As an experienced injector (I cannot believe this year will be 10 years of injecting….) I can assure you that I am injecting lips just about every time I step foot into the office. I have a love hate relationship with lip filler trends. I love that I get to inject so many beautiful lips and can call it my job, but I hate when people come in asking for unnatural sets of lips that are too big for their facial features. It’s all about facial balance.
So who is a good candidate?
Just about everyone. If you would like a subtle hydration—you’re likely a candidate for lip filler. If you’re noticing your lips have aged and your lip stick is not looking like it used to—you may be a candidate for lip filler. If you’ve noticed that your lip disappears when you smile or talk—you may be a candidate for lip filler (or a lip flip with Botox!). If you were born with a small set of lips and would like to add some volume—you may be a candidate for lip filler.
What fillers do we use?
There are many great hyaluronic fillers out there and which one we use is typically based on the patients anatomy. Some examples of these fillers are RHA 2 & 3, Restylane Kysse, Restylane Refyne, juvederm ultra. So why will your injector recommend one over the other? Because YOU are different! Everyones anatomy and lips are unique. Some people have great shape to their lips and just want a bit of hydration, while other people need shape and hydration. Fillers differ in consistency or how thin and thick they are. For a more mature lip that just wants a bit of subtle hydration, RHA 2 is a great option that moves with the patient and provides a soft volume. For a younger patient that wants a bit more volume, RHA 3 or restylane kysse provide a plumper look. All are great when used in the appropriate way!
What should you expect?
I will always tell patients that Day 1, 2, and 3 you are going to think I put waayyyy too much filler in your lips. The lips are very vascular and like to swell. So as we are poking them with a needle, you will have swelling and maybe some bruising. Usually by day 3-4 the swelling dissipates. It can take a few weeks for the filler to completely integrate into your tissue. What does this mean? Your lips may not completely feel like your own until the filler integrates. But be patient! I always do a follow up week 4—and by then everything should feel normal! People metabolize (breakdown) filler at a different rate. Sometimes filler with last 6 months or less and some patients find that it will last 9 months to a year. This can also be dependent on how much we do and what filler we use. So set up a consult to discuss!
What about all that I am hearing about “filler migration”?
Filler migration is when the filler moves over time to an area where we don’t want it. We’re seeing more and more of this lately with the lips not because the lips are being injected but because of how they are being injected. If you place too much in the lips at one time or in the wrong place, the filler will move above the lip and form a bit of a shelf. This is not what we want!! Which is why I often tell patients I cannot add more volume for 6+ months, or to “live” with their lips for awhile. I am trying to avoid filler doing what we don’t want it to do. So we can get you to your desired outcome, but it may take some time depending on where we are starting. So patience people!!! And this will help to avoid this problem.
What to do to prepare for my visit?
Lay off of the aspirin or Motrin (ibuprofen) a week or so prior to your treatment. This will help with swelling and bruising. If you have ever had a cold sore on your lip anytime in your life—call our office prior to your appointment. Poking the lips with a needle can make you more susceptible to a cold sore breakout if you’ve had them in the past, and I will put you on a medication to prevent this prior to your procedure. Relax! You’ll do great!
