Though it can sound intimidating, a lip filler procedure is a safe aesthetic treatment that can give your lips a major glow-up. Lip fillers are the gold standard for adding a bit (or a lot) of volume to the lips. Plus, they can also reduce wrinkles and improve lip symmetry. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what you can expect from your lip filler procedure, to learn if it’s right for you.

What Are Lip Fillers?

Lip fillers are a type of lip augmentation where hyaluronic acid is injected into the lips to plump them up, correct imbalances, or reduce perioral wrinkles. Our body creates hyaluronic acid naturally, so it’s a safe choice for amping up the lips. 

In fillers, the hyaluronic acid is cross-linked, so it takes the form of a pliant, flexible gel. There are a few FDA-approved lip filler options from brands like Juvéderm and Restylane that enhance the lips in slightly different ways, based on their texture. 

 

What Happens Before a Lip Filler Procedure

Follow these important directions before your lip filler procedure, to ensure speedy healing and stunning results. 

  • Review all medical forms and customer care instructions thoroughly. 
  • If you take any anticoagulants, antibiotics, or other medications that may impact your recovery, you may need to take a 2-week break before treatment. Speak to your doctor before discontinuing any medications. 
  • Take a break from skin-renewing treatments like retinoids or peels for 2 weeks before your appointment, and avoid professional resurfacing treatments, as well. 
  • 2 days before your appointment, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, sun exposure, cigarette smoking, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and anything else that may damage your skin or your body’s ability to heal.  
  • Please come to your appointment with the treatment area clean and free of makeup. Arrive at least 30 minutes early if you’d like topical numbing.

 

What Happens During a Lip Filler Procedure

Your nurse injector will start your appointment with a consultation to cover important safety information and to gain an understanding of your desired outcome. She will recommend an injection pattern with the best type of filler for your needs. Once you’re ready, your nurse will inject the filler, bit by bit, into several injection sites along the perimeter of your lips. 

The entire process only takes a few minutes, and it can be combined with other injectable treatments, like filler in the nasolabial fold or a neurotoxin-based lip flip. 

lip filler procedure before after

What to Do For Lip Filler Aftercare

Follow these simple lip filler aftercare instructions to preserve your results and prevent post-treatment side effects: 

  • For two days after your treatment, avoid drinking from straws and touching or massaging your lips. 
  • If you experience any swelling or soreness, you can apply an ice pack gently to soothe the lips. 
  • Continue to avoid drinking alcohol, using exfoliating or renewing treatments that may compromise healing, or undergoing any other facial procedures. 
  • Avoid intense exercise for up to 3 days after your treatment.

 

Benefits of Lip Fillers

Lip fillers are very customizable so they can boost the shape and appearance of your lips in a few different ways: 

  • Achieve fuller, more luscious lips thanks to the volumizing effect. 
  • Hyaluronic acid can smooth the lips from within. 
  • Experience a reduction in perioral wrinkles.   
  • Correct unevenness or asymmetry. 
  • Experience long-lasting results with the option to dissolve.  

 

Risks of Getting Lip Fillers

Lip filler procedures are incredibly safe, as long as they’re carried out responsibly. The procedure must be done with FDA-approved, hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Juvéderm or Restylane. You can avoid most risks by choosing an experienced provider like our nurses at SEV, and by following all of the guidelines your provider recommends. 

The most common side effects are swelling, tenderness, and bruising, which usually fade within a few days. 

 

Who Should Not Get Lip Fillers

While lip fillers are safe and effective, they’re not for everyone. You may need to avoid them if you: 

  • Are currently under the age of 18.
  • Are pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant.
  • Have a history of autoimmune diseases, taking immunosuppressants, prone to hypertrophic scars, or allergic to hyaluronic acid, lidocaine, gram-positive bacterial proteins, or any of the other lip filler ingredients. 
  • Already had permanent lip filler or implants.
  • Will require facial or lip surgery within 3-4 weeks of your appointment.
  • Currently experiencing a rash, hives, wounds, or any irritation or infection in or near the lips.

 

Your Fill of Goodness at SEV

We love doing lip filler procedures at SEV. Nothing makes us happier than helping our clients feel more confident, especially when it comes to their smile! Our nurse injectors possess a deep understanding of facial anatomy and injection best practices, to give each client the lips of their dreams. If you’d like to experience your own fill of goodness, book an appointment at your nearest SEV.

 

FAQs

How Long Does a Lip Filler Procedure Take?

Getting lip fillers is a quick process! The actual injection only takes a few minutes. The longest part of your appointment will be the consultation and getting the aftercare instructions. If you would like topical numbing before the injection, arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment. 

Do Lip Fillers Hurt?

Most hyaluronic acid lip fillers contain a small amount of lidocaine to prevent pain during the procedure. You may feel a slight sting during the injection, but a numbing cream can prevent that. After your treatment, it’s common to experience some soreness and swelling for a few days. 

Are Lip Fillers Permanent?

Lip fillers are not permanent. Your body naturally metabolizes hyaluronic acid over time, so lip fillers usually last for 6 months to a year. The longevity depends on the specific filler and your metabolism.