Some patients want more definition, others want fullness, even more want to be plumed and defined; the list of requests Dr. Sunder has received over the years goes on — and each request demands a different filler to achieve the desired result. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are still the gold standard for soft-tissue areas, like the lip, with the Restylane line — Kysse, Defyne, Silk — being most popular, according to the docs Allure spoke to, due to its natural texture, smooth appearance, easy movement, and reversibility in case of emergency or undesired effect. Consider investing in a reusable ice bag for cost-effectiveness and the do-it-yourself method. Its reusability allows for long-term use and reduces the need for single-use alternatives. If the lip swelled after an injury, especially a fall, disinfect it with an antiseptic or by gently washing it with water and antibacterial soap. But we can't really round the risks out without talking about the major catastrophic complication," says Dr. Alexiades, "and that is an inexperienced injector injecting the labial artery," potentially causing skin necrosis. In sum, it's the worst nightmare of every doctor who does injections.

If the reaction was caused by an insect bite, seek emergency services immediately. [28] X Trustworthy Source American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology National professional organization of allergists, asthma specialists and immunologists that focuses on supporting and publishing research Go to source A sudden and significant influx of volume amplifies already worrisome complications, including compressing blood vessels, straining or stressing the lip tissue itself, stretching the mucosal lip out too much, and perhaps worst of all, "there's a greater chance that the filler is going to migrate up or push up and overflow" into the area above the Cupid's bow, says Dr. Sunder. How important is a provider's technique and aesthetic?If you empower your patient with pre-op conditions and they adhere to those, you will cut out a lot of side effects," explains Dr. Alexiades, who considers most side effects preventable and provides each filler patient with an exhaustive one-sheeter to proactively prevent bruising and swelling. Can I do the consultation and injection on the same day? Acute injuries (e.g., sprained finger ): Apply ice every 1 to 2 hours during the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury. To significantly skirt the doomsday potential side effects, it’s important for patients to entrust — and only entrust — a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to do their injections, as they've gone through years of exhaustive medical training to not only avoid such possibilities, but they can also be counted on to dive right in to mollify the damage if any such rare side effect did occur. Can anyone get lip fillers? In the first few days after the injection, you may experience a bit of uneven bruising and swelling until your lips settle into their final position. Allow up to two weeks to let it all settle down, suggests Dr. Doft, before making any decisions about whether you like it or not, and starting planning further lip reshaping. How long will lip filler last?

If you have braces or other dental fixtures and they were recently adjusted, you may experience trauma-related swelling in your gums, mouth, and lips as you adjust to the new position or tightness. Optionally, add a drop or two of tea tree oil to the aloe to help curb or prevent infection. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that can disinfect your lip and skin. [16] X Research source

Given the lips' small real estate, you won't have to pony up as much cash as you would for other areas, especially considering most respected docs won't inject more than one syringe into the lips in one appointment. And if they do? "Just show yourself the door," says Dr. Sunder, who is laughing, but definitely not joking. To achieve the puffed-out look with a volume crescendo in the center, an injector "puts the needle through the cutaneous lip and then deposits the filler into the mucosal lip," situated above the top lip line, explains Dr. Sunder. "This is a frowned-upon technique by a lot of plastic surgeons because you're entering through one anatomical region to deposit filler into a different anatomical region," and placement precision is out the window, leading to "that filler bumper or ledge, because they're injecting as they're pulling the needle out." Additionally, rinse your mouth and lips with warm salt water after meals. Mix and dissolve 1 tsp (5.7 g) of salt in 1 cup (237 mL) of warm water, then swish the mixture around in your mouth for several seconds to dislodge food bits and clean any lip and mouth wounds. [5] X Research source But Dr. Alexiades's latest love, echoed by Dr. Doft, is the new U.S. For and Drug Administration-approved facial injectable, the RHA Collection. It "more closely mimics the naturally occurring hyaluronic acid," explains Dr. Doft, meaning that "the body recognizes it more and doesn't see it as quite as foreign." To boot, its texture is "phenomenal," according to Dr. Alexiades, yet still firm enough to sculpt a long-lasting effect. How do I prep before getting injected?

Every doctor has their own rules, but the heavy-hitting no-no's across the board in the week leading up to a lip filler appointment, and most crucially, 48 hours prior, include smoking, drinking alcohol, taking blood thinners, and using dietary supplements, like St. John's Wort, vitamin E, and fish oil, because they soften the blood, which can lead to a higher chance of bruising and swelling. I had a patient come in the other day who had a significant asymmetry," says double board-certified plastic surgeon Melissa Doft, M.D., who practices in New York City, adding that the patient only wanted filler in the smaller lip. "But if we only do the top, the bottom doesn't look quite right. I think filler should always be put in the top and bottom to get the similar effects on both lips," even when correcting an asymmetry. Contrary to popular belief — and likely a solid argument behind the staying power of lip filler — is that lip fillers have many benefits aside from that plumped-up look. "There are so many reasons that people come to see me about lip injections," says Laurel Geraghty, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Oregon. "Most younger patients just want a little bit of fullness," she explains. "Many older people have a completely different motivation — they just want their lips to feel closer to how they did 20 years ago" to correct the volume loss that happens over time. If the lip is swollen due to a piercing, follow the aftercare advice from the person who did the procedure. Leave the piercing in your lip and wash your hands before handling it.A needle to the face is never going to be a walk in the park, but most doctors will apply a numbing cream and let it absorb for about 10 minutes prior to injecting, which many patients find helpful and reassuring.