Juicy, plump, pouty, and hydrated. In the last decade, lip filler has become all the rage and one of the most popular cosmetic treatments. What really is lip filler? Why would I want it?
We always remind our patients that everything you see on the internet and in magazines should be taken with a grain of salt. The most common comments we hear when discussing lip filler for the first time with a patient are:
“I don’t want duck lips.”
“I don’t want to look like a Kardashian.”
“I don’t want people to look at me like, ‘What did you do?’”
We get it. The Hollywood look isn’t for everyone, nor is it suitable for day-to-day life! Large, full, juicy lips are achievable, and some aspire to rock that, but most patients coming in our doors are aiming for subtle and natural. Don’t worry! This is JUST as achievable and, if anything, more common than the juicier lip look. You’d be surprised how many people you know have lip filler!
What even is lip filler?
A dermal lip filler is a minimally invasive injection of a gel-like substance that provides moisture and volume underneath the skin. Most commonly, dermal fillers consist of a hyaluronic acid base. HA is a sugar molecule we produce naturally to retain moisture in and underneath the skin—we just don’t produce as much of it over time. As we age, we’re exposed to environmental factors, sun exposure, and our HA and collagen production deplete, contributing to volume loss. We also lose some of our bone density. This is what causes us to initially look more “sculpted,” but that eventually turns into hollowing, jowling, drying of the skin, and skin laxity as gravity does its thing. Our lips are an area that thin out as we age, so a little plumping with lip filler restores that loss and can create a more youthful lip look. We can even use filler to soften dehydrated pucker lines surrounding the lips!
We don’t just have to wait for it to be an aging concern, though! Lip filler can be used as early as our 20s. In some cases, maybe we were born with naturally thinner lips, some development of asymmetry (which is very normal for all humans), or we simply desire a more defined shape.
There is a plethora of ways we can use filler for the lips. It’s an art form—this is not a one-size-fits-all T-shirt. A very skilled, highly educated injector, such as a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, studies the anatomy for safety, then the lip shape we are working with. We ask about your desired outcome and goals for your lip look.
Common questions that we will ask in your consultation include:
“Are you desiring volume, definition, or both?”
“Are you looking for more forward projection?”
“Do you want subtle and natural hydration or a more impactful volume increase?”
“Do you want to define the border of your lips? Your cupid’s bow?”
“Are you looking to focus more on the lower lip, upper lip, or both?”
We’ll review any possible medical conflicts and before and aftercare tips and protocols. Filler is buildable; therefore, we can add more on as desired, but for best results, we almost always will start small. Some patients may only need a half syringe, most will need at least one, and some may desire 2-3 syringes. Building on gradually allows for a smoother healing process as well as the product settling just where we want it to.
Filler can, of course, be overdone. This is something we look out for here in our practice and something we specifically try to avoid. Our providers are trusted to be honest and transparent when the lips have been filled to their limit, or if something may not be fitting to you and your face. We feel this is a big reason our patients love coming back to our injectors—they know how to help them find what they want while also keeping their best interest at heart! Our injectors are truly proud of their work and want their patients to receive the best of the best.
The process of receiving treatment starts with topical numbing cream to ease any discomfort with the injections. We also offer a dental block for optimal comfort if desired! Once the topical cream has worked its magic after about 30 minutes, the product is removed for the injection to begin. Your injector will ask a few key questions to review your goals before starting. The injection itself takes anywhere between 15-40 minutes. Your lips will be swollen from the treatment, which usually lasts 24-48 hours, and you may experience some bruising at the injection sites for a few days or about a full week after treatment. We provide a cold compress you can use for any swelling and tenderness of the lips.
It’s recommended you avoid any alcohol or excess salts a few days following treatment to allow the swelling to subside as quickly as possible. Avoid massaging or manipulating the lips as they heal—you can eat, drink and talk as usual. Almost all other activities can be resumed as usual, as this is a very minimally invasive treatment with little downtime!
We have you come back 2 full weeks after the initial injection to assess your results. We use this visit as an opportunity to compare your before and after images, address any questions or concerns, and provide our recommendations if any more product is desired. Otherwise, it’s a quick visit to ensure you’re satisfied with your results and make sure you’re all good to enjoy your juicy, hydrated new lips!
Most lip fillers used will last 6-12 months, so it’ll be some time before they need to be refreshed! These fillers dissolve if not retouched, so there is no long-term commitment… but you’ll be HOOKED as soon as you see what something like a little Juvederm Volbella can do for that perfectly plumped pout.
For YOUR customized consultation, give our office a call at (815) 229-9333 ext. 2 to schedule! Let’s take a peek at your lips (or any other area of the face of interest) and get you all the information you need to get started.
