Among the key features of the face, such as the eyes and nose, the lips can help define your face and make you, you. They serve as a defining element of our smiles and contribute to the overall appeal of our facial appearance with their unique colors, sizes, and shapes. Given their significance, it is no surprise that enhancing the lips through cosmetic procedures is exceedingly popular!
At Dermapure, we pride ourselves on our team of over 100 doctors, nurse injectors and experienced service providers across Canada that is passionate about offering you – our patients – beautiful and natural results. This month, we had the pleasure to talk with Dr. Rebecca Fisher, from Dermapure Ottawa, who answered all our questions on lip injections and gave us precious tips and recommendations. Read on!
WHAT DOES LIP ENHANCEMENT CORRECT?
Lip enhancement procedures aim to address various concerns, including:
1- Thin Lips: Enhancing the fullness of thin lips to revitalize and refine the proportions of both the upper and lower lips.
2- Asymmetry: Improving the balance and symmetry between the left and right sides of the lips for a more harmonious appearance.
3- Definition: Accentuating the definition of the vermillion border, which is the outline surrounding the pink part of the lip, to create a more defined and attractive lip shape.
4- Lip Lines: Smoothing out vertical lines that appear on and around the lips, commonly referred to as lip lines.
During your consultation, your expert will engage in a comprehensive discussion about your desired goals for your lips and tailor the treatments accordingly to help you achieve your desired look.
EXPLORING LIP ENHANCEMENT OPTIONS
When it comes to lip enhancement, there are a range of options available. Here’s a closer look at each of them.
1- Lip enhancement with Topical plumping products
These products, such as lip glosses or balms, are specifically formulated with ingredients that stimulate blood flow to the lips, resulting in a temporary plumping effect.
– Discomfort: Mild tingling sensation
– Recovery: No recovery time needed
– Reversal: Not required as the results are short-lived
– Durability: Very temporary, typically lasting only a few hours
We recommend:
Functionalab Collagen Infusion
2- Lip enhancement with injectable fillers
Lip injections using dermal fillers are a popular and effective choice for lip enhancement. More precisely, “Lip injections refer to injecting a lip filler; usually hyaluronic acid (HA) based, into the lip itself. This HA is a sugar molecule in gel form, that gives the lips volume and definition,” explains Dr Fisher.
– Discomfort: Mild discomfort during the procedure, which can be easily managed with a topical anesthetic applied 20-30 minutes before the procedure and numbing medication incorporated into the filler itself. “These 2 products in combination, typically bring the pain level down to a 2-3/10,” says Dr Fisher.
– Recovery: Minimal to no downtime, with mild swelling and bruising that typically subside within a few days.
– Reversal: Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved at any time if desired.
– Durability: Results last between 6 to 18 months, gradually dissipating over time.
Lip injections offer a versatile and customizable approach to achieve fuller and more defined lips. Consulting with a qualified aesthetic professional will ensure personalized recommendations and optimal outcomes based on your specific goals and preferences.
3- Lip enhancement using neurotoxin “Lip flip”
Different from volumizing injections, the lip flip is gaining in popularity. “For a lip flip, we use small injections of a neuromodulator (such as Botox®) to weaken the purse string muscle that wraps around the lips and turns them inward. By weakening this muscle, the lips turn out slightly, giving more red lip show,” explains Dr Fisher.
– Discomfort: Mild discomfort during the procedure.
– Recovery: Minimal to no downtime, with mild swelling and bruising that typically subside within a few days.
– Reversal: Unlike volumizing injections, this procedure is non-reversible, but the effects will diminish over time.
– Durability: This is a subtle treatment and typically lasts 8-12 weeks.
UNDERSTANDING LIP INJECTIONS
Most people at Dermapure choose lip injectable fillers because they offer the best mix of limited recovery time, reversibility, and customizable results that last for months. Intrigued about the process? Here is an overview of everything you need to know.
PREPARATION FOR LIP INJECTIONS
Choosing your expert-injector
This first step of your journey, choosing your injector, is by far the most crucial. Begin with a thorough investigation of prospective providers to verify they possess the requisite qualifications to administer injections and have received positive feedback from past clients. “I recommend choosing an experienced, cautious provider who will listen to your goals and effectively assess your lips. They would then decide which technique would be best and safest for you. We recommend booking a consult at your nearest Dermapure location to discuss your goals and plan for your appointment,” says Dr Fisher.
Book your appointment
Timing is everything when it comes to planning your lip filler appointment. “I always discourage lip filler within 2-4 weeks of a big event. You should give yourself extra time to make sure swelling and bruising resolve, but also to give yourself time to get used to your lip filler and make sure it is exactly what you wanted,” recommends Dr Fisher.
A few days before
“With respect to bruising, you can decrease its likelihood by stopping all blood thinning medications 2 weeks before, as well as applying an arnica and vit K cream (at Dermapure we carry Functionalab’s Pre/Post Inject which is highly effective and can be purchased in clinic or online) 2 weeks before and after injections,” recommends Dr Fisher. “Also, if you are prone to cold sores, you should inform your provider who may prescribe an antiviral medication to minimize the chance of a cold sore outbreak after lip filler,” she says.
We recommend:
WHAT TO EXPECT
Many different techniques can be used to inject lip filler and the choice of technique depends on the client’s anatomy as well as their desires and wishes. “As a professional in this field, having a variety of techniques in your toolbox is very important and your Dermapure service provider will assess what is best for you. Personally, my favorite technique is using a cannula with only 2 entry points. This provides natural looking enhancement while maintaining the patient’s lip shape with minimal bruising, swelling or pain,” says Dr Fisher.
POST-PROCEDURE PERIOD
Following your lip injections, you can promptly return to work and your routine daily tasks. You might observe minor swelling and bruising for a few days, but this is usually manageable and fades within a week. “Swelling is a normal consequence of trauma to our tissue, so it’s impossible to eliminate entirely. That said, applying regular cold compresses or soft icepacks after injections can help. Avoiding any manipulation of the lip area (including kissing) for 2-3 days is recommended,” explains Dr Fisher.
The final look
Typically, the result immediately after injections reflects the end result, minus some mild swelling. “After 1-2 weeks any residual swelling or bruising will be gone, and your lips will be soft, supple, and kissable!” assures Dr Fisher.
Follow-up
Planning a follow-up appointment is important to assess results. “I recommend all my filler patients come for a follow-up 2 weeks after treatment. All patients are informed that if they experience excessive pain or swelling or skin changes after injections, they should follow-up with their provider as soon as possible. This again reiterates the importance of having an injector who is accessible and available and prepared to manage complications, even though they are an uncommon event,” says Dr Fisher.
JOIN US FOR A CONSULTATION IN ONE OF OUR CLINICS TODAY!
Book a consultation with one of our experts today! Whether you are preparing for a nice vacation, a special occasion or just looking to treat yourself, we are here to assist you in achieving your beauty goals with a personalized plan. Visit our website or call us at 1 (877) 252-0293 to schedule a consultation with our team of professionals.*
To make sure you don’t miss out on any of our new blog posts, special offers and contests, sign up for our newsletter!
*Fees may apply to consultations with a physician. Some fees may be credited on the first appointment.
