Lip fillers are injections that restore or add volume to your lips. They’re a type of dermal filler. Lip fillers consist of synthetic hyaluronic acid (HA) — HA is a natural substance in your body.
There are many different brands of lip filler available on the market. At Bee Aesthetics I prefer to use Epitique (e.p.t.q) dermal filler. This particular brand contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid (HA). HA also boosts the skin’s natural collagen meaning fewer touch ups may be needed. Further to this, HA is recognised as safer than other types of dermal filler such as Collagen.
The elasticity of the hive structure in e.p.t.q allows the skin tissue to lift. This particular dermal filler uses a very low level of endotoxin minimising the side effects. To reduce pain and discomfort after the procedure e.p.t.q is made to the same PH as the body.
E.p.t.q uses only raw materials to enhance the safety and quality of the filler.
*Other variants of filler may be considered at patient request.
Who gets lip fillers?
Getting lip fillers is a personal decision. Pursuing your wants and desires for your body can be empowering.
To be considered for lip fillers, you should:
- Be in good physical/mental health
- Have realistic expectations
- Not have an active oral infection, including canker sores or cold sores
Many people who get lip fillers want to increase the size of their lips. You might want to enlarge the size of your lips for many reasons, including:
- Restoration – As you age, your lips may get smaller or thinner, your philtrum (the groove between your upper lip and septum) may get longer and flatter and the distance between the corners of your mouth (intercommissural distance) may increase.
- Correcting the shape of your lip -. It’s common for your lips to be different sizes or shapes (asymmetrical).
- Boosting confidence – Lip fillers can help improve your self-esteem and body image.
How long do lip fillers last?
Lip fillers typically last anywhere between 6 to 18 months. However, it depends on your age and how fast your body breaks down calories into energy (metabolism). Younger people tend to burn calories faster, so lip fillers don’t last as long.
Preparing for Filler
You will receive a full consultation at the start of your appointment where we will discuss your desired look. You should let your treatment provider know about your medical history, allergies, or medical conditions before your procedure.
You may wish you apply numbing cream to the lips to help alleviate discomfort during treatment
For optimal results it is advisable to:
- Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks 24 hours before treatment
- Are fully hydrated –ideally drink 2-3 litres of water a day on the run up to your treatment
- Limit activities that dehydrate you such as smoking
- (Please note: if you are not fully hydrated this could result in an increased risk of bruising/bleeding/swelling and may affect the final result.)
- Make sure you have eaten something before your treatment as to avoid feeling faint
- Avoid pain relief medication prior to treatment as it increases the chances of bruising
- Avoid any blood thinning medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen, Vitamin E or fish oil, as this can increase bruising/bleeding, and may make the healing process longer
- If you are prone to cold sores it is advisable to take Acyclovir or Lysine tablets for 7 days prior to treatment, as filler may cause the onset of cold sores if you have prior history.
I am unable to perform the treatment on anyone who currently has a cold sore in the desired area.
Are there any risks or side effects?
Your lips may be swollen, sensitive and bruised. Swelling usually goes away after 24 to 48 hours, but it may take up to a 2 weeks in rare cases.
Common side effects
- Bleeding and pain at the injection sites
- Swelling/Bruising
- Cold sore reactivation
- Discoloration or tenderness
- Infection
Less common side effects
- Allergic reaction
- Tissue death (vascular compromise), which can occur if lip filler is injected into or around an artery
- The lip filler may bleed into other areas of your face, usually toward the nose (migration)
Contraindications
Dermal Filler may not be an appropriate treatment if you:
- Are Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a known hypersensitivity to lidocaine, hyaluronic acid, or a history of severe allergy or anaphylactic shock
- Have cutaneous disorders, inflammation, or an infection at or near the treatment site
- Have an autoimmune disease
Also to note – hyaluronic acid dermal fillers contain an active ingredient that may give positive results in a drug test
What to expect after Lip Filler?
After 12 to 24 hours, your pain should go away. Your swelling should go away after 24 to 48 hours, but it may take up to 2 weeks in rare cases
If you want your lips filled before a big event, like a wedding, you should schedule the procedure at least two weeks ahead of time to make sure you’ve completely recovered.
Optimal results post treatment
- Drink 2 – 3 litres of water a day to get the best results from your treatments
- Do not touch the area for 6 hours
- Do not apply makeup or any products on the area for at least 6 hours
- Avoid alcohol for 48 hours as this can have a negative effect on your filler
- Avoid smoking for at least 2 hours
- Avoid sun beds, saunas, steam rooms or extreme heat as this can increase swelling
- To reduce swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. Do not place ice directly on the skin
- Arnica tablets or gel can be used to help reduce bruising
- Lumps, bumps and evenness can take up to 21 days to settle – you can massage lumps gently to help smooth these out
- Avoid any facial massage or skin resurfacing for at least 21 days.
