10 Things To Know Before Having Lip Injections

Lip injections have become exceedingly popular and are among the most commonly performed non-surgical cosmetic procedures available in the United States. Because there are so many options now—in terms of types of fillers, as well as people offering them—it is imperative that women and men considering the treatment can research their options to understand what happens during a typical lip injection procedure. This includes costs, potential risks, recovery, and maintenance. You may be aware of fillers’ lip-plumping benefits, but there’s a lot more that goes into these procedures that isn’t as widely known. Skin Wellness Physicians in Naples offers lip injections with dermal fillers like Juvederm®, encouraging patient education to maximize cosmetic results, as well as patient health. Here are 10 things to know before choosing lip fillers:

1) There are Different Types of Lip Injections

Lip injections typically involve dermal fillers, which are gelatinous substances used to volumize the area beneath the skin. Some types of injectables are designed to enlarge the lips in a dramatic way, while others are meant for subtle refinements of the shape and lip line, or for filling in fine lines. Popular injectables used on the lips are hyaluronic acid-based fillers from the Juvederm® and Restylane® collections. The hyaluronic acid molecules in these fillers attract and bind to water molecules. 

2) They Aren’t Permanent 

The effects of lip fillers depend on the specific brand and type used, with results lasting anywhere from 10 months to a year or longer.

3) There Are Possible Side Effects 

Fillers like Juvederm® and Restylane® are FDA-approved, but the low-risk, superficial nature of injections doesn’t mean there won’t be some minor side effects. Patients who have Juvederm® injections can experience swelling, bruising, numbness, dry skin, or discomfort. Restylane®’s potential side effects include redness, swelling, bruising, and tenderness. 

4) Aging Changes the Lips 

Over time, the overall condition of a person’s skin worsens, repeated muscle movements can lead to wrinkles, and sun exposure causes further skin damage. Your lips tend to become thinner and deflated as they lose collagen and hyaluronic acid. It’s also common for the border of the lips to lose some definition. 

5) They Aren’t Right for Everyone 

Most popular dermal fillers used for lip injections are only intended for patients over the age of 21. Pregnant women are usually warned against from having lip fillers, and the treatment isn’t suitable for people who have allergies to hyaluronic acid or lidocaine, inflammatory skin conditions, or bleeding disorders.

6) You Can Fix Botched Injections 

If it turns out that your lip injections aren’t quite what you expected, you won’t have to wait it out for a year until they eventually dissipate. You can set up an appointment with your provider to have the filler dissolved with an enzyme known as hyaluronidase, bringing your lips back to their pre-filler look in a short time. 

7) Fillers Can Look Natural

While the oversized, “duck lips” look is what many people associate with lip injections, an experienced provider can use special techniques to enhance the lips in a soft, subtle way that is barely noticeable, while preserving their proportions and symmetry.

8) They Do More Than Make Lips Bigger

In addition to making lips poutier, injections also re-define the Cupid’s bow and correct asymmetry, dryness, cracked skin, and unbalanced lips.

9) BOTOX® isn’t a Filler—But it Can Enhance a Smile

BOTOX® and dermal fillers like Juvederm® are both injectables, but that’s just about where the similarities end. Unlike fillers, which volumize the skin, BOTOX® relaxes muscles beneath the skin so that its surface appears smooth and refreshed. Although not used on the lips themselves, BOTOX® can be applied to create “lip flips” by reducing tension in the muscles around the mouth so that the upper lip unfurls slightly.

10) Some Prep Work is Helpful

Before having injections, you can reduce post-treatment bruising by avoiding certain medications and supplements, such as blood thinners. 
Learn more details about lip injections from Naples- and Marco Island-based Skin Wellness Physicians. Set up a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist by messaging directly or calling (239) 732-0044.