A Dermatologist’s Tips For Getting Great Results With Lip Fillers
Most beauty trends come and go. They’ll create more than a ripple on our social media feeds through plenty of buzz-worthy posts before becoming yesterday’s news. But there are mainstays –those that really stir up new beauty revolutions that will redefine our #beautygoals. One of our current beauty obsessions? Getting that perfect pout. Following Kylie Jenner’s lip job chronicles alone has spurred our fixation with lip fillers.
So, are you considering to try it? Or perhaps, just curious about the procedure? I get it. It’s hard not to be intrigued by all these celebrities flaunting their pouty lips, plus all the volumizing lip products available in beauty counters today. But before you book that appointment in Laguna Niguel, be sure to fill up on important facts first. Here are my tips for getting the best results with lip fillers:
Do Your Homework And Find The Best Doctor
Do your research. And I don’t mean from your favorite fashion and beauty magazines. Look for credible online sources like the American Academy of Dermatology which offers a wealth of information about cosmetic procedures like lip injections. And if you’re still interested in getting lip fillers after you’ve done your research, consult with the best (not first) doctor you can find.
Select from board-certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or cosmetic facial surgeons who specialize in lip enhancements. Any cosmetic procedure is both an art and a science, so make sure your doctor has the skills, experience, and the “eye” to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. During your consultation, be transparent about all your expectations. See the doctor’s past work and discuss any possible side effects. Knowledge is power, right?
Don’t Simply Pick A Celebrity Pout
You can’t just say, “I want Kylie Jenner’s lips.” I have to get the proportions right for my patients. I try to explain to them that it takes more artistry and finesse to injecting lips compared to injecting a wrinkle. I use the golden ratio which has been used since da Vinci’s time and has been applied to describe the classic proportions of the lips relative to the rest of the face. The ideal ratio of the vertical height of the upper lip to that of the lower lip is 1:1.618.
A pair of lips may look gorgeous on someone’s face but will look different on you since you’ll have different facial contours and proportions. Dermatologists recommend starting with less filler and adding filler as necessary to achieve your optimal results.
I show actual photos of the “before and after” of my previous patients to help everyone have more realistic expectations for their lip enhancement procedure.
Here at Coast Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Laguna Beach, California, we have over 27 years of combined experience in expertly and artfully revitalizing your skin and appearance, helping patients achieve natural-looking results with lip injections.
Prepare Yourself For Pain
We have a lot of nerves in our lips and therefore, it can be a sensitive place to inject a filler. While some Hyaluronic Acid injectables like Juvederm already come with lidocaine (a numbing medication), I can also use a topical anesthetic to numb the injection site so you’ll only feel a bit of pressure on your lips during the procedure. You may feel some tenderness, about three hours after the procedure, but it will quickly subside.
Relax And Take It Easy After Your Procedure
For the first 24-48 hours, the injected filler will be malleable, making your skin prone to swelling. So be gentle with your face! Be patient, relax, and wait for your filler to properly settle. Swelling will completely resolve and you will have your full results within 2 weeks after your treatment.
Preparation for Possible Side Effects
Any form of injection can come with a set of risks. Bruising, swelling, and pain may occur. Lips will often swell for 1-3 days after the procedure, but this is variable because other patients will experience no swelling at all. To reduce the swelling, simply use an ice pack to cool the area.
Bruising can last up to a week but can be covered with lipstick or other make-up. Laser treatment is also available to treat significant bruising.
Don’t Forget Touch-Up Treatments
While dermal fillers are generally labeled to last for 6-18 months, it will vary for everyone, especially if injected on an active body part such as the lips. My patients normally come back every 3-6 months for a touch-up treatment.
Keep In Mind That Fillers Are Reversible
Not happy with your results? HA filler injections are reversible. I use hyaluronidase (a naturally-occurring enzyme in the body that metabolizes hyaluronic acid) to completely dissolve the filler in as little as 24 hours.
Book a Lip Filler Consultation Today
If you’re ready to book a lip augmentation treatment, come visit me or a member of my team at Coast Dermatology and Laser in Laguna Beach, California. Dr. Goldberg is an expert at Botox and produces safe excellent clinical results. Call today 949-499-1389 to schedule a consultation.
More like this,
