What are lip fillers?

Sometimes referred to as lip enhancement, lip fillers are injectable dermal fillers that can enhance and augment your lips by adding volume. More than 2.5 million lip injection procedures are performed annually in the United States.

There are two basic types of injectable lip enhancing fillers; hyaluronic acid fillers and collagen fillers.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural, protein-based substance that is produced by your body. HA has an amazing ability to attract and hold water in your skin tissues, including your lips. HA-based fillers provide immediate results in creating fuller, smoother, and softer lips.

Collagen Fillers

Collagen fillers stimulate your body’s natural production of collagen, a protein found in connective tissue such as bones, cartilage, tendons, and skin. Collagen provides a foundation for full, plump, and healthy skin. As you age, your natural production of collagen declines. These fillers are literally booster shots!

Benefits of Lip Filler Injections

Aside from the fact that procedures are quick and virtually painless, injectable lip fillers

Are FDA approved
Produce fast, durable and impressive results
Require little to no downtime
Are affordable
Are reversible and are metabolized by the body

What can lip fillers do?

Restore or increase volume to thinning lips
Refine the shape of your lips
Improve symmetry between your upper and lower lips

Are you a candidate for lip fillers?

You are a candidate for lip fillers if you are in good general health, at least 21 years of age, and have realistic expectations.

Ask yourself why you want lip injections. Make sure you are making yourself — and not somebody else — happy. Non-smokers are preferred candidates. Lip injections cannot be performed if you have an active oral infection, including canker sores or cold sores.

Additionally, you may be disqualified if you have:

Diabetes
Lupus
A bleeding or clotting disorder
Allergic reactions to lidocaine

Your Consultation

Have a relaxed and open conversation with Dr. Lambiris. Tell him why you are considering lip enhancement, and be specific about the changes you desire in your lips. During your consultation for lip fillers Sarasota plastic surgeon, Dr. Lambiris will examine and measure your face. He’ll be happy to show you before and after pictures of previous patients.

If you and he decide to proceed, he will recommend the right type of filler to address your goals. If you smoke, you will need to stop for a period before and after your injections, as specified by Dr. Lambiris. You will also be directed to suspend the use of any supplements or medications — such as aspirin — that can promote excessive bleeding.

Lip Filler Procedure

After applying a topical anesthetic to numb your lips, Dr. Lambiris will use a very thin needle to inject just the right amount of filler into precisely the right places in your lips. An ice pack may be applied to your lips during the procedure to minimize bruising. The entire treatment session can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.

sarasota lip fillers model wearing a sun hat

Lip Filler Recovery

Dr. Lambiris will likely massage your lips gently to ensure smooth and even absorption of your filler material. We’ll keep an eye on you for about 15 minutes to make sure you are not dizzy, nauseated, or bleeding.

Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours. Your lips will likely be swollen and bruised for a couple of days. We recommend that our Sarasota lip fillers patients avoid lipstick and lip products immediately after your injections. For a day or two, refrain from touching or puckering your lips. This includes kissing or sipping from a straw. Drink plenty of water, and be careful while you brush your teeth.

Lip Filler Swelling Stages

It’s important that you know what to expect following lip fillers. Here is a generalized recovery timeline:

Day 1 after treatment — Your post-injection inflammation will probably be at its peak, and your upper lip especially may have considerable projection.
Day 2 after treatment — Your inflammation should start to subside, but you may see some bruises and feel some lumps on your lips.
After one week — Your swelling will be greatly reduced, and you will begin to see the actual outcome of your procedure.
Four weeks later — Your filler will have settled, and it will be time to assess your procedure. If more filler is desired, additional injections can be performed during this phase.

After lip fillers Sarasota patients may experience these issues for up to a month. Dr. Labiris will be happy to discuss this in detail during your consultation.

Schedule Your Sarasota Lip Filler consultation with Dr. Brandon Lambiris at West Coast Plastic Surgery Today

West Coast Plastic Surgery has earned its reputation as the leading plastic surgery and medical aesthetics practice in Sarasota and Bradenton. Dr. Brandon Lambiris has dedicated his career to helping patients achieve their health, happiness, appearance, and self-esteem goals. Schedule a consultation by calling (941) 366-9818 to learn about the dazzling benefits of injectable lip enhancement.

FAQs

Are lip filler injections painful?

No. A topical anesthetic will be applied to your lips before your injections. You should feel nothing more than a slight pinching sensation.

Are there risks and side effects? Is lip enhancement safe?

All procedures of this type carry risks, in this case including infection, excessive bleeding, and allergic reactions.

The biggest risk of lip augmentation is unintentional injection into a blood vessel.

Other risks specific to lip injections are:

Cold sore reactivation
Tissue death
Lip asymmetry
Discoloration

Are results permanent?

No. They slowly diminish over time as your body metabolizes the ingredients of the injections.

How often will I need injections to maintain my results?

Depending on your goals, lip injections may be scheduled every 12 to 18 months.

Will fillers harm or ruin my lips?

Not if they are performed by a highly trained and experienced doctor.

Can I get lip injections if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Since the possible effects on fetuses or infants has not been determined, it is best to avoid this procedure if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How long do I have to wait to eat or drink following my injections?

Wait until your anesthetic has completely worn off to eat or drink anything. Then don’t eat anything that might cause you to wipe your face for 24 hours. Stay away from alcohol for at least a day.

How much do lip fillers cost?

Costs will depend on the extent of your procedure and the number of units of filler used. Discuss costs with your provider prior to treatment.

Your beauty matters

Dr. Brandon Lambiris believes everyone deserves the opportunity to look their best. If you’ve dreamed of having plastic surgery to unlock your true potential, we encourage you to join us for a consultation. Experience the real difference plastic surgery can have on your life at West Coast Plastic Surgery in Sarasota, FL.

2677 S Tamiami Trail Suite 3, Sarasota, FL 34239

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Lip Fillers in Sarasota and Bradenton, FL