Have you dreamed of having fuller, more luscious lips? Thanks to modern aesthetic treatments, achieving that perfect pout is easier than ever.
Dermal fillers are a popular choice for enhancing lip volume and shape, offering immediate and stunning results. But before you take the plunge, chances are you have questions.
At Wrinkle Fairy with offices in Arlington Heights, Gold Coast Chicago, Oakbrook Terrace, and Naperville, Illinois, Leslie Forrester, APRN, and her team of aesthetic specialists are dedicated to helping you achieve the lips of your dreams safely and effectively.
Keep reading as we answer all your questions about getting plumper lips with dermal fillers.
Injectable gels used to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance your facial contours, dermal fillers are made from a variety of substances, but hyaluronic acid (HA), calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), and poly-L-lactic acid are the most common.
HA is a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps maintain moisture and adds volume.
HA fillers are popular because they’re reversible, give you immediate results, and gradually dissolve over time, making them a safe and effective choice for lip enhancement.
This mineral-like compound is found in human bones. When used in dermal fillers, CaHA provides a thicker, more substantial filler that stimulates natural collagen production.
It’s often used for deeper lines and wrinkles but can also be used for lip augmentation in certain cases.
This biodegradable synthetic substance stimulates collagen production and provides gradual, long-lasting results.
Unlike other fillers, poly-L-lactic acid works over time, gradually improving skin texture and volume as it encourages your body’s own collagen production.
When you get dermal fillers for lip enhancement, your Wrinkle Fairy provider injects them into specific areas of your lips to add volume, define the lip borders, and create a more youthful appearance.
The procedure involves using a fine needle to deliver the filler into the targeted areas. The results are immediate, and the effect can last from six months to a year, depending on the type of filler used and individual factors, like metabolism and lifestyle.
The lip filler procedure is relatively quick and typically takes about 30-45 minutes. First, your Wrinkle Fairy provider discusses your goals, evaluates your lip anatomy, and decides on the best approach for achieving your desired look.
During your procedure, we clean the treatment area and apply a topical numbing cream to minimize discomfort. Some fillers also contain a small amount of anesthetic to help reduce pain during the injection.
Your provider then uses a fine needle, or cannula, to inject the filler into specific areas of your lips. They may massage the area to ensure the filler is evenly distributed and to achieve a natural look.
You may notice some swelling, redness, and bruising after your treatment. These temporary side effects usually subside within a few days, and ice packs can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Preparing for your lip filler appointment and taking certain steps after can help make sure you enjoy the best possible results. Here are some tips:
Don’t take blood-thinning medications or supplements, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E, for a week before your appointment to minimize bruising. After your treatment, use ice packs instead to help with any discomfort.
Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment to keep your skin and lips hydrated. Continue to drink plenty of water to help the filler settle and integrate with your natural tissue.
Avoid touching, massaging, or applying pressure to your lips for at least 24 hours following your treatment.
Avoid vigorous exercise, saunas, hot baths, and hot tubs for 24-48 hours after treatment. These activities boost blood flow, so avoiding them helps keep swelling at bay.
After your lip filler is injected at Wrinkle Fairy, you’ll notice an immediate difference in the volume and shape of your lips.
However, it can take up to two weeks for the filler to fully integrate and for any swelling to subside, revealing your final results.
During this time, your Wrinkle Fairy provider may schedule a follow-up appointment to make sure everything is progressing as it should and to make any necessary adjustments.
Schedule a consultation with an aesthetic specialist at the Wrinkle Fairy location nearest you today to get started on the lips of your dreams.
