When it comes to cosmetic enhancements, plump, luscious lips are at the top of the list for plenty of women — and best of all, thanks to dermal fillers, they’re incredibly accessible. Of course, if you’ve never had fillers before, it’s natural to have some questions — and maybe even a few concerns.
Michele Meinhart, FNP, is a skilled, experienced, and trusted provider of lip enhancement with dermal fillers, helping patients at Starkey Medical Esthetics enjoy fuller lips that still look natural (and kissable). Here, learn the basics about lip fillers, including how they work, what to expect during and after treatment, and whether they’re a good choice for helping you achieve your goals.
Dermal fillers are made of various solutions depending on how — and where — they’re used. For lip augmentation, most fillers rely on a naturally occurring substance called hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid augments your lips’ fullness and replaces volume lost to aging, sun exposure, and other issues. In addition to providing an immediate volume boost, the acid also helps attract and retain moisture for added natural-looking plumpness.
Lip fillers are designed to be placed in specific areas of your lips — areas associated with lip definition and volume. Typically, lip augmentation involves filler injections along the lip borders and near the cupid’s bow at the center of the upper lip. The location of your injections is determined by your goals and your anatomy.
The idea of having a needle placed in the sensitive skin surrounding your lips can be a little nerve-racking, but the truth is, most people tolerate injections quite well. Many solutions contain local anesthetics to numb the area during the injection process. We can also apply a numbing cream prior to injection for added comfort. Treatment takes about 15-30 minutes.
After treatment, there’s no downtime — you can go back to your regular activities right after your treatment. It’s normal to experience some swelling, redness, tenderness, and even bruising in the injection areas, temporary effects that resolve soon afterward. Don’t massage your lips, and avoid strenuous activity for a day or two to minimize swelling.
Most lip filler results last anywhere from six months to a year, and yes, you can have repeat treatments to prolong your results indefinitely. Drink plenty of water, and use a hydrating lip balm to keep your lips moist, supple, and luscious, and limit sun exposure to keep your lips looking their best.
Dermal fillers are an ideal solution for just about anyone looking to plump up their lips without surgery or downtime. To learn more about lip fillers and how they can help you achieve your goals, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Starkey Medical Esthetics in Salem, Virginia, today.
