.svg){kind=small}
So, you’re considering lip fillers, but don’t know where to start? Get ready to kiss your worries goodbye by following our 10 easy tips on the way to fuller more luscious lips!
1. Are lip Fillers right for you?
Lip fillers are an injectable treatment to maximize volume and shape lips in a natural-looking way. But how do you know if you’re the right candidate? Many people dream of a perfectly plump pout, and lip fillers could be the way for you to realize this goal!
First, it’s essential to speak to a trusted healthcare professional about lip fillers. Most fillers are made using hyaluronic acid, so those with sensitivities to this substance might want to skip this particular treatment. Similarly, anyone with an active infection, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those with uncontrolled diabetes might not be the right candidates for lip fillers. As always, your doctor can advise you regarding your unique case.
At CHIC Laser Centre, the team of doctors prefers to use a lighter touch with lip fillers, opting for a natural look that won’t overshadow your natural beauty. If you’re looking for a more dramatic look, you might want to opt for the “lip flip,” a different type of procedure that uses Botox injections.
2. Know your brands
Being familiar with what’s actually getting injected into your lips is an important part of the process! There are different options for hyaluronic acid lip fillers, though the two brands that we use at CHIC Laser Centre are Redensity and Revanesse. As these brands have been approved by Health Canada for use in cosmetic injectables, we provide these to our customers in order to work with the safest, most reputable brands. Other brands exist, and may have approval from the health ministries of other countries, including Juvederm, Restyline, Hylaform and more. What’s most important is that your practitioner takes the time to explain the differences between these products and makes sure you know the pros and cons of each brand.
What to know before your appointment
Planning is key before confirming your appointment for a lip filler treatment. Once you’ve determined a reputable clinic or dermatologist, whether it be CHIC Laser Centre or another qualified facility, spend some time getting to know your practitioner. Any good medical professional should be willing to spend time answering your questions and reassuring you about what to expect before, during and after your appointment. If you’re a first-timer, you probably have some questions that need answering, and the right doc should take time explaining the details of your procedure. Upon your first consultation, a doctor or practitioner should be able to explain the procedure and determine if you’re the right candidate for lip fillers. They’ll walk you through the process and ask about your desired results, any medications you’re taking, and whether you’ve had any cosmetic procedures done before. Finally, they must take time to answer your questions–whatever your concern may be, a true professional won’t hesitate to spend the time relieving your stress.
You’ll also want to check out the state of the clinic itself: a reputable medical clinic or office should be sparkling clean, If you’re looking for the best in the biz, head to CHIC Laser Centre in Downtown Montreal, where the team of experts will be more than happy to take care of you!
Prep your pucker for treatment
Before the day of your treatment, try to make sure to stick to a few simple rules: rest well, hydrate, and try not to take any blood thinning medications for a week before your appointment. Taking these medications could cause some extra bruising at the injection site. Additionally, try to pass on booze for a few days before your treatment; alcohol can also act as a blood thinner, plus it can dehydrate your lips and make them look different from their natural shape. If you know your appointment is coming up in a few days, try to refrain from consuming cocktails or other alcoholic beverages.
One last thing to note: if you’re prone to getting cold sores, take your medication 1-2 days before your treatment. Any needle puncture could be potentially triggering for a cold sore flare-up, so if you know that this is a possibility for you, you may want to prepare in advance. Other than that, you’re good to go!
At the clinic: what to expect
On the day of your appointment, come prepared with any final questions you may have for the doc. Now is the time to bring up any lingering concerns, and to make sure that your practitioner knows your particular preferences for your final look. At CHIC Laser Centre, the team prides itself on customer service and helping you to enhance your natural beauty. Our doctors are experts in achieving a natural look, so you don’t have to worry about heavy-handed injections.
When you're ready to go, your practitioner may apply a topical numbing cream to your lips to reduce their sensitivity to the needles. Lip fillers are not a painful procedure, but you may feel a slight pinch or feeling of tightness during the injections. Fillers are injected using a super-fine needle, so you generally won’t experience much discomfort. From start to finish, the procedure takes only roughly 30 minutes!
How to care for your lips after your lip filler treatment
Immediately after your procedure, you may feel some slight tightness or hardness to your lips. Generally, this will dissipate quite quickly. There are some easy-to-follow rules for taking care of your lips after receiving lip filler injections, in order to protect your lips from bruising, swelling or discomfort.
First, avoid touching your lips. This could cause additional redness or swelling at the injection site (you may experience mild versions of this anyway, but it should fade within a few days). Second, try to stay out of the sun for at least 24 hours following your appointment. It’s a good idea to stay in the shade when possible, and if it’s inevitable, wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your lips from sun exposure. You’ll want to avoid things like alcohol, blood thinning medication, and high temperatures. Steam rooms and saunas as a no-no for a few days after your injections.
Finally, and most importantly, avoid any activities that increase blood-flow to your face. Strenuous exercise should be put on hold for at least 24 hours (48 is even better) after your lip filler procedure. Make sure to schedule your rest day from the gym, as heavy workouts can significantly increase swelling. Light activity, like walking, is perfectly fine.
If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort after your treatment, ask your practitioner if applying some aloe vera or vitamin K might be helpful for you.
When should I expect to see results?
According to the professionals at CHIC Laser Centre, you’ll probably notice a difference immediately, but that can also be due to swelling. Once the swelling subsides, you’re likely to see full results within 2-4 weeks. Most patients report that they’ve noticed a difference and are loving their lips within the first week, but it can take a little extra time for the final reveal.
Take note that most experts don’t suggest lip fillers too close to a special event. If you’re looking to enhance your lips for an event or party, make sure to do it closer to the 4-week mark, especially if it’s your first time! Results typically last 4-6 months, so you don’t need to worry about your lovely lips immediately before your big event!
Are there side effects associated with lip fillers?
The most common after-effects related to lip fillers are slight swelling and redness at the injection site. Bleeding or bruising can also occur, but following our simple “rules” for aftercare will reduce the amount of time it takes for these symptoms to fade. As previously mentioned, most symptoms sort themselves out within a few days.
In rare cases, infection can result. If this happens, contract your healthcare provider straight away, as it could be a sign of an unknown allergy or other medical issue. Other uncommon side effects could include numbness, inflammatory reactions or migration of the filler to another part of the face. Again, consult a doctor in these rare cases, but most patients are unlikely to experience these symptoms.
Hydration is key!
It’s always important, but even more so before and after a lip filler treatment. (Read more here about why water matters so much for forehead lines and other face wrinkles). Hyaluronic acid works by retaining water, so the more hydration your body has, the better (within reason, of course!) Before and after your appointment, make sure you’re getting the recommended 8 glasses per day, and even add a few extra juicy fruits and veggies to your diet to really up your water-content. You may also want to avoid certain dehydrating habits, especially smoking, drinking alcohol and spending time in the sun.
Natural lip enhancements: all you need to know
Injectable procedures aren’t the only way to plump your pout–there are natural methods as well! (For a full guide, check out our post on how to achieve perfect pout) You’ve probably heard some of this advice already: a healthy diet, plenty of water, and curbing smoking and drinking habits can have a stellar effect on the health of your lips! Exfoliation and preventative care (SPF all the way, baby!) are also on the top of the list for natural lip care.
No matter your preference, the team of experts at CHIC Laser Centre is here to help answer all of your questions. If you’re interested in learning more, Book an appointment for a consultation!
