Lip Filler: Keeping it natural, numbing for comfort & what to expect before and after

Lip filler is one of our most frequently requested treatments. Virtually every person seeking lip filler feels nervous prior to the treatment, saying something like this:

" I want my lips to look fuller, but not too full. I want to notice it, but I don't really want it to be obvious to other people. I'm afraid the treatment will be painful, and I'm afraid of having huge lips afterward, but also... I want my lips to look better." 

Got it, no problem!

Regarding maintaining a natural appearance, the two biggest factors in looking natural vs. over-injected are the amount of filler, the placement, and the time frame that it's injected in. Everyone's lips and facial balance are unique, so the amount of volume each person can accommodate while still looking natural varies. If you are someone who plans to have lip filler every year, it's probably a good idea to discuss dissolving all the filler periodically, and re-starting from scratch as a strategy to keep the filler in the pink body of the lip only, and avoid over-projected,  unnatural looking lips. Dissolving old lip filler doesn't harm your lips or leave you "deflated," in fact, you'll just see how your lips would have been at your current age, had you never had filler. The dissolving agent, Hylenex, can't dissolve your own tissue, just the filler, and it is actually an enzyme you have in your body already (hyaluronidase). Getting an annual syringe of lip filler does look natural on most people, and reassuringly you can always dissolve and start from your baseline if needed. Additionally, very soft filler products, like Restylane Refyne for example, tend to be hydrating and very soft and natural appearing afterward. Products like Restylane Kysse have a little more body, and are great for perking a cupid's bow, or for a bit more defined lip look. 

Regarding comfort during lip filler treatments: the lips are very well innervated with sensory nerves, and because of that, adequate numbing is a top priority at Skinbeam. We offer a nerve block, (injected lidocaine), at no additional cost at the beginning of each lip filler treatment for people who want it. The vast majority of our patients opt for the nerve block. However, the nerve block makes you very numb, and some people don't like that feeling and opt for topical numbing cream instead. We have a good strong topical numbing cream as well for those who prefer it. Our background is in anesthesia, so of course we're concerned with your comfort!

Prior to a lip filler treatment there are several considerations to think about. Be sure to schedule your lip filler treatment knowing that lips love to swell for the first 24-48 hours. They'll be much bigger than they’ll end up eventually in the first couple days, due to swelling. Please repeat after me: “it's just swelling, it will definitely go down on it's own!” Being prepared with over-the-counter Pepcid, Benadryl and ibuprofen as well as an ice pack on hand is a good idea to help reduce swelling and inflammation after lip filler. 

If you've ever had a cold sore, be aware that lip injections can trigger a new outbreak, and it's a good idea to take your antiviral prescription the night before your treatment. Don't schedule any dental appointments two weeks before or after any filler appointment, as this increases the risk of infection. 

Bruising is common with lip filler. The lips are very vascular and it's nearly impossible to avoid all vessels. Lipsticks are great for covering bruises in the first couple weeks, both nude lipstick for the area surrounding the lips, and regular lipstick for the pink body of the lips. 

It's not a good idea to schedule lip filler within two weeks of any important events in your life. You'll need two weeks to allow for swelling and bruising to resolve, so you can be totally photo-ready! 

Arnica (oral or topical) can be purchased from vitamin and supplement shops (or Mother's Market in OC) and helps inflammation and bruising resolve a little faster. 

Goals and expectations: Prior to your lip filler appointment, think about what your lip goals are. Are there any asymmetries you're concerned with? Do you want your cupid's bow to be more defined, or not? What about the ratio of your top lip to bottom lip? Does your top lip disappear when you smile widely? 

Keep in mind, your lips are your lips, and we can only work within the canvas you have. It's not realistic to expect a thin, M shaped lip to turn into Angelina Jolie in one session, or maybe ever. Your lips will remain your lips for the most part after lip filler, but a more hydrated-appearing and volumized version. 

After your lip filler treatment (I'm going to repeat it!) lips love to swell for the first 24-48 hours. If you're just thinking about having lip filler, your lips may already be swelling. (haha). Be prepared with ibuprofen, pepcid, benadryl to treat histamine/inflammation, and you may ice the lips once the numbing is worn off: 20 mins on/20 mins off. Don't ice your lips before the numbing has completely worn off because its possible to cause a frostbite injury to the skin when you can't feel the ice. 

Do you feel reassured? You should. We'll take very good care of you.