerns to your injector in a constructive manner. The best way to do this is to book a follow-up appointment focused specifically on addressing the issues you have with the results.
Bring along photos to clearly illustrate problems like asymmetry, irregularities, or over-enhancement. During the appointment, explain in a calm, polite tone exactly what you do not like about the end result. However, maintain a constructive spirit to encourage collaboration on finding a solution.
Inquire about options to improve the situation, such as corrective injections or dissolving the filler. Listen to the injector’s proposed plan of action. Determine whether you feel comfortable having this provider perform any further treatments, or if you would prefer to seek care from another practice moving forward.
This is your face, so it is important that you have confidence in your provider and feel heard. Before leaving the appointment, secure written documentation of the agreed-upon action plan, so the conversation does not fade from memory.
Clear communication and a spirit of collaboration will provide the best chance of a satisfactory outcome.
Best Practices for Selecting a Lip Filler Specialist
When considering lip filler injections, it is important to do your research and select an experienced, reputable specialist. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:
- Check credentials. Make sure the specialist is a licensed, board-certified plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or cosmetic injector. Confirm they have undergone extensive training in lip filler techniques.
- Look for expertise. Choose a specialist who performs lip filler injections regularly and has many years of experience. Ask to see before and after photos of actual patients to evaluate their aesthetic eye.
- Confirm transparency. Select someone who is upfront about the type of filler being used and discloses all risks and side effects. Avoid any provider who uses vague terminology or won’t reveal the filler substance.
- Evaluate comfort level. Schedule a consultation to meet the specialist in person. Make sure you feel comfortable with their bedside manner and can candidly discuss your medical history. Trust your gut feeling.
- Discuss natural-looking outcomes. Convey your desired look and choose someone who advocates subtle, natural-looking results. Beware of providers who push you to go overboard.
- Understand aftercare guidelines. Follow all aftercare instructions from your specialist to prevent complications and achieve optimal results. Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours.
Get Natural-Looking Lip Enhancement from the Experts
When it comes to lip fillers, choosing an experienced, reputable provider is crucial for avoiding disastrous outcomes. At Ethos Spa, Dr. Soni and our team of expert injectors have performed thousands of flawless lip enhancements. We use an advanced microdroplet technique to ensure smooth, even filler integration.
During your consultation, we’ll develop a customized plan to meet your goals through gradual, natural-looking enhancement. Don’t gamble with your lips. For the safest, most beautiful results possible, contact Ethos Spa today to schedule with our specialists.
