Lip Fillers in Cincinnati, OH
We use them when we speak, kiss, smile, and eat, and they are actually one of the prime focal points of the face. The lips serve so many important purposes, but they are also a huge part of your overall appearance. Full, plump lips may be the preference, but both genetics and age can have an effect on just how full the lips appear.
Luckily, the innovative treatment possibilities in cosmetic medicine yield the potential for just about anyone to see fuller lips. At Bee Aesthetics, we’re all about doing our part to keep you confident about your appearance, so we are happy to offer lip fillers in Cincinnati, OH.
What Are Lip Fillers?
The lip filler procedure is a form of temporary lip augmentation that can give you fuller, plumper lips with a more defined shape and fewer lines and wrinkles. Injectable dermal fillers are used to perform the procedure, and a number of types of dermal fillers may be used. The procedure is considered minimally invasive with a very short recovery time and instant results. You will usually only need to visit us one time to get the fuller lip look you want to achieve.
What Types of Agents Are Used to Fill the Lips?
A number of injectable lip fillers are available, and each has its own advantages for different people. Collagen was once the most common type of filler used, but collagen is not a long-lasting filler and other more effective products are now available.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are currently the most common lip fillers used because they do an amazing job of giving smooth plumpness and smoothing lines. Plus, researchers have determined that hyaluronic acid can actually encourage new collagen production, which can mean even more natural fullness with treatment that goes beyond just the results of the filler.
Hyaluronic acid is a gelatinous substance and can be thickened or thinned before injection to achieve certain looks. While hyaluronic acid is the most common type of lip filler used, a number of variant brands exist with different formulations to target certain issues. A few examples include Restylane and Juvederm, both of which are highly regarded for producing a really natural look.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Lip Fillers in Cincinnati, OH?
Lip fillers are a good option for patients of just about any age but are not recommended for people who are under the age of 21. Likewise, fillers can be used on both male and female patients. In general, people are good candidates as long as they are not allergic to the filler options available.
The practitioner will discuss any allergy concerns with you before settling with a certain filler product, and any medical conditions and current medications will be assessed to make sure there will not be any issues with the treatment. For example, if you have any kind of active infection, you may have to wait until the infection clears before getting the treatment.
You may be a good candidate for lip fillers if you:
- Have thinner lips and desire more volume
- Have lines around your mouth that will be less pronounced with fuller lips
- Have lips that are uneven or misshapen
- Have issues with vertical lines on your upper lip
- Have wrinkles in your lips
- Have lips that appear to have lost volume due to age
How Long Do Lip Fillers Last?
The fillers used to give you fuller lips are naturally metabolized by the body over the course of several months. Therefore, you will generally see the fullness gradually go away with time. How quickly this happens can vary depending on the person; every individual will see the filler break down at different rates depending on their own body chemistry. Additionally, the duration of the results can vary depending on the type of filler injected. For the most part, lip fillers tend to last anywhere from 6 to 12 months. Many of our patients at Bee Aesthetics return for repeat lip filler treatments about every six months to maintain their fuller lips.
Are There Risks Involved with Lip Filler Injections?
Lip filler injections are considered to be relatively safe when performed by an experienced practitioner, so you should feel secure about your choice. Side effects are quite rare, and most issues that can arise are perfectly manageable with prompt treatment. With hyaluronic acid lip fillers, allergic reactions are extremely rare but can occur. Hyaluronic acid is actually a sugar molecule that is naturally present in the human body, which is why it is so rare for people to have an adverse reaction with the injection.
If lip fillers are not injected deep enough into the lip tissue, lumps can arise. However, these lumps can be dissolved using an injection of another enzyme that rapidly breaks down the hyaluronic acid. The only real risk with lip fillers is a blocked blood vessel in the lip because the filler blocks blood flow. If left untreated, the lack of blood flow could cause damage. But, as the professional injects the material, they will be monitoring for signs of issues with blocked blood vessels. The issue is easily noticed and can be reversed immediately.
How to Prepare for Your Initial Appointment to Discuss Lip Fillers in Cincinnati, OH
Once you have decided that you want to try lip fillers for yourself, we recommend getting prepared for your initial consultation with us. Consider what kind of look you want. Think about things like:
- Do you want your lips to appear fuller and plumper?
- Are you looking to better define the edges of your lips?
- Are you concerned about age lines on your lips?
- Do you have a thinner upper or lower lip you want primarily attended to?
It can be helpful to look at pictures of other people’s lips online to get some ideas. However, you do have to keep in mind that much like hairstyle looks and hair texture, only certain looks are attainable depending on the shape of your mouth. Just the same, knowing a bit about what you want when you initially come to us at Bee Aesthetics will help guide the procedure.
A Look at the Lip Filler Injection Process
The procedure to fill your lips is generally the same regardless of what specific lip filler product is being used:
- Your lips will be numbed with a localized anesthetic given via injection to key points in your mouth
- The practitioner will wait a bit and then test sensitivity to make sure the lips are numb
- The practitioner will inject the filler into the lips at predetermined points to achieve the look you want
To minimize swelling, the practitioner may use an ice pack or cooling pack as they work and directly after the injections. Some patients feel a bit of stinging as the filler is injected, and you may experience some cooling sensations in your cheeks or chin. You will get a look at your lips after the injections to make sure you are happy with the initial results.
What Does the Lip Filler Recovery Process Look Like?
Once your procedure is complete, you will generally have a bit of swelling and redness of the lips. You can also usually see tiny red injection marks where the needle was used to inject the filler material. You can definitely resume your normal activities right after the procedure, but some patients prefer to take a few days off of work or plan for the procedure at the onset of a weekend to allow time for swelling and redness to subside. Depending on the procedure and type of lip filler product used, you may have some minimal bruising for about a week as well.
Initially, your lips can be a little sore, and you may find it hard to smile or move your lips in certain ways. We usually encourage patients to avoid making exaggerated expressions or pursing their lips for a day or two to allow the filler to settle in place. Beyond that point, moving your lips as you normally would is typically encouraged. Some patients feel a bit different when speaking or chewing after lip fillers because the shape of the lips has changed. Nevertheless, you will adjust to how your fuller lips feel pretty quickly and any soreness should go away in just a few days for most people.
Pucker Up with Plumper, More Youthful Lips Thanks to Lip Fillers in Cincinnati, OH
It’s really no wonder lip fillers have grown to be one of the most popular cosmetic procedures today. The process is simple and quick, typically free of adverse side effects, and the recovery time is minimal. Yet, the end result is a major difference in your overall appearance—one that is bound to have you feeling more confident. If you are ready to have pucker-worthy lips or simply want more youthful lips, reach out to us at Bee Aesthetics to schedule an appointment.