Lip Filler FAQ: Here’s What You Need to Know

Whether you’re scrolling through Instagram or walking out around town, there’s no doubt that you’ve seen full, pouting lips. This look is all the rage, but it can be hard to achieve in a natural-looking way. If you want to get the best results from lip fillers, then it’s important to know everything about the process. Here’s what you need to know about getting lip fillers.  

How Do I Prepare for Lip Fillers?

Preparing to get the best results for your lip fillers should start 5-7 days before your appointment. For one, you should not take aspirin or ibuprofen during this time, since they will thin your blood. Thin blood will cause bruising after the injection. If you need pain relief, then acetaminophen will work. You should also not drink alcohol the day before your treatment. This will also thin your blood and cause more bruising and possibly bleeding. 

What Kind of Lip Fillers Are Available?

For a long time, collagen was the main product used to enhance the look of lips. However, collagen is a permanent solution. While that might sound like a benefit, the problem is that if you don’t like the final result, you are stuck with it. Now, hyaluronic acid (HA) is what is used as a lip filler. HA is a natural substance that the human body produces. It holds a lot of moisture, which is why it is so effective at providing the plumping effect that you want for your lips. The enhancement that HA provides is temporary and can even be dissolved, so you don’t have to worry about having to keep a bad look. 

Are Lip Fillers Provided By Medical Professionals?

Yes, your lip filling treatment should be provided by a qualified medical practitioner. Getting a lip filler means having a product injected into your lips, so it’s always important to do so under professional observation. If you visit with a practitioner that is not qualified, then you should look for another that is. Always make sure to read reviews about possible providers to see if there are any cautionary tales that you should be aware of. If you think that someone is offering lip fillers for a price that’s too good to be true, then there’s a very good chance that it is. The last thing you want is a botched lip filling procedure or getting an infection. 

How Safe Are Lip Fillers?

The use of HA fillers has been approved by the FDA. However, they must be performed by a certified medical professional to be truly safe. There is always a chance that you have a reaction to the fillers, in which case you should let your provider know so they can provide you with treatment. You can also have your HA fillers dissolved if there is a complication. 

The total safety of your lip filler treatment will depend on the skill of your medical practitioner and how much experience they have. It’s always best to use a doctor or certified provider that understands the physiology of your face and lips, and how to inject the solution safely. If someone performs the treatment incorrectly, then you could end up with complications such as vascular occlusions, which are blockages of your blood vessels. 

Should I Expect Any Pain?

Any injection can cause at least a little bit of pain. However, lip fillers tend to be uncomfortable as opposed to painful. You can have numbing agents applied to your lips if they are sensitive or if you do not want to feel that discomfort. Practitioners can use dental numbing injections or creams to reduce sensitivity. You may not feel anything at all. Talk with your provider about the different pain prevention options to make sure that your treatment is as comfortable as possible. After the injection, you might find that your lips are sore or swollen, but that should go away very quickly. 

When Can I Expect to See Results?

The timeframe for seeing results can vary from person to person. For most cases, it will take about a day for the swelling to subside, so you won’t see those results right away. After that, you should see how the injection has improved your look. Some practitioners will require a follow-up appointment to make sure that your lips have tolerated the injection and to discuss concerns or questions with you. While your results aren’t permanent, they should last anywhere from 6-10 months. In rare cases it will be a little less or a little more. 

Are There Any Possible Side Effects?

The swelling that most people experience is the main side effect when it comes to lip fillers. The swelling can make them sensitive, which could make it uncomfortable to eat certain foods or drink certain liquids. You may also have a tiny pink mark at the injection site, but it will fade within a day or two. Some people are allergic to HA, so it’s always best to give your doctor the details regarding your allergy and health history so they can proceed cautiously. 

Is There a Certain Amount of Filler That’s Appropriate?

The look that you want will determine how much filer you use. The more filler you use, the plumper your lips will be. It’s always important to let your provider know exactly what you are hoping for in terms of your results. In most first treatments, the provider will suggest a moderate amount to see how it affects your lips and what your look ends up being. Once you’ve had a treatment, then you can adjust the amount with your practitioner for future treatments. It’s always best to avoid overdoing it. Understated and natural-looking should be your goal. 

To talk about your lip filler options, contact Bridgeport Laser & Wellness today. We are a certified lip filler provider and we will help you get the plump and beautiful lips you are looking for.

Bridgeport Laser & Wellness Center Team

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The team at Bridgeport Laser & Wellness Center in Tualatin, OR, is led by Alina Wilson, Author, Founder and Active CEO, and Michelle Young, ND, LAc, Medical Director. They are joined by Natalia Glawe, LE, CMA, Medical Aesthetics Specialist; Kathy Nesen, CAE, Medical Aesthetics Specialist; Lisa Lovell, CMA, Injection Specialist; Keisha Harrison, CMA, LE, Injection Specialist. Specializing in Thoughtful Aging, the team emphasizes a holistic approach to aging, promoting vibrant skin and wellness through extensively researched and tested treatments. At Bridgeport Laser & Wellness Center, they focus on enhancing natural beauty and supporting a positive outlook on aging, utilizing state-of-the-art technologies and treatments to provide personalized, results-oriented care.