Lip filler is increasingly becoming one of the most chosen aesthetic treatments in the country, and estimates indicate its popularity will just keep growing. It’s no secret that we are huge fans of the instantaneous, confidence-boosting results we get from little lip filler. In fact, RejuvenationMD is the top 1% off aesthetic offices in the US with respect to how much filler we inject each year.
With the rise in demand for lip filler treatments, there are five key things to know before you get your lips filled. Whether you’re looking to minimize lip lines, correct volume loss, or improve facial balancing, our team of experienced injectors are here to recommend the best type of dermal filler for you to help you achieve fuller lips and more confidence in your appearance.
#1: An Experienced Injector is Essential
It’s important to understand that all invasive treatments come with risks. Never choose your injector based on flashy, fun TikToks or Instagram Reels. Good choreography has nothing to do with anatomy. This is your face. Choose an injector with demonstrable experience that works with a reputable practice.
Before you commit to being treated, schedule a complimentary consultation to get a better idea of who you’re trusting with your body. A few questions to keep in mind during your visit:
- Is the front desk overly salesy?
- Is the office clean?
- Are the treatment rooms sterile?
- Do you feel comfortable?
- Are there a variety of before and after photos?
- What kinds of treatments does the office specialize in?
- How often do providers undergo training?
Ongoing training is critical. Medicine is not static, especially aesthetic medicine, therefore the treatments and their approach will continue to evolve. Experienced injectors understand how to manipulate the anatomy using different types of filler and different techniques to achieve the results their patients want.
We take the time to listen to exactly what our patients want so that they’re as excited by the end result as we are. Every injector at RejuvenationMD is experienced in advanced lip filler injection techniques, up-to-date on the latest brands of hyaluronic acid filler, and each provider undergoes continual training.
#2: Communication is Key
Before your first treatment, do your research and find photos of what you’d like your lips to look like so your injector better understands your goals. Some patients want very subtle results, some want only to smooth away their lip lines. Naturally, our upper lips are smaller than our bottom lips. Some patients want to maintain this proportion, while others want both their top and bottom lip to be of similar proportions.
Coming to your consultation with photos will help your injector understand the results you’re after. But, be prepared for feedback. A good injector will tell you if the results you want will work with your facial features. For patients who want a dramatic change, many injectors will schedule multiple treatments to ensure best results.
#3: Pre-Care Do’s
At RejuvenationMD, our goal is to provide an excellent patient experience. To help achieve this, we often provide a list of pre-care protocols during a consultation to help minimize potential issues on the day of treatment.
The pre-filler instructions we recommend prior to treatment are:
- Avoid drinking alcohol the day prior to prevent bruising that results from blood thinning
- If possible, avoid blood thinners and anti-inflammatory medications for two weeks before treatment
- Avoid strenuous exercise the day before
- Don’t schedule injections within two weeks of an important event
- To reduce bruising and swelling, take Arnica tablets (5 pellets three times a day) two days prior to injection, continue the day of and for two days after
- Reschedule if you have blemishes, rashes, or cold sores on the area to be injected
Our providers work closely with our patients to understand their health history and discuss the risks and side effects of treatment so we can recommend the best approach. While aesthetic medicine is elective, it is still invasive. It’s important to comply with the pre-treatment protocols to maximize your safety and the results!
#4: Post-Care Don’ts
Post-care is just as, if not more, important as pre-care. After getting your lips treated with filler, follow our post-care instructions to ensure the best, longest-lasting results. That’s the whole goal, right?!
While there will be swelling and there could be some bruising, there is no need for physical downtime after your lip filler treatment. We just ask our patients to modify their activities for a few days to prevent any chances of infection (we just created an open wound to the body) and to prevent the filler from migrating.
A few of the post-filler treatment instructions we recommend are:
- Avoid strenuous exercise six hours post treatment
- Avoid alcohol six hours post treatment
- Avoid makeup post treatment
- Do not get a massage or any treatment where pressure will be applied to the face
- Sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated for 7 days
- Do not touch your lips for 6 hours after treatment
- Continue taking arnica the day of and days following your treatment
- Limit UV exposure until the redness and swelling has dissipated
- Avoid drinking from a straw or small-mouthed bottles
Another HUGE thing to avoid…kissing. We want your lips to maintain their shape and fullness, so for a day or two avoid kissing or doing anything with your mouth that could distort the shape of your lips.
Our providers will have you come back for a follow-up visit a week after your treatment to see how the filler is settling. At that time, we can adjust the filler and move it if needed. After we can see how your body is responding to treatment, we may recommend another syringe to add more volume to help you reach your lip filler goals.
#5: Understanding the “Lip Filler Cycle”
When it comes to lip filler, we recommend starting small by first enhancing the natural beauty and shape of your lips. This is especially important if it’s your first time getting hyaluronic acid based fillers and you are unfamiliar with the “lip filler cycle.”
The “lip filler cycle” generally goes like this:
- Immediately after treatment, there will be swelling which can create an uneven appearance.
- The day after many experience the peak of swelling. Some will see bruising and experience tenderness too.
- Two days post treatment, the swelling will begin to dissipate. At that time, patients may see or feel small lumps at the injection sites. These will go away as the body heals.
- Three days after lip filler, the swelling will gradually begin to go down as the lips adjust.
- Five days post treatment, patients will see the real results of their lip filler treatment.
Though a syringe of filler is equal to about a fifth of a teaspoon, post-treatment swelling can cause social downtime, where some lay low from attending public events for a few days until the swelling is gone. This is why we always encourage patients to schedule at least two weeks before a big event.
Because every body responds a little differently to lip filler, it’s safe to start small at first until you know what to expect. After you’ve experienced the lip filler cycle of swelling, both you and your injector will have a better understanding of how your body reacts and how many syringes of filler you need to achieve your goals.
Bonus Tip: Confidence Is Everything
Lip fillers are popular for a reason. They’re an excellent, non-surgical solution to reduce the results of aging, improving symmetry and facial balance.
That said, what’s most important is for you to feel confident, happy, and bold, no matter your lip size or shape. Whatever you do, be sure you’re doing it for yourself and no one else. The most beautiful thing of all is that every body is unique. Our injectors are here to celebrate you and enhance your natural beauty to help you feel head-to-toe confidence.
About RejuvenationMD
RejuvenationMD is the premier aesthetic skin treatment and wellness center in Washington’s North Sound serving Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan, Snohomish and King County with offices in Bellingham, Burlington and Bothell.
Our award-winning practice is home to female Physicians, ARNPs, Registered Nurses, experienced Master Estheticians and a team of Patient-Care Coordinators. Learn more online at www.RejuvenationMDMedSpa.com or call RejuvenationMD at 360-685-8408 or 360-982-2620 today.
