Understanding Lip Fillers

According to WebMD, lip fillers are today’s most common form of lip augmentation – a procedure that leaves the patient with “fuller, plumper lips.” Such fillers typically contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in the body that helps increase volume in the lips.:

Hyaluronic acid fillers can change the lips’ shape, structure, and volume. There are several types of lip fillers on the market today, including:

  • Belotero Balance®
  • Juvéderm®
  • Perlane®
  • Restylane®
  • Restylane® Silk
Each of these products is injected in the same way and provides similar results. Some also contain a local anesthetic known as lidocaine for optimal patient comfort. Our dedicated team members can determine which brand is best for each patient’s unique needs and desires.

Lip Filler Benefits

Compared to other lip augmentation methods, hyaluronic acid lip fillers give patients greater control over lip volume. Since the doctor can control the amount of substance injected, they may have better control over the creation of lip volume. Additionally, the injections can be administered gradually until the patient reaches their desired result.
Since it is a naturally occurring substance, hyaluronic acid can also be dissolved easily if the patient is dissatisfied with the result. There may also be less bruising and swelling than with other dermal fillers, and any allergic reaction is unlikely. Furthermore, though not permanent, lip filler results are relatively long-lasting.

What Happens During Lip Filler Injection

One of the many advantages of hyaluronic acid lip fillers is that they require little to no downtime. Typically, before the injection, we will apply a topical or local numbing agent to alleviate any discomfort. Nerve block injections, similar to anesthetic injections received at the dentist, are also an option to numb the lips entirely.
We will also carefully mark the areas to be injected. Then, we will use very fine needles inject the filler into the lips. After injection, patients may want to use ice to ease discomfort and control swelling. However, they should take care to avoid placing any firm pressure on the treatment area. They should also avoid lipstick and other lip products immediately after the procedure. Results will be immediately noticeable, and lips will feel natural after healing..

Side Effects and Risks of Lip Fillers

When performed by an experienced injector, lip fillers are generally considered a safe procedure. However, it is not uncommon to experience some side effects after the procedure. Some common ones include:

  • Bleeding from the injection sites
  • Reactivation of cold sores or fever blisters
  • Redness and tenderness at the site of the injection
  • Swelling and bruising

More serious and rare side effects also include:

  • Infection
  • Injection into a blood vessel
  • Lip asymmetry
  • Lumps and irregularities in the lips
  • Severe, prolonged swelling or bruising
  • Ulceration, scarring, or stiffening of the lip
Patients should contact a doctor immediately once they develop a fever or begin experiencing extreme swelling.

Lip Fillers With Samy

Lip Fillers | Non-Surgical Lip Augmentation Miami, Fl

Candidates for Lip Fillers

Virtually any adult who wants to enhance their appearance can be a good candidate for lip fillers. However, patients should ensure that they truly want to modify their appearance – rather than meet someone else’s ideal. It is also essential for patients to have realistic expectations about the outcome.
While lip fillers may enhance one’s lips, they will not dramatically alter one’s overall appearance. The ideal candidate for lip fillers should also be a nonsmoker in good health. Those with an active infection (such as oral herpes), blood-clotting problems, diabetes, and lupus may not be suitable candidates for lip fillers. Patients should also let their injector know if they have had cold sores in the past, have any known allergies, or are allergic to lidocaine.

Call Us Today

Lip fillers can help enhance your smile and your overall appearance. We at Nuceria Health can help. Call us today at (305) 398-4370 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the type of filler used, how much is used, the patient’s metabolism, and more. According to Healthline, Restylane and Juvéderm last six months. Restylane Silk, Perlane, and Belotero Balance also last at least six months. Getting a touchup in between treatments can also help extend the lifespan of fillers.

It depends on your desired results. However, one syringe is usually enough for most people to start. This allows for overall enhancement while maintaining a natural appearance. We can spread out the syringe over two separate appointments and gradually build up to your desired results.

The answer varies on a case-by-case basis. Those with thinner lips may want to opt for Restylane Silk, while patients who simply need a bit of refining may want to consider Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, or Belotero Balance. We can help determine the best option for you during a one-on-one consultation.

Since most hyaluronic acid-based lip fillers come mixed with lidocaine, the procedure is relatively painless. Particularly squeamish patients may also opt-in for a numbing cream or a dental nerve block, an injection into the gums similar to what a dentist does before filling a cavity. However, be mindful that a dental nerve block may temporarily change the lip shape for a few hours.

Yes. Avoid exercising for at least 24 hours before your procedure, along with any other activities that increase blood flow to the face. Otherwise, you run the risk of extra swelling. You should also avoid any supplements or over-the-counter blood-thinning medications a week before the procedure.