Lip augmentation procedures have grown into a considerate industry in the past few years. Only in 2019, the market size was estimated at around USD 2.2 billion, with an annual growth rate of 9.5% from 2020 to 2027.
According to Vida & Co, lip fillers as cosmetic procedures done to enhance and enlarge the volume of the lips through hyaluronic acid or fat injections. The Food and Drug Administration has approved their lip filler types: Restylane L, Belotero Balance, and Juvederm Vollure. Here is what you should expect during a lip filler procedure!
What to Expect During a Lip Filler Procedure?
1. Don’t Expect Miracles
The first thing that you need to do before your appointment is to lower your expectations. Cosmetic procedures are not miracle surgeries that can give you perfect features. Fillers cannot change your lips’ shape; to enhance them.
Therefore, you should consult a cosmetic plastician to determine what shape and filler best fits your unique characteristics. Also, remember that they’re reversible. If you are unhappy with the final products, you can ask the specialist to inject an enzyme (hyaluronidase) that will dissolve your lip filler.
2. The Procedure Is Simple
Lip injections are very simple injections. They’re quick and comfortable, and there is no need for intense aftercare. It usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes, and if you feel discomfort, you can always use a numbing cream or another topical anesthetic.
After the practitioner injects the filler, you will have to put some ice on it to avoid bruising; except for those who have a phobia of needles, the procedure shouldn’t be stressful or painful. Breathing exercises can help with calm maintenance and relaxation, so try to prepare yourself mentally before you enter the office.
Also Read: A Short Guide To Lip Filler Treatments For First-Timers
3. Bruising, Bleeding, and Swelling is Common
Minor bruises on your lips after the procedure is standard. They can appear immediately after the procedure or days later. They tend to fade in less than a week if they’re taken care of. If you notice that it starts an infection or the filler is asymmetric, contact your healthcare provider immediately and request emergency services.
Bleeding can also happen if you take painkillers a week after the injections. Advil, Ibuprofen, and other similar pills are blood thinners that can make it more likely for the sensitive skin of the lips to reopen. Swelling is also a widespread side effect, which makes patients confused about their results. In some cases, people have to wait up to 2 weeks before they see the actual shape of their lips, which is why it’s recommended that you don’t plan anything important after your procedure.
4. Aftercare is Different For Everyone
Aftercare is a vital step in your lip filler procedure. Depending on your state, you might have different aftercare rules, but here are some general and essential ideas for taking care of your lips afterward. Take a break from alcohol, exercise, makeup, and flying for the next few days.
Lip augmentations are not a one-hit-wonder but consist of repetitive sessions once or twice yearly. Of course, it all depends on your need and conditions, so you’ll have to ask your medical provider about this aspect for further explanations. For example, if you have one milliliter of Hyaluronic acid in your lips, you might need to go once a year, while someone with lower doses will need to go more frequently.