Lip filler can take even the most self-conscious smile to 100% confidence in their pout. Lip filler is a versatile treatment that can be used in a multitude of ways. Depending on the product, lip filler can replace volume loss, create structure and volume in thin lips, or give a subtle hydrated appearance. It can also be used to define the borders of your lips, balance uneven lips, and fix a gummy smile. Whatever the lip insecurity, lip filler is a transformative treatment for your confidence.
BOOK NOWREQUEST APPOINTMENTLip filler is Hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in your skin—that is injected into your lips. It is one of the most popular types of dermal filler because it can range from subtly hydrating your lips to building volume, depending on the product. It’s also beloved for redefining lips that have lost volume and defined borders because of aging. Lip filler is also used to correct a gummy smile and asymmetrical lips.
Every lip filler appointment at Esthetics Center begins with a consultation with one of our skilled nurses to discuss your goals and concerns at length. We will also assess your medical history during this consultation to help choose the appropriate treatment and product. Before beginning any injections or other treatments, we will take before and after pictures to track your progress towards achieving your goals. You will be out the door and able to resume normal activities within 30-60 minutes with just a few instructions for aftercare.
Most patients find lip filler treatments quite tolerable. We are also happy to offer topical numbing and icing to the treatment area to increase your comfort. In addition, many lip fillers are infused with lidocaine to reduce pain. Finally, we use a blunt-tip cannula instead of a needle whenever possible because it is safer and less traumatic to the tissue. This means less bruising, swelling, and downtime.
Many of our patients come to us nervous about whether they are the right candidate for lip filler. The truth is that lip filler is a great option for most people, but we go into each patient’s medical history and goals thoroughly during their consultation. Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in the body, which means it has a low risk of an allergic reaction or other side effects. We don’t recommend fillers for pregnant or breastfeeding women or anyone with an active infection or wound in the treatment area.
No, our goal is never to make people look unnatural or overdone. As the saying goes, “The best injectable is undetectable.” It is important to have your lip injections administered by professionals with experience and knowledge to avoid looking overfilled. All of our injectors at Esthetics Center are highly-skilled Registered Nurses or Physician Assistants to ensure that you get quality care and results.
Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, and it is considered safe and effective in restoring volume. However, as with any medical or cosmetic procedure, the most important thing you can do is make sure you see a licensed and trained professional. Doing so ensures that you are getting high-quality products and that they will be injected correctly.
The main side effects of any injectable treatment are bruising, redness, swelling, and mild discomfort during the healing phase, but we take measures to minimize these. One such measure is using a blunt-tip cannula instead of a needle. A blunt-tip cannula is safer and less traumatic to the tissue, ensuring less bruising, swelling, and downtime.
You can also do things before treatment to minimize discomfort and bruising. Avoid any food, supplement, or medication that thins your blood, including ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil, flaxseed, and alcohol. You may use arnica supplements before the treatment and during the recovery phase to minimize bruising and swelling. If you are unsure if something you are taking might interfere with your treatment, please call our office, and we will be happy to assist you.
Following a few simple aftercare instructions can also help minimize your downtime and discomfort. For example, we recommend you refrain from using makeup or skincare products on the day of treatment. In addition, you should not engage in heavy exercise for 24 hours post-treatment. Finally, sleeping with your head slightly elevated the evening after treatment will also decrease swelling.
Lip filler typically lasts between 6-12 months, depending on the product used. But it’s important to know that every body responds differently to filler. Esthetic Center stocks a range of products so that we can be sure to use the filler that best suits our patient’s needs. We will discuss your lip goals and preferences at your consultation so that we can choose the right product together.
Using filler consistently yields better results in the long run, so we recommend finding a doctor or nurse you trust. At Esthetics Center, we partner with you to develop a long-term plan to keep you looking your best.
Lip filler can be dissolved if you are ever unhappy with your results.
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Dr. Rice received his medical degree from Loma Linda University in Southern California where he also completed an internship in general surgery and specialty surgical training in Otolaryngology—head and neck surgery. Dr. Rice went on to complete advanced training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Institute of Facial Plastic Surgery. He is double board-certified…
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