If you’re thinking about enhancing the appearance of your lips with fillers, you might be a bit nervous and you probably have plenty of questions. Will my lips look natural? Are lip fillers safe? Do lip fillers hurt? Knowing what to expect can help you feel more relaxed and confident at your initial lip filler appointment, so we’ll answer those questions and others in this blog post.
Getting Natural-Looking Lip Filler Results
Whether your lips have always been thin or asymmetrical, or they’ve lost volume with age, lip fillers can create a fuller, more balanced appearance. Patients who are new to lip fillers, though, may worry about having lips that look overfilled—the dreaded “duck lips” or “trout pout.” That’s why your choice of injector is so important. An experienced injector takes a conservative approach to lip fillers, ensuring you’ll get enhanced lip shape and volume that looks natural.
Do Lip Fillers Hurt?
While lip injections can’t be 100% pain-free, we do all we can to help our patients remain comfortable during their procedures. Applying a numbing cream before the procedure reduces discomfort, and the hyaluronic acid-based fillers we use for lip augmentation are pre-mixed with a local anesthetic. Our injectors use very thin needles, but you may experience a brief pinching sensation during the injection.
Are There Side Effects After Lip Filler Injections?
Bruising and swelling are the most common side effects following filler injections. Swelling usually peaks about 48 hours after the procedure, although you may notice some residual swelling for several days after that. Applying cold compresses can help reduce swelling, but you should avoid rubbing the injection sites.
Normal bruising after lip fillers is minor and can be concealed with makeup if necessary (but don’t wear lipstick or lip balm during the first 24 hours after getting lip fillers). This FDA update also discusses other potential side effects.
How Long Do Lip Fillers Take To Heal?
Even though filler injections are considered a no-downtime treatment, you should avoid scheduling any social meetings during the first 24 hours after your appointment. Side effects typically peak during the first 24 to 48 hours after the injections. The swelling should subside about 3 to 5 days following your appointment, and you’ll begin to see the true results of your treatment.
Tips for Minimizing Side Effects
You can help ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results by following these post-injection tips:
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body heal.
Use cold compresses: Apply ice packs for 10 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Avoid touching: Try not to touch, rub, or lick your lips while they’re healing.
Moisturize: After waiting 24 hours, use a clean lip balm to keep your lips hydrated and prevent dryness.
Follow instructions: Pay attention to the post-care instructions we provide.
Contact your injector if the bruising and swelling don’t improve after a week or if you notice hard lumps that don’t resolve with gentle massage.
Lip fillers are among the most popular cosmetic treatments requested, and they have an extremely good safety profile. The key is to choose a qualified, experienced injector to get the best results from your lip fillers. You can request a consultation at Hagopian Plastic Surgery using the online form or call us at (404) 885-8542 to schedule an appointment.
Leave a Reply