Lip fillers are injections that add volume to your lips. They consist of synthetic hyaluronic acid (HA) which is a natural substance in your body. Hyaluronic-acid based fillers tend to be the preferred choice among patients and practitioners because they are temporary, reversible and build upon the foundation of hyaluronic acid that is already found throughout the body.
There are many different brands of lip fillers, including RHA® Revance and Restylane®.
Getting lip fillers is a personal decision stemming from a variety of reasons. Lip fillers are ideal for anyone who is looking to:
As we age, we naturally lose collagen and fat. This leads to thinness and sagginess of the face, including the lips. Lip fillers work by replacing that lost collagen and fat.
Lip fillers are the most popular way to increase your lip size. The procedure is minimally invasive and has a quick recovery time. The procedure involves injecting the substance into the lips to help them look fuller and more defined.
The first step to getting a lip filler procedure involves scheduling a consultation at our medical aesthetics clinic. Before your lip filler procedure, you’ll meet with our medical professional who will assess many factors and ask you some questions regarding your general health including any preexisting health conditions or risk factors, any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, including herbal supplements.
Your injector will examine your face and take photographs of your face and lips for your medical record.
A thin needle with the substance will be injected into any or all parts of your lips, including the edges of your lips (vermillion border), the curve in the center of your upper lip (Cupid’s bow) and your oral commissures (corners of your mouth). Patients describe this feeling as a pinching sensation.
Before getting lip fillers, it is important to consider pre-treatment care because it helps minimize the risk of bruising and swelling, ensures optimal results, and prepares the lips for the procedure.
Immediately after your lip filler procedure, your injector may gently massage your lips so that they absorb the filler.
You will be monitored for approximately 15 minutes after the procedure to ensure that you don’t experience any side effects, including dizziness, nausea or substantial bleeding.
Your lips may swell, bruise and feel sensitive to the touch. Swelling generally will subside within 24-48 hours; however, it may take up to a week.
The following post-care tips will help your lips heal:
Anyone who is allergic to any of the proteins used to make hyaluronic acid, or is allergic to lidocaine (which is used in the topical anaesthetic), or you have a bleeding disorder or are generally quite prone to bleeding, should avoid getting lip fillers.
Furthermore, if you have an injury near the injection site you should wait until it heals before getting lip filler.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should wait until after due to the unknown effects of dermal fillers on pregnancy and nursing.
Patients generally see results almost immediately with full effects in approximately a week.
RHA® Revance and Restylane lip fillers generally last anywhere between 6 to 12 months or longer. You can always schedule a free consultation to get your injector’s opinion on when you should receive your next lip filler treatment in order to maintain your look.
Following your treatment you will experience some swelling, bruising, redness and sensitivity. Further side effects will be discussed with you during your consultation.
Treatment Length
How Long Do Lip Fillers Last?
Discomfort Level