Full, pouty lips are just about always in style, and if you want to add some extra volume to yours, lip fillers are an ideal option for enhancement. To get the most out of your injectable treatment, there are some basic guidelines you should follow. If you have questions about aftercare—like “What should I avoid after lip fillers?”—our Philadelphia-area team can guide you on everything you’ll need to know.
Some people have always had thinner lips because of genetics, but everyone loses at least some lip volume and definition due to aging because the body produces less collagen over time. Fat pads in the lips also shrink as the years go by.
Fillers compensate for this loss by adding volume to the skin to reduce wrinkles or augment facial contours. Hyaluronic acid fillers are most commonly used for the lips, because the gel contains the same water-loving molecules that are found naturally in the skin. The hyaluronic acid is malleable, provides a visible enhancement, and breaks down naturally over time.
The injection process that introduces this hyaluronic acid is quick and safe, but there are some common side effects to watch for. Being sure to stay away from a few key elements can help to minimize the temporary effects and maximize results.
AVOID ANY TYPE OF TRAUMA TO YOUR LIPS
The tissue of the lips is sensitive. It’s critical that you refrain from biting your lips or having trauma to the lips in any way right after getting fillers, as this can increase irritation or even move the filler before it has “settled.”
AVOID HEAVY EXERCISE
Engaging in light activity like walking won’t have any noticeable effect on fillers, but any type of strenuous activity or exercise should be avoided after lip injections for the first 24 to 48 hours. Exercise will elevate your heart rate and blood pressure, which will worsen the post-injection swelling and bruising.
AVOID HIGH TEMPERATURES
Heat can worsen swelling, so you should avoid high-temperature environments like steam rooms, saunas, and heated exercise classes for a day or two after your injections.
DON’T ASSESS YOUR NEW LOOK JUST YET
It takes time for the ultimate results to appear after getting lip fillers. The swelling and bruising will continue for several days, so be sure to give yourself (and the temporary side effects) some time before you decide how much you like your newly enhanced lips.
The Chapin Aesthetics team is happy to explain more about what patients should know about facial fillers during your consultation. Call us at (267) 880-0810 or fill out a contact form to set up an appointment to discuss lip augmentation treatments.