Lip fillers are aesthetic treatments that involve the injection of a filler into parts of the lips to add volume, improve asymmetry and change their shape. Hyaluronic acid is the most common filler used for lip filler injection. Its ability to attract and hold water molecules lets it plump the lips. Hyaluronic acid is naturally available in the body. For this reason, it rarely causes allergic reactions once used as a lip filler. Lip fillers can be injected into different parts of the lips. When injected on the perimeter of the lips, it gives the lips a more defined look; when injected into other parts of the lips, it increases the volume of the lips.
Even though lip filler injection is a simple procedure that takes a very short time, the patient must observe some do’s and don’ts to achieve the expected result. People who smoke wonder whether they can smoke after filler treatment. Smoking is avoided at least 24 to 48 hours after injection. Smoking is associated with increased risks of infections. Other key things should also be avoided to get the best results.
What to Avoid After Lip Filler Injection
Wait until the numbing effect has worn off before eating anything after the lip filler injection. Numbing wears off a few hours after injection. Eating while numb may cause injury to the lips because it is hard to feel the lips in case a bruise occurs. Avoid eating hard foods a few hours after injection, and stick to foods that are easy to chew. It is also important to avoid eating spicy foods that would irritate the lips. This irritation of the lips may make the patient touch or rub the lips and may cause the filler to spread if done with pressure, affecting the outcome. One should avoid drinking after treatment. Alcohol can act as a blood thinner and may cause bruising, inflammation and swelling. Drinking also causes dehydration which is critical for recovery. Avoid drinking at least 24 hours after treatment. Also, avoiding hot water while taking a shower is key. Hot water may cause increased blood flow that may increase swelling. Saunas and hot tubs saree avoided.
Patients should avoid kissing at least 48 to 72 hours after lip filler injection. Kissing can cause infections from the bacteria available in the mouth. Kissing can also cause pressure on the lips, and the patient may experience pain.Patients should avoid vigorous exercises at least 24 to 48 hours after treatment. Exercise would cause an increase in blood flow to the lip area and therefore cause swelling and bruising. Sweating can irritate when it comes into contact with the lips. Sweating also causes loss of water in the body.Taking painkillers should be avoided. Painkillers are taken to manage pain. Some painkillers would act as blood thinners, therefore, cause bruising and swelling. The best way to manage pain would be to place ice packs on the lips several times during the day. Also, Vitamin e supplements can cause increased bruising and, therefore, should be avoided.
What to Do After Filler Treatment
Patients should drink a lot of water after the filler injection.Hyaluronic acid filler connects with the water molecules stored in the skin tissues. Drinking more water helps hyaluronic acid bond better; hence filler effect in lips is experienced longer.Use cold or warm water to take a bath. Cold or warm temperatures are safe after the treatment. One should be gentle with their lips when taking a shower.
Risks of Lip Fillers
Short-Term Side Effects of Lip Fillers
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Slight bleeding in injected areas on the lips
Long-Term Side Effects of Lip Fillers
- A result that shows lip asymmetry
- Necrosis
- Excessive swelling and bruising
Lip Necrosis
The use of too much filler can obstruct blood vessels. It causes a barrier to the supply of blood and oxygen to lip tissues. Bad injection techniques can also cause it. Lip necrosis is a rare risk. According to Funt & Pavicic (2013), only 1 in every 100000 injections results in lip necrosis.Abduljabbar & Basendwh (2016) stated that lip necrosis symptoms include reduced lips temperature, discolouration of lips, severe pain and prolonged white blanching due to lack of blood flow to the injected area.If qualified cosmetic doctors do lip filler injections, the chances of experiencing major side effects and complications are very low. Short-time side effects should not worry you. They disappear a few days after injection.
Three factors cause a reduction of volume in lips. According to Flament et al. (2013), exposure to UV light from the sun can damage the skin and the lips. The other two factors are smoking and genetic factors. Smoking causes wrinkles and skin sagging. Nicotine causes blood vessels to become narrower, reducing blood flow and the amount of oxygen to the tissues.
Benefit of Lip Fillers
Low Risk of Side Effects
According to Dovedytis et al. (2020), the risk of side effects is narrow because hyaluronic acid is naturally produced in the body. When the acid is injected into the body, it does not cause any reaction.
Lip Fillers Show Immediate Results
Results like plumping lips, increase in the size of lips and increase in volume are seen immediately. Full results can be seen after the filler fully settles in the lips.
Long Lasting Results
The final results of HA filler injection can be seen after six months. More injections can be done gradually after six months to maintain these results.
Lip Fillers Offers a Natural Look on Lips
A cosmetic doctor can decide the amount of filler to use to achieve the best appearance. When a qualified cosmetic doctor does the procedure, the outcome resembles the natural appearance of lips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Filler Injections
How Much Do Lip Fillers Cost inthe UK?
In the UK, prices of facial fillers vary. How much lip fillers cost in the UK may depend on location. The cost can range between 150-350 pounds per session.
Does Top Lip Swell More Than Bottom After Filler Injection?
Swelling immediately after the filler is normal. The top lip will be bigger and project further than the bottom, but this will reduce over time.
Can You Feel Lip Fillers When Kissing?
Fillers cannot be felt by a person or their partner when kissing. Avoid kissing immediately after fillers. Wait at least 1-2 days after fillers.
Conclusion
Following all the aftercare tips given by the cosmetic doctor is very important. These tips help eliminate most side effects and complications and prevent low-risk side effects from worsening. No studies show smoking can affect fillers, but smoking immediately after injection increases the risks of infections. Every patient should avoid using unqualified cosmetic doctors to avoid risks associated with filler injections. The cosmetic doctor’s injection technique is a major factor influencing your outcome after the filler. It directly affects appearance, one of the main reasons people get lip fillers.
References
Abduljabbar, M. H., & Basendwh, M. A. (2016). Complications of hyaluronic acid fillers and their management. Journal of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery, 20(2), 100-106.
Dovedytis, M., Liu, Z. J., & Bartlett, S. (2020). Hyaluronic acid and its biomedical applications: A review. Engineered Regeneration, 1, 102-113.
Funt, D., & Pavicic, T. (2013). Dermal fillers in aesthetics: an overview of adverse events and treatment approaches. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 6, 295.
Flament, F., Bazin, R., Laquieze, S., Rubert, V., Simonpietri, E., & Piot, B. (2013). Effect of the sun on visible clinical signs of ageing in Caucasian skin. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 6, 221.
MS, Lund University, Sweden
Nutrition plays an important role in human life. Eating habits are one of the factors that affect our health. There is often a misconception among people that nutritionists force a very restrictive diet, but that is not true. In fact, I don't ban any products, but I point out dietary mistakes and help change them by giving tips and new recipes that I've tried myself. I advise my patients not to resist change and to be purposeful. Only with willpower and determination can a good result be achieved in any area of life, including changing eating habits. When I don't work, I love to go climbing. On a Friday evening, you are most likely to find me on my couch, cuddling with my dog and watching some Netflix.
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