The rise of non-invasive beauty procedures is revolutionizing the plastic surgery industry. Between 2000 and 2016, these procedures saw a 180% increase. Soft tissue fillers remain among the most popular options.
As the skin ages, it loses subcutaneous fat. This brings the muscle closer to the surface and accentuates fine lines. Lip fillers are one example of dermal fillers that restore volume and fullness, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
One of the best features of non-invasive procedures is the limited downtime. How long does it take for lip fillers to heal? Keep reading to find out.
Lip Filler Procedure
The key ingredient in lip fillers is hyaluronic acid (HA). It occurs naturally in the body, specifically in the joints, skin, and eyes. It attracts water to keep these areas hydrated.
There are many different brands of lip filler that contain HA. These brands include Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, Belotero, and Voluma. The ideal candidate for lip filler needs to be at least 21 years old, in good physical health, and have no active oral infections.
Make sure to have a lip filler procedure done at a qualified cosmetic medicine facility, like Ascension. While there, the doctor will clean the lips with antiseptic, apply a numbing cream, and inject the filler with a needle.
Lip Filler Side Effects
Before getting lip filler, make sure to discuss it with your primary care physician. They should know if you have been taking blood-thinning medication or have issues with vascular occlusion.
The other risks associated with lip filler are minimal. They include bruising, swelling, pain, allergic reaction, and infection. These risks are minimized with proper aftercare following the procedure.
How Long Does It Take for Lip Fillers to Heal?
The healing time after lip fillers may vary a little depending on the type of lip filler injected, where it was injected, and how much was injected. Generally, however, most patients find that their bruising, swelling, and pain have gone down within one week.
Patients can resume work immediately following the procedure, save for those patients with manual labor jobs.
Assisting in the Healing Process
Within four hours of the procedure, do not apply any lipstick or makeup to the lip area. Within 24 hours, avoid intense exercise that gets the heart rate up and blood flowing. Also, avoid extreme temperatures like in a sauna.
If there is pain, any over-the-counter pain medicine like acetaminophen should address it. Ice packs can help with swelling, but try not to touch the lips too much. Limiting alcohol consumption can also help with swelling.
Smoking increases the risk of infection after any medical procedure, so patients should abstain for two to three days.
What to Expect from Lip Fillers
How long does it take for lip fillers to heal? Like most non-invasive dermal fillers, not long at all. Make sure to listen to the doctor’s instructions and these lip filler tips to ensure the best outcome and reduce the risk of infection.
If you found this lip fillers guide informative, take a moment to browse the other beauty articles on our page.