WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE AND AFTER LIP FILLERS

Our Top Tips for Minimising Lip Filler ‘Downtime’

In this blog we wanted to share some important information to be aware of about lip fillers as well as our top tips for things you can do before and after your appointment, to help minimise any side effects or cosmetic ‘downtime’ following the procedure.

This is not an exhaustive list and a lot of what we’ve included is common sense but here is some insider info gained from both ours and our clients’ experience of getting a bit of help to get that perfect pout! A lot of this lip filler advice would also apply to other dermal filler treatments too.

What Are Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers are licensed for non-surgical lip augmentation, to add volume to thin lips, rejuvenate lip lines and wrinkles, and to help balance the natural proportions of the face. Dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a substance which is naturally present in the skin, contained in a gel. When injected into the lips, the product not only physically augments the lips and help to build volume, but will continue to hydrate the skin tissues over time. Lip fillers are not permanent but will be naturally broken down and metabolised by the body over time. The results of lip filler treatment will often last between 6-18 months, depending on the dermal filler product used.

Are Lip Fillers Safe?
Dermal fillers for the lips should only be practiced by an experienced, medically-trained aesthetic practitioner, who has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the facial anatomy and who regularly administers dermal fillers, so that the results will complement the natural proportions of your face and are performed safely. Prior to prescribing lip filler treatment, we take careful note of your medical history and any allergies you may have to ensure dermal fillers are right for you.

What to do / not to do Before you Lip Filler Treatment

• Plan to have your lip filler procedure at least 2-3 weeks ahead of any major even where possible – this will allow time for the results to fully settle and also for a follow-up/review appointment with your practitioner if needed.
• To decrease risk of localised bruising be sure to stop taking anti-inflammatory supplements including Vitamin E and Omega 3. Your practitioner will also be on the look-out for any prescribed aspirin or similar blood thinning medications which increase risk of bruising. Also remember that localised bruising is a normal and common side effect for all injections. Just because you did not have bruising in a previous treatment, does not mean it will be the same each time.
• If you are prone to bruising, you might like to try using arnica tablets and/or cream (available over the counter) for a week or so before treatment and continue for a few days following
• Ideally, if you can, plan to have the procedure early on during the day, to allow more time for things to settle well ahead of bedtime
• It’s a good idea to avoid alcohol for 24 hours or so before and after treatment – this makes sure you are optimally hydrated and helps you to heal quickly
• Reschedule your procedure for another time if you have any active cold sores or feel the tingle of a flare-up coming on
• Reschedule your appointment if you feel unwell – you want your lip enhancement to be as enjoyable as possible and do not want your healing to be affected

Lip Fillers Aftercare

• You should be prepared that you may wake up with a little more localised swelling the morning after your procedure. Rest assured, this is perfectly normal and will settle down over the course of the day once you are upright again. If you can bear it, you may find that sleeping propped up on an extra pillow or two will help minimise this swelling.
• Avoid extreme temperatures to the mouth area – so no ice lollies or boiling hot cups of tea. The same goes for super spicy food, saunas and steam rooms – all of which cause flushing.
• Apply a clean cold pack from the fridge (rather than anything from the freezer) if you can feel some swelling/sensitivity
• If you really want to help send swelling on its way, e.g. ahead of an event, you can take non-drowsy antihistamine (available over the counter)
• We invite our clients back for a review appointment to check how their lip filler treatment has settled – this may be around 1-2 weeks following. Factor this into your diary if you need.
• Keep the area clean and dry. Do not massage the area unless advised by your practitioner.
• You can apply non-irritating lip balm to keep your lips moisturised and healing nicely – just make sure your hands are clean when you apply it.
• Avoid scheduling any dental procedures for at least 2-3 weeks
• Generally speaking, treat your lips gently with some TLC and you can’t go far wrong. Most people will find that once they had their lips treated a few times they feel more confident about what to expect afterwards.

Need more information?
If you are in the Oxfordshire or Warwickshire area and considering lip fillers or other treatment options, get in touch with us directly today for more information. You can also visit our dedicated lip fillers treatment page