What To Expect From A Lip Filler Appointment

Your Lip Augmentation — From Consultation & Beyond 

If you’re considering enhancing your lips with dermal fillers, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what to expect from a lip filler appointment so you can walk into the clinic with confidence. Whether it’s your first time or you’re seeking a touch-up, here is a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your next lip filler appointment.

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The Initial Consultation 

Before you come in for your first lip filler treatment, you first will meet with one of our highly-trained injectors for an initial consultation. They will use this time to get to know you and introduce you to our practice and philosophy. We will also use this time to: 

• Discuss your goals: Share your desired lip appearance and any specific concerns you have about the procedure.
• Assess your suitability: Your practitioner will evaluate whether you are a suitable candidate for lip fillers based on your medical history and current health.
• Determine the right filler type: Different fillers are used for various lip enhancement goals, and your practitioner will recommend the most suitable one for you.
• Review potential risks and complications: You will be informed about possible side effects associated with lip filler injections.
• Create a treatment plan and quote: Your practitioner will create a personalized treatment plan, including the amount of filler needed and the areas to be treated.

Preparing For Your Appointment

To ensure a successful injection, here are some pre-appointment preparations you should consider:

• Avoid blood-thinning medications: Discontinue the use of aspirin, ibuprofen and other blood-thinning medications at least a week before your appointment to reduce the risk of bruising.
• Stay hydrated: Proper hydration can improve skin elasticity and help with the healing process.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine: Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake a few days before the appointment can help minimize swelling and bruising.

The Numbing Phase

Before a lip augmentation is performed, you will be numbed using a topical numbing cream for 15 to 30 minutes. While your lips are numbing, your injector will explain what they will be able to do with your natural lips and how they will be injected. They will talk to you about the structure and viscosity of the filler chosen, and they will also verify with you the kind of swelling and downtime you can expect. 

Your provider may feel your lips, take measurements, create marks around your lips with a temporary pencil, ask you to smile or speak so they can evaluate your lips’ natural movements, or point out the areas that you would most like to correct. All of these measures will help your injector to make sure you have the best treatment possible!

The Injection Begins 

After that, your injector will remove the numbing cream from your lips and sterilize the area before the first injection. As they inject, they will inform you of the areas they are going to treat before introducing the needle. Depending on your treatment, the injection will likely only take a few minutes. Overall, the whole process takes somewhere between 30 and 45 minutes.

Does Lip Filler Hurt? 

You may feel minor discomfort during the injections, but this will be temporary. There is a numbing agent inside of the filler for your comfort, so your lips will feel fully numbed once the first injection is administered.

Most of the discomfort with lip injections is caused by the swelling response. The lips are a highly sensitive area, and you may feel like your lips feel stretched and sore from the swelling. This will dissipate and can be managed with proper aftercare.

Before You Leave 

You will likely notice an immediate improvement in lip volume and shape, although there may be some initial swelling and redness. Your practitioner will provide specific instructions on post-procedure care, including avoiding alcohol, using cold compresses and taking over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Depending on the type of filler used and your individual response, you may need follow-up appointments to assess the results and make any necessary adjustments.

A Final Note About Lip Filler Results

These results are not permanent and usually last between 6 months to 1 year, depending on the filler type and your body. To maintain your results, you may need periodic touch-up appointments. It’s essential to follow your practitioner’s recommendations for follow-up treatments to ensure long-term satisfaction with your enhanced lips.

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About The Author 

Adrienne Yanich, RN, is an expert lip filler injector in Columbus, Ohio. Her understanding of the human anatomy, transparency about the process and emphasis on lasting results make her one of the most sought-after providers in the entire region. When she isn’t working directly with patients, Adrienne can be found honing her craft by attending education-driven conferences and researching the most modern injection techniques.