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Lip Fillers: What You Need to Know

Lip injections with fillers are a popular cosmetic procedure. Let’s explore if it’s the right treatment for you.

Why Do People Get Lip Fillers?

Lip fillers can assist with reversing the effect of aging and improving the shape, structure, and volume of your lips. Results can last from six months to a year.

Typically hyaluronic acid is the molecule in the fillers used for lips. Hyaluronic acid is found naturally throughout your body. In the skin (and lips) hyaluronic acid attracts water, which allows the injected area to become more hydrated, plump and youthful.

Overall the procedure is relatively quick and minimally invasive. Make sure to discuss with your doctor the result you are looking for prior to beginning the procedure.

What to expect before, during and after treatment?

Before the Procedure

If you have ever had a cold sore (oral herpes) any time in the past, you should tell your doctor before undergoing the procedure. If you have any known allergies or are allergic to lidocaine, tell your doctor before undergoing the procedure. Also, tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.

Schedule your lip filler appointment 4 weeks before or after any dental work, viral illness or vaccination, including your COVID vaccination.

To minimize bruising after lip injections, try to avoid medication and foods that increase your bleeding and bruising risk for 2 weeks prior to your appointment. Please do not stop any medications without consulting with your prescribing physician first.

  • Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin and other NSAIDs

  • Almonds/ almond milk

  • Omega 3 fatty acids

  • Vitamin E

  • St. John's wart

During the Procedure

Before the injections, a numbing cream can be applied for 30 min to ease discomfort. Holding ice to the lips before injections also helps to numb the area and potentially help with bruising and swelling.

Very fine needles are used to inject the substance into your lips. The actual procedure takes about 30 minutes.

Post Procedure Expectations

There will most likely be some immediate swelling after the injections. You may also have some of the following side effects:

  • Bleeding from the injection sites

  • Swelling and bruising

  • Redness and tenderness at the site of the injection

  • Reactivation of cold sores or fever blisters (herpes simplex) of the lips or area surrounding the lips

More serious side effects or risks may include:

  • Severe and prolonged swelling or bruising lasting one week to 10 days

  • Delayed hypersensitivity reaction

  • Infection

  • Injection into a blood vessel, causing tissue loss

  • Ulceration, scarring, or stiffening of the lip

  • Allergic reaction causing redness, swelling, or itching around the lips

Call your doctor immediately if you experience extreme swelling or develop a fever.

Are Lip Fillers Right for You?

Our team is ready to assist with any questions, discuss treatment options and provide expertise for care throughout your procedure. If you are still wondering if lip fillers are right for you, take a closer look at our lip injection before and after photo gallery to see some of our patient results.

Schedule an appointment with us online to discuss if lip fillers are a good option for you.


Monica Rani