Demystifying lip injections – Here’s the do’s & don’ts for the #perfectpout

We all want the perfect pout but are afraid of the unnatural ‘duck lip’. That’s easy fix! Dermal filler is an extremely safe option for achieving some seriously kissable lips. If you are considering plumping your lips the non-surgical way here are the do’s and don’t of
lip injections:

1. DON’T: NO blood thinners 7 days prior. This includes that enticing glass of your favorite wine. (Okay, okay!…ONE glass may not hurt but don’t get carried away.) Remember that alcohol can cause inflammation so if you can avoid it all the better!

• Blood thinners to avoid include fish oils, Aspirin, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Advil, etc. Got a headache?…Tylenol is okay! Blood thinners increase the likelihood of bruising

2. DO: Drink plenty of water! Relax and hydrate. Increase your water intake to help improve your body’s ability to heal.

3. DON’T: massage your lips. Trust me…it’s tempting to touch those newly luscious lips but leave well enough alone.  Massaging freshly injected lips risks moving the filler around causing the possibility of desportation and undesirable results.

4. DO: Take into consideration you might be swollen for a couple of days…up to one week. This is completely NORMAL and the swelling will subside. 
 

5. DON’T: Exercise for at least 24 hours following the treatment. You want to avoid activities that increase blood flow to your face. Although lip injections do not technically require any downtime, it’s best to ice down those beautiful plump lips in the effort to decrease inflammation.
 

6. DO: Take Arnica pellets. We recommend T-Relief which you can find online through amazon or at nearby health food stores such as the Sunflower Shoppe or the Vitamin Shoppe. Follow the directions on the box a few days prior to your appointment and a few days following.

• Why you ask? Arnica is a homeopathic supplement that can help decrease bruising and swelling. We recommend taking this to all our patients prior to any injections and surgical procedures. (Please do not take T-Relief if you have an allergy to shellfish.)

FAQ’s:

How long do lip fillers last?

            HA (Hyaluronic Acid) fillers such as Restlyane products last up to 12 months. Our bodies naturally metabolize the formula over time. Slowly! Schedule your follow up injections for 8 months out and if you need to cancel or push out further…that’s great! Dr. McLaughlin is very conservative and won’t inject if you don’t need it.

If you have a history of cold sores, what to do prior to injections?

            Injections could trigger a cold sore. Dr. McLaughlin can prescribe a prevention medication to start taking two days prior to treatment.

Can you afford lip fillers?

            Filler currently range from $600 to $650 a syringe with our office. Dr. Mclaughlin can help determine which filler is right for you and how many syringes your need. Generally, lips only need 1 – 2 syringes. Credit Card lovers…we take Care Credit! Get the lips you want NOW and pay later with Care Credit’s medical credit card.

Are lip injections painful?

            Speaking from experience…not really! Most fillers are mixed with lidocaine + topical numbing is available but typically isn’t used because it can run in your mouth or if you lick your lips…it’s not particularly tasty. There is a tiny initial stick and then the lidocaine kicks in almost immediately. A stress ball does the trick easy! It’s over before you know it and your left with beautiful plump lips. WORTH IT!

Are fillers only for plumping lips?

            NOPE! Fillers can help with fine lines around the lips sometimes called smokers line or cause by sucking from straws among many other uses for lost volume in the face. Book a consult with Dr. McLaughlin to see where and which fillers may be right for you.

See…lip injections aren’t scary! Knowledge is power. In the hands our sole injector, double board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Emily B. McLaughlin you’re dream lips are within reach.
Check out my Before and After below!

Happy Healing!
Tiffany Premo - Marketing Coordinator
AND Patient at West Magnolia Plastic Surgery & The Retreat Medical Spa

Save $100-$200 during the month of February 2018 when you combine Dysport & Restylane injections! (Must sign up for ASPIRE Rewards to be eligible for discount.) Ask our team for more information. (Save ALL yearlong on fillers, services, & products with a Magnolia Membership)