Lip fillers are fundamentally injections or sort of dermal fillers that help add volume to your lips. They usually comprise any one of four types of dermal fillers-

1. Synthetic hyaluronic acid (HA),
2. Calcium hydroxylapatite,
3. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), or
4. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads suspended in bovine (cow) collagen .

There are various reasons why people opt for this procedure. While some look for restoration of a previous lip size or correct the shape of the lips, others want to smoothen wrinkles or simply boost their confidence. Although getting a lip filler is a personal choice, there are several pre-requisites for it that you need to meet.

• You should be in a sound physical condition
• You should harbor expectations that are realistic
• You should not be having an active oral infection, including canker sores or cold sores

What are the benefits of getting a Lip Filler?

After a lip filler procedure, you may find several concerns addressed such as:

• Eradication of lip lines and fine wrinkles
• More symmetrical top and bottom or right side and left side of the lips
• Contour and shape of the lips adjusted
• Size and volume of the lips enhanced

Are there any side effects of lip fillers?

There may or may not be side effects to a lip filler procedure. Some of the most common ones are-

Swelling

This is the most common side effect of this injectable and also one that is most apparent especially in the first 24 hours after getting your filler injection. Under normal circumstances, any swelling should reduce within 2 weeks, and should be absolutely unnoticeable after four weeks.

Pain

Redness, itchiness, or pain in the area where the injection was pushed is quite normal. It should however, be mild. In case you experience severe pain, excessive redness or itching, in or around the lip area, you must immediately consult your doctor.

Bruising

You may expect a certain amount of bruising at the injection site. This is yet another common side effect of a lip filler procedure which however, should reduce within the first 2 weeks. In case you have considerable bruising in and around the lip area that lasts beyond 2 weeks, consult with your doctor immediately.

Overfilling

During the first seven days after the procedure when the lips look significantly swollen, this becomes a concern for some patients. It usually takes four weeks for the swelling to completely subside and the final results to reveal.

Lumpiness

Lumpiness or even a slight unevenness is a common experience especially during the first week after the procedure. This is when the swelling of the lips are quite high. It can however be avoided if your practitioner is skilled and experienced. Each person’s lips react differently to fillers and thus the swelling and lumpiness may take different amounts to time to diminish for different people

Lip filler side effects that are not very common

• Bruising or swelling outside the lip area
• Vascular Occlusion which occurs when the dermal fillers are injected in an artery
• Cold sores which may require anti-viral medication

Some tips to ensure a good aftercare

While you should clearly follow all post-treatment recommendations made by your doctor, here are some tips that may help to cut down on swelling and bruising after your treatment.

• It is best to avoid makeup and lip products except for the ones prescribed by your medical practitioner, for the first 12-24 hours after your procedure
• Stay away from high temperature steam rooms or heated exercise studios especially in the first 2 days after your procedure in order to reduce swelling and cut down upon the chances of infection
• Do not indulge in foods high in sodium but rather opt for hydrating fruits and vegetables in order to reduce swelling
• Stay away from alcohol consumption as well as blood thinners such as aspirin for the first 24 hours so as to reduce bruising
• Refrain from massaging the lips or even pressing firmly on the lips for at least one week in order to enjoy the best results
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water as this will help a lot if a quick recovery
• Throughout the first 24 hours of your procedure, try to bring down the swelling, itching, and pain, by using ice regularly with a clean ice pack
• Sleep with your head elevated on a firm pillow to reduce swelling
• Refrain from indulging in strenuous exercise for the first 48 hours

To learn more about lip filler procedure you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Nilay Shah here.