On my trip to NYC I ended up finding myself trying something new: a lip filler. I was walking back to my car shortly afterward with an ice pack pressed to my lips and a surprisingly puffy lip, thanks to the subtle filler.
Dr. Schwarzburg (who performed my injections) gave me the lowdown on lip injections. I will cover everything you need to know about lip injections, from how long lip fillers last to where and how to look after lip injections.
What is a lip filler?
A lip filler is used to lift the corners of the mouth, and smooth out lip wrinkles, which become more prominent with age.
Lip fillers can be made up of hyaluronic acid, fat, or implants. A naturally occurring substance called hyaluronic acid is the most popular type of filler used for plumping up the lips. The type of filler chosen depends on what it is you hope to achieve, such as to shape your lips or to add fullness and structure to them.
My doctor said that his goal is to find the right brand and product for each client based on their goals and what he thinks will look the best. Volbella and Restylane Refyne are excellent choices for patients getting lip fillers for the first time because of how refined the results are. Patients who want more volume should consider Juvederm Ultra. In addition, the injection method depends on the patient's natural shape and the end goal. Injecting small threads or drops of filler helps avoid lumps and bumps.
Injected, it volumizes tissue through the process of hydration; it attracts water and draws it into the area, thus giving it a plump appearance.
So what are the benefits?
Lip fillers can even out asymmetrical lip shapes, add natural fullness to desired areas, reduce the appearance of fine lines around the lips, and can be customized based on needs. However, they only provide temporary results.
What’s the prep like?
First things first: the consultation. Dr. S says he likes to discuss with patients what they would like their lips to look like when they come in wanting fuller lips. This step is very important, since he wants to ensure that what they want is attainable and complementary to the overall shape and structure of their face. Those with small facial features may find their lips too full, strange if their facial features are small. It depends on the shape and volume of the lips, he says. Rather than the volume of the lips, the shape is more important.
As it turns out, I really love my lips, so my interest in fillers hadn't stemmed from dissatisfaction, but rather from the idea of enhancing something I already liked. As my bottom lip is naturally fuller than my upper lip (which has a fairly defined shape), I've always thought it would be nice to add some volume to the top to make it more balanced. As I had the opportunity, I asked Dr. S his opinion, and we slowly began talking about strategy.
As my lips are on the thin side of the spectrum, injecting a large amount of filler into them would look unnatural. (I told you right away I was only interested in a super-subtle aesthetic.) The game plan: baby steps.
As a client, I would much rather return for a few more than say it was too much.
The lips were anesthetized after we determined my goals. Injecting volume with a tiny needle into the areas that need it, and massaging gently to prevent lump development, is the most effective way to inject filler. In total, the process takes approximately 30 minutes.
Dr. S says there are filler options that contain lidocaine, a common local anesthetic, to ensure the process is as painless as possible. If you prefer, you can have numbing cream applied 15 minutes before your procedure. He says sometimes he does nerve blocks to numb up the lip area and that most patients leave the very same day with a plumper pout after their consultation. You can request that ice be placed topically between injections if you are concerned about pain.
Personally, I was surprised, however, to find that the injection process wasn't nearly as painful as I had anticipated. Though I felt it (I completely agree with the pinching comparison), I barely wiggled. Nevertheless, this is coming from someone who flips bacon with her fingers mid-fry.
"I apply lip ointment, apply ice, and send clients home with aftercare instructions after injecting," says Dr. S.
Is there a risk for side effects?
The obvious side effects of this medicine are swelling and bruising. The swelling will mostly subside two days after it occurs, and will be gone completely within two weeks.
Bruising is normal, but patients who notice significant pain or irregular bruising outside the lip area should contact their injector immediately.
While I had experienced minimal swelling the day of the appointment (considering that I had an appointment in the late afternoon), the following morning was quite different. The bruises were not too bad, but my lips, especially the upper one, were cartoonishly swollen and there was even a bit of swelling on one side. As a result, I immediately second-guessed my decision.
In fact, even at the 24-hour mark, I had dramatically reduced my swelling and my lips were readjusting to their natural appearance. The verdict: I absolutely loved them.
Let’s talk pricing
Those of you who have wondered about lip injections have likely wondered, How much do lip fillers cost? Valid question. Although prices vary across cities and injectors, lip injections generally cost between $500 and $1000 (if you live in New York City, you can expect to pay closer to $900 to $1500).
Makeup or lip products must be avoided for at least 12 hours, and you should sleep with your head elevated on two pillows to limit swelling. Also, you should avoid alcohol, Motrin, and Aspirin for the next 24 hours if you have bruising and don't massage or apply firm pressure to the lips for at least a week.
Final thoughts
As a whole, I am absolutely satisfied with my decision to get lip injections, and I'm not even sure many people would notice the change. I've been more confident as a result of my appearance.
Anyone seeking a plumper pout needs to re-up often. According to Dr. S, fillers last up to six months, but this can vary based on your lifestyle factors. (For instance, patients who engage in frequent exercise tend to metabolize fillers more quickly.)
But now I've found a person I can trust and learned that the process isn't scary (again, find someone you can trust!).
WRITTEN BY
Sarah Graham