Here’s Everything You Need ToKnow Before Getting Lip Fillers

Lip augmentation has become the second-fastest-growing facial procedure inAmerica (thanks to all the crazy, fearless millennials and FDA approvals).

It’s kind of a scary thought to have some unknown substances injected intoyour only pair of lips –- something you need and use every day. So before youmake this jump, let’s go over some helpful pieces of knowledge.

What exactly are lip fillers? Most derms recommend fillers made of hyaluronicacid –- a sugar found naturally in the body, that adds temporary volume anddefinition to your lips after injection.

Know Your OptionsOver the last few years, the government has green-lit many hyaluronic acid(HA) fillers for lips. The new formulas are all similar in composition, with slightvariations in longevity and density, which can determine when and how they’re

used. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Restylane and Restylane-L

This is best for allover volume. They’re both the same basic formula, exceptRestylane-L is mixed with pain-preventing lidocaine.

Restylane Silk

This is best for subtle enhancements with smaller HA molecules

Juvederm Ultra XC

This is best for a plush, pillowy effect

Juvederm Volbella XC

This is best for defining the lip line and treating fine lines around the mouth

Insider Info

Celeb derm Whitney Bowe says it’s common for derms to layer and mixdifferent fillers to achieve the best result, and if they don’t, then they’reprobably a noob injector.

For example, one may use a heavier filler like Restylane in the middle of thelips for fullness and a thinner filler like Restylane Silk at the corners for slightdefinition.

How To Ensure You’ll Love Your NewLook

Do Your Research

The most important step in filling your lips is finding the right injector. It’s likefinding the right person to cut your hair or wax your eyebrows.

You don’t leave it up to just anyone. Look through Realself.com for reviews,and check out Juvederm and Restylane’s websites — both have search tabs thathelp locate reputable derms in your area. You want to find a board-certifiedderm or plastic surgeon who concentrates in facial aesthetics and has tons ofexperience.

Schedule A Consultation

During the initial meeting, you will review your medical history, discuss yourgoals (subtle definition versus major volume), and learn how to prep for theday (avoid blood thinners such as NSAIDs, alcohol, and fish-oil and vitamin-Esupplements for two weeks before; they up your chances of bruising andbleeding during and after treatment, says Neil Sadick, MD).

You should also request to see before-and-after photos of previous patients andask how often the doc does fillers. There’s no magic number, but if the staff

can easily answer the question, it’s a sign they’re familiar with the procedure.

Be Ready To Hurt Your Wallet A Bit

This procedure could cost you anywhere between $300 to $2,000, and as withmost things, you get what you pay for. A bigger price tag probably meansyou’re paying for more experience.

And don’t be tempted with unbelievable deals on coupon sites; if the dealsounds too good to be true, your filler may have been diluted with water orsaline to cover the cost, meaning your fillers may not last or could result inuneven lips. So if you’re going to get lip fillers, do it right the first time.

Here are some common questions askedabout getting lip fillers

Q: How long does the procedure take?

Less than an hour. First, your injector will cleanse the area and apply a topicalnumbing cream (it needs about 20 minutes to kick in) or inject you withlidocaine. Then the injections themselves take 15 to 20 minutes, says NeilSadick, MD.

Q: How bad does it hurt?

Most women say the lidocaine shot hurts most (like an intense bee sting). Asfor the filler itself, it can be best described as an immediate pricking sensation,then uncomfortable pressure as the filler moves throughout the lips.

Q: Will they look good right after?

You’ll see immediate volume, but expect a few days of bruising and swelling (soschedule accordingly).

Q: What about the side effects?

You may notice some small bumps under your lips. They usually smooth out ontheir own within a week or two, but if not, your injector can remove them.While rare, more serious complications (like a blood clot) can occur, so ifyou’re experiencing significant pain or skin discoloration, see a doctor ASAP.

Q: How do I take care of them after?

No touching your lips for 48 hours after injections. And hold off on exercise fora few days, as it speeds up your blood flow.

Q: How do I maintain them?

Touch-ups every three months to a year. Why such a big window? Factors likefiller consistency and lifestyle can affect longevity. For instance, in patientswho are more physically active, their filler dissolves faster than in those whoare more sedentary, explains Whitney Bowe, MD.

Q: What if I hate them?

Your doctor can dissolve the filler by injecting lips with the enzymehyaluronidase. Most reputable derms will do this for free if you’re not happywith their work.

Let us know if you’ve thought about getting lip fillers or what your experiencewas like if you’ve had them!