Lip fillers are a popular cosmetic procedure that can be used to plump up the lips and create a more youthful appearance. I’ve had it done at Sanctuary Medical Center in Boca Raton a few times and my sister is obsessed with the work Liz does there.
However, it’s important to know how long to wait between lip filler treatments in order to avoid any complications.
In this blog post, I’ll share the factors that affect how long you should wait between dermal fillers, as well as the potential risks and side effects of getting lip fillers too often.
Then, I’ll share some behind-the-scenes of my experience and my sister’s experience with Liz, the lip magician. (No really, she is. See?)
What Are Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers are injectable substances that are used to add volume to the lips so you have fuller lips. They are made from a variety of materials including hyaluronic acid, collagen, and fat.
Hyaluronic acid is the most common type of lip filler. It is a naturally occurring substance that helps to keep the skin hydrated and plump. Hyaluronic acid fillers are typically injected into the lips using a small needle.
There are many different types of hyaluronic acid lip fillers available on the market today. Some of the most popular brands include:
- Juvéderm Ultra XC
- Restylane Silk
- Perlane
- Belotero
- Teoxane
- Radiesse
Collagen is another type of lip filler that is made from animal tissue. Collagen fillers are typically injected into the lips using a syringe.
There are a few different types of collagen lip fillers available on the market today. Some of the most popular brands include:
- Zyplast
- CosmoDerm
- Restylane
Fat is a third type of lip filler that is made from the patient’s own body fat. Fat fillers are typically harvested from the abdomen or thighs and then injected into the lips.
How Long Do Lip Fillers Last?
The length of time that lip fillers last varies depending on the type of lip fillers that are used.
Hyaluronic acid-based fillers typically last six to 12 months, while collagen fillers typically last three to six months. Fat fillers can last for several years.
To see the final results of your new lips, it’s best to wait a few days until the swelling from the lip filler procedure goes down. After the healing process, you can get an idea of your new lip size!
How Long Should You Wait Between Lip Fillers?
The general rule of thumb is to wait at least six months between lip filler treatments for the most natural-looking results. However, there are a few factors that can affect how long you should wait, including the:
- Type of filler that is used
- Amount of filler that is injected
- Patient’s individual healing time
- Patient’s overall health
You definitely don’t want to look like a botched real housewife with too much filler because you get used to your plump lips and when they go down the slightest, you’re making another lip filler appointment.
If you are considering getting lip filler treatment, it is important to talk to your doctor about how often you should get them. Your doctor can help you determine the best treatment plan for you.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Lip Fillers
Getting lip filler injections is generally considered to be a safe procedure. However, there are a few possible side effects that you should be aware of, including:
- Potential bruising
- Possible swelling
- Pain
- Allergic reaction
- Infection
- Numbness
- Asymmetry
- Overcorrection
- Migration of the filler
Also, before you receive any kind of dermal filler injections, share if you are on blood thinners or may have allergic reactions to any of the ingredients or even the latex gloves used during the procedure.
How to Care for Your Lips After Lip Fillers
After getting lip injections, it is a good idea to follow your doctor’s instructions for aftercare. This may include:
- Apply ice packs to the treatment area
- Avoid strenuous exercise
- Avoid sun exposure
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid alcohol
- Drink plenty of water, but NOT through a straw
- Use a topical antibiotic cream
- No oral sex or making out (sorry, folks!)
By following these simple tips, you can help to ensure that your lip fillers heal properly and that you avoid any complications.
How to Reduce Swelling After Lip Fillers
While the results can be stunning, it’s not uncommon for patients to experience some swelling after the procedure. Swelling is a normal part of the healing process and typically resolves on its own within a few days.
However, if you’re looking for ways to reduce swelling and speed up the healing process, there are a few things you can do. Here are some tips on how to reduce swelling after lip fillers.
- Apply Ice
One of the most effective ways to reduce swelling after lip fillers is to apply ice to the affected area. This can help to reduce inflammation and soothe any discomfort you may be experiencing. You can use a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a towel and apply it to your lips for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Keep Your Head Elevated
Keeping your head elevated can help to reduce swelling and promote healing. Try to sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights after your lip filler procedure. You can use an extra pillow to prop your head up or sleep in a recliner if you have one.
- Avoid Strenuous Activity
Strenuous activity can increase blood flow to the lips, which can cause swelling and prolong the healing process. Avoid activities such as exercise or heavy lifting for at least 24 hours after your lip filler treatment.
- Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is essential for reducing swelling and promoting healing. Drinking plenty of water can help to flush out any toxins or excess fluid in your body and reduce inflammation.
- Use Arnica Cream
Arnica cream is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help to reduce swelling and bruising after lip fillers. You can apply it to your lips several times a day to help soothe any discomfort and speed up the healing process.
- Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate the body, which can make swelling worse. Try to avoid consuming these beverages for at least 24 hours after your lip filler treatment.
- Take Pain Relief Medication
If you’re experiencing discomfort after your lip filler procedure, you can take over-the-counter pain relief medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. This can help to reduce any pain or swelling and make you more comfortable.
The First Time I Got Lip Injections
I have to hand it to the ladies at Sanctuary Medical Center because they catered to me like the baby I am.
Not only did they apply topical numbing cream all over my lower lip, upper lip, and the surrounding area, but they also had someone use a vibrating tool and an ice pack to distract me while I was getting the procedure done.
Originally, I thought I could walk in with a picture of Kylie Jenner and say, “Give me those lips,” but it doesn’t work like that. Everyone’s lips are shaped differently, so with the same product put in the same places, you’re going to have a different result.
Instead, I told Liz where I wanted more volume and she did what she does best.
Did it hurt? A little, but I could manage. My sister needed to take a little juice break in the middle of her injectable treatments, but after seeing the final results of her perfect pout, she was hooked. She’s been back to see Liz three times since then!
The most common side effect we experienced was some bruising at the injection sites and some swelling… but we liked the swelling! Over the next couple of days, we could see the long-term results and were thrilled!
If you want to ease your way into a dermal filler treatment, you can try a Botox lip flip. Click here for more on that. While the Botox is out, get some anti-wrinkle injections between your eyes, on your forehead, and near your temples.
I’ve gotten a few cosmetic treatments at Sanctuary Medical Center over the last year, including EmScuplt. I’ve also turned to the medical professionals there for tips on taking good care of your skin. Click here for more on what they have to say about the best treatments to look and feel like your best self.
How Lip Fillers Made Kylie Jenner a Billionaire
Let’s give credit where credit is due. This woman put beautiful lips on the map!
Kylie Jenner, the youngest of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, is not only known for her reality TV stardom but also for her successful cosmetics brand, Kylie Cosmetics. The company, which was launched in 2015, has made Jenner a billionaire, and many credit her use of lip fillers as a key factor in her success.
Jenner’s lips have been the subject of much speculation over the years, with many speculating that she had undergone lip augmentation surgery. However, in 2015, Jenner confirmed that she had only used temporary lip fillers, which sparked a surge of interest in the procedure.
Suddenly, everyone wanted plump, full lips like Kylie Jenner, and many turned to lip fillers to achieve the look. As the popularity of lip fillers grew, so did the demand for products that could help people achieve the look without undergoing invasive surgery.
Jenner saw this as an opportunity and launched her own line of lip kits, which included a liquid lipstick and matching lip liner. The kits sold out almost immediately, and Jenner quickly expanded her line to include other makeup products.
I have many lip kits, so I can attest, they are amazing. Talk about long-lasting!
Jenner’s savvy marketing and use of social media also played a crucial role in her success. She has almost 400 million followers on Instagram and frequently promotes her products on the platform. Her followers, many of whom are young women, see Jenner as a style icon and are eager to emulate her look.
Today, Kylie Cosmetics is worth an estimated $900 million, and Jenner’s personal net worth is estimated to be over $1 billion. The company has expanded beyond lip kits and now includes a range of makeup products, skincare, and fragrances.
While there is no doubt that Jenner’s use of lip fillers helped to popularize the procedure, her success is also due to her business acumen and marketing skills. She saw a gap in the market and capitalized on it, using her own image and personal brand to create a highly successful cosmetics empire.
