DERMAL FILLERS

WHAT IS LIP FILLER?

One of the most popular places to inject filler is in the lips, which is known as “lip filler”. While there is not one brand of filler that is strictly used for the lips, many injectors use HA based fillers like Juvaderm or Restalyne. Fillers of this kind work to replace volume or collagen loss in the lips creating a hydrated, youthful look once again.

To achieve this look, a skilled injector will use .5mL to 1mL (or more) of filler into the lip’s vermillion border, cupid’s bow, and corners of the mouth. Lip filler can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months. The longevity of lip filler, but also most filler, will be dependent on your metabolism, the amount of filler used, and the brand of filler used.

Downtime for lip filler is minimal, with bruising subsiding within a day or two while swelling will continue to go down anywhere from 12 hours to a week. To help with swelling or bruising following lip filler, your injector may suggest an ice pack to the lips or non blood thinning medicine like Tylenol.

Numbing cream is also used to make the process pain free for our patients.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIP FILLER AND A LIP FLIP

For some patients, lip fillers can feel intimidating since they may feel unsure about having a fuller look to their lips. If this is the case, but you still want somewhat of a fuller, lifted lip, then a lip flip is a great alternative.

With the help of botox, a lip flip is done by injecting the top lip with a small amount of neurotoxins to relax the top lip’s muscle. When these muscles are relaxed, it will allow the top lip to “flip out” appearing fuller. The main difference between lip filler and a lip flip is that lip filler is adding volume to the lips through injecting a gel-like substance, while a lip flip uses botox to relax the muscles.

Lip flips usually require 2 – 6 units of botox to the upper lip, and can last anywhere from 2 -5 months depending on how many units are used and how quickly your body metabolizes the botox.

Another key factor to keep in mind about lip flips is that they are more affordable than lip filler, and can be a great way to have an idea of what a fuller lip might look like on you.

WHERE ELSE CAN YOU INJECT DERMALL FILLERS?

Dermal fillers can be injected in areas on the face to restore volume loss, providing a more hydrated, youthful look. Not only are fillers for the face, but can be placed in the hands to enhance volume and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Areas of the face where dermal filler is injected:

• Cheeks: Filler placed in cheeks can provide support to the mid-face, while also giving contour. Typically requires 1 – 2 syringes of filler per side.
• Chin: Gives the chin a more prominent, balanced appearance to a weak or recessed chin and can smooth out chin dimples or wrinkles. Typically rRequires 1 – 4 syringes of filler.
• Jawline: Helps to define the look of the jawline. Typically rRequires 2 – 4 syringes of filler.
• Temples: Restores volume into the temples which helps to lift the brows and give a more open, and lifted, look to the eye area. Typically rRequires 1 syringe of filler per side.
• Under-eyes: When placed strategically, under-eye filler can help with dark circles while also smoothing out wrinkles. .5 – 1 syringe of filler per under-eye.
• Nasolabial folds: Hydrate and smooth out lines by the mouth, known as the nasolabial folds. Typically .5 – 1 syringe of filler per side.

Patients generally return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure, however following the post-procedure guidelines will dramatically reduce the length and intensity of the recovery period. Patients should avoid engaging in heavy physical exercise, applying cosmetics, or laying down flat for a minimum of 4 hours after the injections. It is also advisable to avoid rubbing or massaging the injected area for at least 24 hours.