Get Gorgeous Lips Without Risking Complications in the Critical Healing Window
Lip filler procedures have grown in popularity due to evolving societal preferences towards certain beauty standards. Dermal filler injections involve introducing volumizing substances into the lips to plump the appearance in a natural manner.
While modern media portrays certain exaggerated lip sizes, most patients seek modest augmentation simply to enhance their innate features. A balanced perspective values both outer beauty and inner wellness.
What are Dermal Fillers and Hyaluronic Acid Lip Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable substances used to alter aesthetic features by adding volume. Hyaluronic acid variants are commonly used for the lips, as this filler material behaves similarly to the body’s natural hydrating compounds.
During the procedure, a thin needle introduces the hyaluronic acid filler into strategic points to augment the lip border and Cupid’s bow area.
As hyaluronic acid absorbs fluid, it naturally expands to increase fullness. Through a series of minute injections, the aesthetician sculpts a balanced and symmetrical shape in step with the patient’s wishes.
Advantages of Lip Fillers
Lip fillers provide several potential advantages for those seeking to enhance the appearance of their lips.
Fuller Lips
The most noticeable benefit is fuller, better-shaped lips. Lip fillers add subtle volume to lips for a more youthful, balanced appearance.
Smoother Skin Texture
Dermal fillers help improve skin texture by filling in fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth area, resulting in refined, fresher-looking skin.
Customizable Results
Lip fillers allow adjusting the level of fullness gradually over multiple sessions to achieve natural, customizable results tailored to individual preferences and comfort levels.
Non-Surgical Procedure
Being non-surgical makes lip fillers a safer, more affordable alternative to invasive lip enhancement options like implants or lifts that require surgery. The convenience offers benefits over surgical cosmetic treatments.
Popular Brands of Lip Fillers
Various brands of dermal fillers are available for lip augmentation. Understanding the different options allows for finding the best match considering ingredients, injection smoothness, and projected longevity.
1. Juvederm Series
| Features | |
| Juvederm Ultra XC | – Smooths moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds around the nose and mouth |
| – Adds fullness and plumps lips as well as smooths and corrects moderate to severe wrinkles and folds in adults | |
| – Has a thicker consistency than Volbella and adds significant volume | |
| Juvederm Volbella XC | – Designed to enhance the lips and smooth fine lines around the mouth |
| – Injected directly into and around the lips using an ultra-fine needle to temporarily plump the lips for lip augmentation and to smooth the appearance of lines around the mouth | |
| – Creates a natural-looking, subtle increase in lip volume | |
| Juvederm Ultra Plus XC | – Has a significantly thicker formula than Juvederm Ultra XC |
| – Frequently used to treat deep wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds |
2. Restylane Series
| Features | |
| Restylane Kysse | – Made with XpresHAn Technology, an innovative crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) gel created for a precise, natural-looking result |
| – Designed to provide more natural-looking results for lip size and volume, and filler that moves with each smile and expression | |
| – Clinically proven to enhance the texture and color of the lips while maintaining a full range of expressions | |
| – Requires a smaller amount of filler formula than other Restylane products to achieve fuller lips | |
| – The only FDA-approved lip filler to use XpresHAn Technology, which allows for more natural lip movements and has more elasticity than other lip fillers | |
| – Can erase pesky radial wrinkles around the lips | |
| Restylane Silk | – Specifically developed for subtle lip augmentations and smoothing wrinkles around the mouth |
| – Ideal for restoring a more youthful appearance to the lips |
Post Lip Filler Treatment: The First Few Hours
Importance of Ice Packs and Ice Cubes
Immediately following lip filler treatment, it is important to apply ice packs or ice cubes wrapped in a clean cloth to the treated lip area. Applying ice helps reduce swelling after lip fillers and minimizes potential bruising and discomfort.
Note: Ice should be applied for 10 minutes, then removed for 10 minutes in a cycle for the first few hours after treatment. The cold temperature helps constrict blood vessels and limit bleeding, which is important for healing.
Monitoring Blood Flow and Adequate Blood Supply
After lip filler injections, patients should monitor for signs of adequate blood flow and supply to the lips. Lip fillers are injected into the lips to provide volume, so it is important the lips receive sufficient oxygenated blood. Any pale or gray coloring, intense stinging, or sharp pain should be reported immediately to the injector. Applying gentle, continuous pressure with ice packs can help promote blood flow.
Note: Activities that significantly increase heart rate like exercise should be avoided for the first 24 hours.
Avoiding Spicy and Acidic Foods
For the first few hours after treatment, it is best to avoid eating any spicy or acidic foods. Spicy foods can cause additional stinging, burning, or swelling due to their capsaicin content. Acidic foods like citrus fruits can have a similar irritating effect on newly injected lips as they heal. Sticking to blander, softer foods helps minimize discomfort. Plenty of water intake also helps flush the lips.
Hours After Treatment: What to Expect
In the first few hours after lip filler treatment, patients can expect some swelling, redness, slight bruising, and soreness around the lip area. These are normal signs that the body is responding to the injections. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce discomfort.
Minor irritation typically subsides after 2-4 hours. By the next day, most swelling is reduced although some tenderness may persist. Avoid strenuous activities or exercise, and follow aftercare guidelines for a speedy recovery.
Additional Lip Filler Aftercare Instructions
Drinking Plenty of Water
It is important to stay hydrated after lip filler treatment. Drinking water helps flush out toxins, reduce swelling, and promote healing. Aim to drink 6-8 glasses of water per day following the procedure. Water intake will help balance moisture in the lips and reduce the chances of irritation or discomfort.
Avoiding Strenuous Activities
For at least 24-48 hours, avoid any strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or physical activities that significantly elevate the heart rate. Strenuous activity can increase blood flow and impact healing. It may also cause more swelling, pain, or additional bruising. Light walking is fine, but nothing too vigorous.
Why Elevated Blood Pressure & Aerobic Exercise Can be Harmful
Elevated blood pressure stresses blood vessels which may prolong swelling and healing after filler injections. Intense aerobic exercise immediately following treatment can also increase blood pressure temporarily. This isn’t ideal as it could disrupt the normal healing process. Wait at least 48 hours before resuming more strenuous exercise to allow the lips to fully settle.
Proper Sleep Positioning: The Role of 2-3 Pillows and Elevated Pillows
To reduce swelling and pressure while sleeping, position the head at a slight incline using 2-3 pillows. Elevating the head above the level of the heart lets gravity work to decrease swelling in the lips. Avoid pushing on or resting the lips directly on pillows.
Lifestyle Considerations Post-Treatment
Most normal daily activities can be resumed once the initial swelling subsides after 24-48 hours. Heavy lifting or activities that elevate heart rate should still be avoided for a few days.
1. Hot Showers, Heated Exercise & Elevated Body Temperature
For 5-7 days, avoid long hot showers, saunas, or intense heated exercise classes that boost body temperature. Heat can exacerbate swelling and cause filler to dissipate faster.
2. Salty Foods
Salty foods should be consumed in moderation during the first week as they may contribute to water retention and prolong swelling. Opt for fresh whole foods and stay hydrated.
3. Alcohol After Lip Fillers
Alcohol can dehydrate and thin the blood temporarily. It is best avoided for 1-2 days while the lips fully heal to reduce risks of excessive bruising or other issues. Moderate intake after this window is usually fine.
When can I use Lip Gloss and Lip Liner?
It’s generally recommended to avoid lip products for at least 4-6 hours after lip filler treatment to allow the lips time to settle and begin healing. Here are some guidelines on when it’s safe to use lip gloss and liner:
| Products | Information |
| Lip Gloss | – You can usually start using a gentle, nourishing lip gloss after around 6 hours once any excess swelling has reduced. Look for soothing formulas with hydrating oils. |
| – Avoid very glossy or sticky lip glosses in the first 24 hours as these could pull on new filler. Stick to lightweight balms or glosses. | |
| Lip Liner | – Most experts advise waiting 1-2 full days after treatment before using lip liner, as it can irritate healing skin when dragged along the lip line. |
| – At the 1-2 day mark, only use liner very gently along the inner lip line once bruising/tenderness has subsided. Don’t over-line the lips heavily yet. | |
| – Full lip lining techniques should wait until 3-5 days post-filler once the lips have fully recovered their shape and color. Go slowly at first. |
When Can You Wear Lipstick After Lip Filler?
It’s generally recommended to wait 4-6 hours after filler injections before wearing lipstick. Restylane may require slightly longer as it contains lidocaine as an anesthetic.
At the 4-6 hour mark, opt for creamy lipstick formulas over very pigmented or long-wearing lipsticks which could catch on healing skin. Wait 24 hours after treatment before wearing highly pigmented or long-wearing liquid lipstick formulas.
Why Waiting is Crucial
New lip filler needs time to settle before makeup is applied to achieve the final appearance without risking infection or disruption. Premature use of lipstick could spread bacteria into micro-ablations from needles and compromise the natural healing process.
Potential Risk Of Infection from Lip Products
Lipsticks, especially if used before full healing, pose a minor infection risk if they introduce new bacteria into the lips. Keep cosmetics clean and avoid reapplying frequently within the first 48 hours as a precaution.
Other Potential Side Effects
Most patients are happy with natural-looking results from lip fillers. However, some risk of side effects exists, like initial swelling or bruising in some cases. Rarely, fillers may migrate or cause lumps. Seeing an experienced provider minimizes side effects.
Minor bruising around the lips is very common, appearing as light blue or green and fading within 1-2 weeks. Some people bruise more than others. Ice, arnica, and avoidance of blood thinners can help reduce bruising.
Risk Of Complications: Inexperienced Injectors vs. Expert Injectors
When done by an expert, lip fillers are very safe. However, inexperienced injectors place patients at higher risk of granulomas, infection, or permanent disfigurement from fillers administered incorrectly. Always verify your injector’s credentials.
Doctors with formal training have the most experience assessing lips, injection techniques, and handling potential issues. While other providers offer fillers, for cosmetic procedures near the eyes or mouth, a board-certified cosmetic medicine doctor is ideal to minimize risks.
Why Provider Choice Matters
Experienced injectors are skilled at natural-looking results, problem-solving issues, using the minimum product, and proper techniques to reduce swelling and bruising. Others may lack such finesse.
Choosing Ethos Spa for Your Lip Fillers
Ethos Spa is staffed by highly-trained and experienced cosmetic providers specializing in lip filler treatments. With hundreds of procedures performed, we customize each step for natural, youthful-looking results and quick healing.
By choosing us, you can feel confident that you are in capable, caring hands. Our focus is on your desired outcome and safety. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
