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Lip injections are a common cosmetic treatment for adding volume and shape to the lips. Lip fillers are approved for adults, and the minimum age depends on the product, so your provider will confirm whether treatment is right for you.Individuals 18 and over can get lip injections to get the perfect pout. If it’s your first time getting lip injections, here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.
Prior to treatment, DO let your provider know if you’ve ever had facial cold sores. You may need a prescription medication to reduce the risk of this side effect after lip injections.
DO have aesthetic goals in mind. You may bring in pictures to help your provider get a better sense of what you are looking to achieve.
However, DO set realistic expectations. If you’d like a larger change in lip size, your provider may suggest spacing treatments weeks apart so the lips can settle between sessions.
DO anticipate slight discomfort. Lip dermal fillers typically contain a numbing agent, such as lidocaine, mixed in. But since the lips are a sensitive part of the body, you’re likely to feel the injections.
DO apply ice after the procedure! Icing the treatment area immediately after the injections will help minimize bruising and alleviate swelling.
DO use an extra pillow when sleeping to add elevation. This may help reduce swelling.
DO give your lips about a week to settle before judging your results, since early swelling can change how they look.
DO anticipate the possibility of swelling and bruising.
DO ask your provider whether Arnica or other supplements are appropriate before your procedure.
DO arrive with a clean face, free of makeup the day of the procedure.
DO avoid intense heat from sunbathing, tanning, saunas, hot tubs, and hot wax for six to 10 hours after treatment.
DO contact your provider right away if you experience fever, chills, discolored blotches in areas not injected, or severe pain. If you cannot reach them, seek urgent medical care.
DON’T get this treatment a few days before a big event. The lips are very delicate and there’s a high possibility of swelling (and possibly bruising) after the procedure. It can take some time for the swelling to completely dissipate.
DON’T use aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen), St John’s Wort, or high doses of vitamin E supplements, or drink alcohol 24 hours before treatment. These substances artificially thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding at the injection site.
DON’T use topical products such as Tretinoin (Retin-A), Retinol, Retinoids, Glycolic Acid, or any “anti-aging” products.
DON’T wax, bleach, tweeze, or use hair removal cream near the treatment area.
DON’T massage, itch, or pick at your lips after treatment! Doing so may cause loss of volume.
DON’T schedule lip injections if you had a dental appointment two weeks ago.
DON’T be surprised by some swelling or bruising, which can happen in this sensitive area with many blood vessels. Contact your provider if it seems severe or keeps getting worse.
DON’T expect the results of lip fillers to last forever. How long results last depends on the product used and your body, and your provider can tell you what to expect.
DON’T schedule lip injections if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, since the safety of lip fillers during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been established.
