Many people of all ages long for fuller, plumper lips. For people with thin lips or other concerns, lip injections have become a very popular cosmetic procedure. And not all providers who offer lip fillers are qualified to do so, which means you should always seek this cosmetic treatment from a licensed medical professional, like the doctors at the Aesthetic Center at Woodholme.
What are My Doctor’s Qualifications?
The best lip filler providers are medical professionals who perform these procedures constantly—even every day. They should have a medical degree and be able to explain the entire process and how fillers work. They should also be able to recommend one of many different treatments that may better address your concerns or goals.
What Results Do I Want?
Ask yourself whose lips you want to model yours after and consider if that’s realistic. Realistic expectations are important as you won’t be able to look exactly like someone else. However, you can bring a photo to your consultation and our doctors can advise you on what you can expect to reasonably achieve through lip fillers.
Is a Poor Outcome Worth the Risk?
Unfortunately, there are risks of a lip injection going wrong. You must consider whether you want to deal with that. If the procedure is not ideal, it can result in your lips being asymmetrical, lumpy, or simply too big. If any filler you receive is unsatisfactory to you, please tell us right away and we can help determine a course of action to reverse the effects.
What’s a Good Price for Lip Injections?
You should be wary of any cosmetic procedure that has too low a price. It signifies the provider isn’t adequately trained or the substance being used may not be FDA-approved. Generally, if a procedure costs less than $500, it should be a red flag.
What’s Going Into My Lips?
The best filler to use for lips is a hyaluronic acid-based formula that has been approved by the FDA for injection into the lips. Some lip fillers are better based on what you want to achieve. Newer HA products are specifically designed to match the unique anatomy of the lips.
How Do I Prepare for Lip Injections?
Before you get lip injections, you should have a consultation with our medical lip filler providers. They will take your medical history and ask questions to ensure you’re a good candidate for dermal fillers. The procedure is known to cause outbreaks of cold sores, so if you frequently get those, taking Valtrex beforehand may be advised.
You should avoid alcohol up to three days before your lip injections and avoid taking blood thinners to avoid bruising. Vitamin D and E, fish oil, and ginkgo should also be avoided two weeks before your procedure.
What Will I Feel During the Procedure?
The lips are sensitive. As a result, you may be concerned about how you’ll feel during the procedure. However, we have certain tools at our disposal for minimizing pain. A special type of anesthesia can be used to numb the lips to make treatment easier. In addition, many of our lip fillers are pre-formulated with lidocaine, a local anesthetic, to help the injections feel less painful.
How Soon Can I See Results?
Following the procedure, your lips may be very puffy due to swelling. This should subside within 24 hours, which is also when you should begin to notice the results of your injections.
What Side Effects Can I Expect?
Swelling and bruising are normal side effects of lip injections. You can use ice to relieve the swelling. Side effects usually dissipate after a few hours, up to a day. You should avoid using makeup on your lips or drinking hot or cold beverages for at least the first 24 hours after your procedure.
If you have any extreme side effects, immediately contact your doctor.
How Long Do I Want Results to Last?
Certain treatments last longer than others. Whether you want long-lasting results with your lip injections or something short-term, speak to your doctor about your options.
Lip Fillers in Baltimore, MD
There are many options available to those who want an enhanced appearance to their lips, whether in terms of volume or the appearance of so-called “smoker’s lines.” For an expert opinion and professional application, The Aesthetic Center at Woodholme is a trusted provider of lip fillers. Learn more by contacting us by phone or online contact form today.
Dr. Ira D. Papel is certified in Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Papel earned his B.A. from Johns Hopkins University and his M.D. from Boston University of Medicine. He completed a residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and a fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Papel is considered an international expert in rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and facial aesthetic surgery.
