Planning to get lip fillers for the first time? As with any medical aesthetic procedure, it’s essential to do your research in advance to understand what to expect and how to minimise potential risks or complications.
While lip fillers are generally safe, effective, and less invasive than many other aesthetic treatments, there are still risks involved and important steps to follow to guarantee a successful and realistic outcome.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common mistakes people make with lip fillers and how you can avoid them yourself!
How do lip fillers work?
Lip fillers are hyaluronic acid injections designed to enhance the shape, restore volume, and give the lips a fuller and more defined appearance.
Don’t confuse them with lip implants because lip fillers are temporary. That’s because hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally produced by the body, and it gradually dissolves over time. It’s responsible for maintaining skin elasticity and structure, making it an effective option for lip fillers.
On average, lip fillers made with hyaluronic acid last between 6 months and 1 year.
Common mistakes with lip fillers
1. Overfilling within one session
As much as you might want full lips after just one session, that’s not the best approach to lip fillers. Any qualified aesthetic doctor would agree on this!
The lips are delicate, so enhancements should be done carefully and gradually. Injecting too much filler right away can result in unnatural puffiness, excessive swelling, or worse, even filler migration outside the lip area.
According to aesthetic doctors, the ideal way to achieve natural-looking results is to start with a conservative amount of filler and build up slowly over time. You might need to wait at least 2 to 3 years for the swelling to subside before deciding if you’d like additional volume.
Only then should you consider scheduling a follow-up treatment with your doctor to add more volume.
2. Taking inspiration from celebrities
Who doesn’t want full and plump lips like Kylie Jenner or Angelina Jolie? It’s easy to understand why many people want to replicate the look of their favourite celebrities, but this isn’t how you should approach lip enhancement.
Lip fillers aren’t a one-size-fits-all treatment, so what works for one person may not necessarily work for you. For example, someone with naturally thin lips will require a different approach than someone who already has defined lips looking for subtle additional volume.
This is why initial consultations are important in aesthetic medicine. It’s your chance to communicate your goals with your doctor, and their opportunity to set realistic expectations and create a treatment plan tailored specifically for you.
3. Touching or pressing your lips
It may be tempting to touch your lips immediately after a filler treatment, but this is one of the most important things to avoid.
Massaging or pressing the treated area can cause the filler to shift or migrate, resulting in undesirable outcomes and potential complications. It’s best to avoid touching your lips for several hours to a few days, allowing the swelling to subside and the filler to settle naturally.
4. Neglecting lip aftercare
A friendly reminder: the results of any medical procedure, especially aesthetic ones, are only as good as how you take care of yourself after.
Proper aftercare can make a huge difference in how your lips heal and the final results. Without it, you may expose yourself to swelling, infection, or uneven outcomes.
For the first few hours, apply an ice pack to help reduce swelling, but avoid pressing too firmly on your lips. Sleeping with your head slightly elevated can also help minimise swelling.
It’s also best to avoid spicy foods, hot drinks, and using straws for at least 1 to 2 days.
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