Pucker Up: How Lip Filler Can Help Perfect Your Pout

As we age, we lose volume that naturally occurs within our body. One of the areas we tend to notice this aging the fastest, is around the mouth. Lips that were once hydrated and plump begin to shrivel and wrinkle as that volume is lost. One of the best ways to combat this and put some hydration back into the lips is with dermal fillers.

What are fillers?

Dermal fillers are utilized for areas of volume loss. In this case, fillers are injected into the lips to make them look fuller, plumper, and softer. Fillers are typically made of injectable hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a naturally-occurring substance in the body.

AT ARTisan Skin and Laser Center, we carry a variety of fillers that allow our providers to help you achieve the look you desire. Some patients want a plump, full pout, while others prefer something more subtle, or simply wish to fill lines around their mouth with minimal volume. 

If you are considering lip filler, here are a few things to know:

1. You will likely swell! Just as we all react to bug bites or a rolled ankle with varying degrees of swelling, it is impossible to predict how much swelling will be associated with your filler. While this typically resolves in about 24 hours, I recommend planning for 48-72 hours of swelling before any important events, just to be safe! Ice applied immediately after the injections can help with this. I always tell my patients...even if you want minimal volume, your lips will feel quite full when you leave your appointment.

2. Bruising is possible! Just like the swelling, it is impossible to predict if you will bruise with your filler. However, with any injection bruising is a possibility. While we take all necessary precautions to prevent bruising, I also recommend avoiding alcohol or blood-thinning medications such as ibuprofen or fish oil if possible 72 hours prior to your injections. (*Please do not stop any prescribed blood thinners without talking to your doctor first!). Some patients find it helpful to apply Vitamin K or Arnica and taking oral Arnica can help too!

3. Desired results can take time! As with anything we do, nothing is "one and done". Often times, patients who desire a very specific look require several syringes of filler to build structure over time. Similarly, patients who would like to minimize the lines around their lips will see these lines soften over time, but it can take some time to achieve the desired result.

4. Fillers are temporary! Most fillers in the lip last an average of 6 months, but this varies depending on each person's metabolism and the product used. In our facility, product is purchased by the syringe and one syringe per visit is typically sufficient for the lip area, however this can vary based on treatment goals. The cost of fillers varies by product, but can range between $600-800 per syringe. 

5. It can be uncomfortable! All of our fillers have lidocaine within the syringe of product, so it gets less uncomfortable as we go along. The lips can be a sensitive area, so we will numb you with a topical numbing cream prior to your injection. It makes for a much more enjoyable experience!

If you are considering lip filler, or would like to discuss what options may be right for you, call our office to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our skilled providers!