More patients are curious about lip injections with dermal fillers like Juvederm than ever before, and this trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. The treatment continues to grow in popularity every year, as patients get inspired by Instagram-shared results, and a growing feeling of empowerment to give cosmetic procedures a try.

The dermal filler revolution is giving patients more accessible, less invasive ways to augment their features without the need to commit to long-term changes – and lip injections are a great example. For patients considering a lip filler boost procedure, here’s some helpful information about how the treatment works, what the experience is like, and what you should know before you book an appointment.

How Lip Fillers Work

Injectable lip augmentation involves the safe and careful injection of a dermal filler into or around the lips to create a more full appearance. These fillers are often made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a hydrating substance that is actually found naturally in the body. It works to provide volume under the skin and deliver a rejuvenated appearance to the treated area.

Several formulations of fillers exist, and two of the most popular options used for the lips are Juvederm and Restylane. Different products tend to work best for different purposes and starting-points, and your doctor can help you choose the right option for your specific goals.

What to Expect

During your appointment, you’ll receive a series of injections carefully delivered through a fine needle or microcannula. Any discomfort is typically managed by lidocaine, a numbing agent often incorporated into the lip filler itself. You’ll be able to see a change right away, though your lips may initially appear overfilled and slightly red due to temporary swelling. This should subside within a day or so, at which point your final results will start taking shape.

Lip fillers typically last around one year or less, as the lips experience quite a bit of movement, which causes the product to break down at a faster rate. To maintain your optimum results, touch-up appointments every few months will likely be necessary.

What You Should Know

A few other considerations to keep in mind as you move forward with the lip filler process:

• If you aren’t sure how much volume you would like to add your lips, starting with less will allow you to add more if needed.
• Communication is important. Being honest about your goals and concerns helps your doctor make sure you get the best possible results.
• HA fillers are reversible. If you wish to change your results, your physician can inject a dissolving agent at any time. It may take up to 2 days to work completely.
• Expertise is key. Getting lip injections from an unqualified injector increases your risk of infection, bruising, and other complications. Always seek out a phsyican and injection team that has the experience and anatomical knowledge necessary to deliver injections in a safely and effectively.