Kylie Jenner didn’t invent lip injections, but based on the wave of lush lips that have undoubtedly flooded your Instagram feed, you wouldn’t be wrong in thinking that she may have had something to do with the recent popularity of dermal fillers among women of all ages.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, lip augmentation is now the second-fasting growing facial procedure in the United States, with nearly 2.5 million filler injections annually, many of which have even been underwent with requests for “Kylie Jenner lips.” Popularized in the ‘80s with the botulinum toxin Botox, nowadays most dermal fillers are products containing substances similar to hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body.

These injectable dermal fillers are now the most common lip injections, which all offer a range of pros and cons that anyone interesting in lip augmentation should explore before setting an appointment for #KylieLips.

 

 

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Lip Injections

 

Initial Consultation

Though some facilities may offer same-day procedures, your first initial meeting with the team of specialists will be a lot like a first date before a long-term relationship, giving you an opportunity to ensure you’re making the right choices before the final “I do.”

During the initial consultation, you’ll discuss exactly what you want from lip injections, including your desired shape, volume, and definition. This is a great chance to review before and after photos of similar procedures to help you decide you truly want what you envision. Additionally, you’ll review your medical history to ensure you’re eligible for lip injections.

Some individuals may be ineligible for lip augmentation if they have diabetes, lupus, blood-clotting problems, an active infection like oral herpes, or an allergy to lidocaine. Also, tell your doctor about any medications you’re taking, just in case.

Seeking The Right Treatment

Hyaluronic acid fillers help shape your lips’ volume, shape, and structure, and are available in several different products with various expected results.

Bellafill

Bellafill is an FDA-approved lip injection that provides immediate volume underneath pitted acne scars to lift them to the level of the surrounding skin as well as support your body’s natural collagen production.

Belotero

Belotero is a light dermal filler, often referred to as the “starter lip injection,” that reduces fine lines around the lips, corners of the mouth, and from the corners of your mouth down toward your jawline, often called minor marionette lines.

Volbella

Volbella is a new lip injection gel that uses a mixture of hyaluronic acid that can last up to a full year, while most other products can only be expected to last six months.

Juvederm

Juvederm was developed by the same company responsible for the original Botox Cosmetics and is one of the newest, most advanced dermal fillers on the market. Primarily comprised of hyaluronic acid, Juvederm has popularized due to its ability to reduce the signs of aging quickly and effectively, resulting in a smooth, natural look.

Restylane

Restylane is another popular lip injection product which is available in a few different forms. Restylane Defyne is a hyaluronic acid dermal filler that helps restore a more youthful, natural appearance while maintaining your everyday expressions. Restylane Refyne specifically targets the lines that run from the sides of your nose toward the corners of your mouth and the lines that run from the corner of your mouth toward your chin. Restylane Silk is designed to revitalize lip thinning, lost shape and the vertical lines above the lip in a natural way.

Every face is shaped uniquely, every person’s ideal look is envisioned uniquely, and therefore every treatment of lip injection should be approached uniquely.

Planning Your Procedure

Once you select your desired lip injection, plan for the procedure by going through every expectation you may have and every step the procedure will entail, as well as planning the time around the date accordingly.

For example, make sure your annual checkup with your dentist doesn’t fall on or around the same date as your lip injection procedure, as the bacteria released during the cleaning travels into the bloodstream around your mouth. This extra bacteria may increase the risk of injection when interacting with the substance implanting into your mouth through the lip injection.

Additionally, plan for the payment well in advance. Prices may vary according to the product you pursue, and most health insurance plans do not cover cosmetic surgery, so make sure you fully comprehend all charges associated with the procedure.

Prepare For Treatment

The doctor will tell you beforehand of any steps to take for the day of the procedure and what it will entail, but it generally doesn’t take very long. Nevertheless, there may be greater recovery time than others generally experience, so consider taking time off work for the day or week if your doctor recommends.

Additionally, there are a few go-to precautions to take as you prepare for the big day. Avoid blood thinners like alcohol, fish-oil and vitamin-E supplements, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like Advil, aspirin, or Motrin for as long as two weeks prior as they may increase your chances of bruising and bleeding during and after treatment.

Day Of Treatment

For most patients undergoing lip injection, you’ll only be in the office for a few hours of the day and will be fully able to continue the rest of your afternoon as normal. The whole procedure itself will generally last less than an hour, most of which is cleansing the area, applying a topical numbing cream and/or injecting you with lidocaine. The injections themselves will only take about fifteen minutes.

The lidocaine injection is perhaps the most painful part of the process, similar to a bee sting, after which your lips will be numb to the injection of dermal filler. Any remaining discomfort will be much more bearable and will only result as the filler moves throughout the lips.

Follow Up

If you’re like most people and you like to see immediate results for all your hard work, you’ll be pleased to see volume as soon as you glance at the mirror after the procedure. Expect additional bruising and swelling for a few days, as well as some small bumps under your lips. These bumps are natural side effects from lip injection and usually smooth out on their own within ten days, but may be removed by your doctor if they persist.

Additionally, for at least 48 hours after the procedure, refrain from exercising, as it speeds up your blood flow, as well as from touching your mouth — despite the urge to feel your new voluptuous lips. You’ll have months to enjoy your beautiful lip augmentation before needing a touch-up, so hold tight and wait for your perfect kiss to manifest.

Last Updated on October 4, 2018 by Kovak Cosmetic Center