Everyone knows lip filler can plump the lips for a full, youthful look, but were you aware soft tissue filler can also reverse age-related lip changes? If you are experiencing lip thinning or have ill-defined lips, an experienced injector can use dermal fillers to give you long-lasting plumpness and naturally more youthful-looking lips.
Our Eugene injectables team explains everything you need to know about this treatment below.
How aging affects the lips
Aging contributes significantly to loss of overall lip volume, shape, and definition. Because of the natural aging process and sun (UV) exposure, the dermis layer of the skin becomes thinner, losing collagen and elastin. Smoking intensifies this process. The upper lip is often more dramatically affected than the lower lip. Here are some of the ways signs of aging appear in the lips:
- A lengthened upper lip
- The formation of vertical lines on the upper lip
- Vertical “lipstick lines” or wrinkles that appear on the lips themselves
- The corners of the mouth (oral commissures) thin out, widen, and turn down
How nurse injectors use dermal filler to restore volume and shape
Reversing age-related volume loss in the lips can involve a number of different filler injection patterns, based on your unique lip anatomy; expect your injector to recommend a personalized plan. While fillers can immediately provide a noticeable change in volume, achieving significant, yet still natural-looking results in thin lips may require small filler injection amounts administered over multiple sessions in order to “build up” a scaffolding to help achieve more ideal shaping. (Dermal filler, beyond adding volume to the skin, promotes collagen production over time.)
Because of the nuanced approach required when it comes to lip volume restoration, choose an experienced injector. Your provider should have helped many other patients with lip filler, and have proven experience with techniques to restore a clear, defined vermillion border of the lip, improve lip volume, and smooth vertical lip lines. Ask to see examples of their own patients who presented with similar aesthetic concerns, studying multiple views, to determine if their aesthetic and treatment approach will allow them to achieve your desired look.
Also ask them about their recommended products and techniques; for example, medical injectors may choose to use a cannula rather than a needle for certain treatments, to reduce bruising and other risks.
Finding the perfect filler for lip enhancement
Choosing the appropriate filler formula, consistency, and elasticity is essential for achieving results that look and feel natural in the lips. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are our go-to: we almost always recommend HA fillers because of their ability to retain water and improve hydration, as well as create a lovely, natural plumpness. Some popular HA fillers include:
- Juvéderm® Ultra XC
- Juvéderm® Volbella XC
- Restylane® Silk
- Restylane® Kysse
- Revance’s RHA® Collection of dermal fillers
- Perlane®
Each of these fillers varies slightly in its thickness, flexibility, and longevity. Our experienced nurse injector will help you choose the best option for your unique lip contouring needs, so there is no need for you to select your preferred filler before your appointment: we will examine the quality of your skin and discuss your desired results before we recommend the optimal filler(s) for your needs.
Choosing the appropriate filler formula, consistency, and elasticity is essential for achieving results that look and feel natural in the lips.
The importance of a caring, skilled, and experienced injector
The success of lip filler treatment relies heavily on the skill and experience of the person administering the injections. To help you see the best results possible, seek out an experienced nurse injector, physician assistant, or board-certified plastic surgeon.
In addition to having appropriate medical credentials, they should specialize in lip enhancement with filler, evidenced by many before-and-after photos of previous patients and positive reviews on Google, RealSelf, Facebook, and/or Real Patient Ratings. Feeling comfortable is also important: when you meet with them in consultation, a compassionate and skilled injector will take the time to understand your goals, carefully examine your lip anatomy, explain their recommendations, and develop a personalized treatment plan. While the lip injection procedure itself can be fairly quick, your consultation and decision making process prior to having treatment should never be rushed!
Post-treatment care and maintenance
While there is no downtime required after lip filler, expect the possibility of swelling and bruising, both of which will typically subside within a few days. You can help to minimize side effects by taking care of your lips post-treatment:
- Avoid alcohol, exercise, and heat exposure for the first 24 hours
- Apply a cold compress to help reduce swelling
- Follow all of your injector’s post-treatment care instructions for optimal healing and results
Maintaining gorgeous lips
Remember that lip filler treatments are not permanent, and maintenance sessions will be required to retain your results and keep your lips looking fabulous. The longevity of your filler depends on the product used and your body’s metabolism, but most HA fillers last between 6 and 18 months. Talk with your injector about how long you can expect your results to last. Regular touch-ups can help maintain your lips’ fullness and shape.
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Safety considerations and potential side effects
While lip fillers are generally considered safe, there are potential risks and side effects to any injectable treatment. Some common side effects include swelling, bruising, redness, and discomfort at the injection site. Patients who are prone to develop cold sores should talk to their injector about preventative methods before treatment. More serious complications, such as infection, allergic reaction, or vascular occlusion, are rare but possible. To minimize your risk, ensure you are receiving treatment from a qualified and experienced medical professional and discuss any concerns during your consultation.
Lip filler vs. surgical lip lift
Note that, as the skin of the red lips themselves loses elasticity, this limits how much filler the skin can comfortably hold. If lip aging has progressed beyond the point where filler can help, a board certified plastic surgeon may recommend a surgical facial rejuvenation procedure, such as a lip lift, instead of lip filler.
About Movassaghi Plastic Surgery & Ziba Medical Spa in Eugene, OR
A board certified plastic surgeon with over 18 years of experience, Dr. Kiya Movassaghi oversees all treatments offered at our Eugene medical spa, Ziba Medical Spa. Our nurse injector, Karen, holds over 10 years of experience solely focusing on cosmetic injections, and brings a passion to the art of lip filler that shows in her skillful, artistic approach.
To schedule your appointment with Karen and learn how lip fillers may achieve your goals for your appearance, call 541.686.8700 or contact our Eugene office online today.