So you’ve decided to step into the world of injectables and book a lip filler consultation: congratulations! There’s a first time for everything, and it’s best to be prepared — and with an aesthetics procedure, that’s especially true. You may have questions around what the experience will be like, any potential discomfort, and results. However, there’s no need to fret, because we’re here to help you get prepared. We’ve outlined five essential truths to know in anticipation of receiving your first lip filler treatment. Knowledge is power!
1: Know your lip goals, and discuss them with your provider.
Maybe you’re hoping for subtle results, or perhaps you’re looking to truly accentuate your pucker. You can achieve a wide range of options with JUVÉDERM® lip fillers, and doing so is as simple as working with your provider. An easy way to help clarify what you want is by bringing photos to your provider. Whether it’s a Facebook® photo of yourself or something from Instagram® last week, having a reference will help guide the conversation with your provider about the results you want, plus help your specialist choose the product that’s right for you.
2: Don’t worry — there may be discomfort, but it’s manageable.
Even if you typically dislike needles, you shouldn’t let that keep you from trying lip injections — there are multiple ways your provider may be able to prepare your lips to help control pain and discomfort. Upon arriving at your appointment, ask your provider about numbing options, which could help temporarily reduce sensation around your lips. Additionally, JUVÉDERM® lip fillers both contain pain-reducing lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic to further deter discomfort. During your treatment, there might still be that occasional “ouch” moment, but it typically feels more like a pinch. See approved uses and full safety information, including a list of potential side effects, below.
3: Schedule wisely.
While lip injections can be administered fairly quickly — and can be completed over a lunch break — you should still be strategic about the timing. Swelling, tenderness, bruising, firmness, lumps/bumps, are all potential side effects of getting lip filler; your lips might look a little swollen after the appointment, but the swelling will usually subside within 30 days or less to reveal your new pout. That’s why a lot of people book their JUVÉDERM® appointments on Fridays or before long weekends. (So, it should go without saying that you should not book a JUVÉDERM® appointment a few days before a wedding or other major event — give yourself a few weeks at least!)
Ahead of your treatment, be sure to talk to your provider about using aspirin, ibuprofen, other blood thinners, and medications that could cause swelling. It is important to discuss any other procedures or medicines you’ve recently had, or are planning to have, with your provider. Lastly, to help reduce some swelling post-treatment, avoid strenuous exercise, sun, and heat after your appointment and take a break from makeup for at least 24 hours to keep the area clean.
4: Expect natural-looking results.
After your treatment, you might think that it’ll be obvious that you’ve “gotten something done.” However, unless you’ve opted to dramatically scale the size of your lips, you may find that everyone will notice how great you look, but no one will know why — the results give you a natural look!
5: Schedule your follow-up appointment before you leave the office!
Visit your provider for a follow-up after your treatment — ideally, two weeks to one month afterwards, to ensure any side effects have subsided. At this appointment, you and your provider can assess your results and determine if you’ve hit your aesthetic goals. Sometimes it takes more than one treatment to achieve your desired outcome, so talk to your provider about a treatment plan. Once you love the look of your lips, know that with optimal treatment, the results of a JUVÉDERM® Volbella™ XC or Ultra XC treatment can last up to a year.
If you determine that you don’t like your results, that’s OK! Hyaluronic acid filler is slowly metabolized in the body, making your lips return to their original size over time. But as always, talk to your provider – they might be able to help address your concerns.
Interested in lip filler? Schedule a cosmetic consultation today!