Original Post By: Dominique Baker at Style Domination

Recently, a girlfriend of mine had lip fillers and I was surprised to find out that she wasn’t thrilled with the procedure. She stated that it really hurt and sadly, a small lump had formed at the corner of her top lip. This was due to the improper injecting technique used by the nurse practitioner who had injected the product. I felt for her and wondered what went wrong…and that’s when I thought I would do some research and put together a list of things you should know before going under the needle.

Kylie Jenner – the lips that launched a million lip injections (Photo: Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

FULL DISCLOSURE: I have not had lip injections, but I did speak to the lovely Dr. Sam Hetz of Concept Medical to find out what exactly you need to know before plumping up your pout. If you are looking to have any cosmetic procedures done, Concept Medical is the place to go. I did a full write-up on this beautiful clinic which you can read here, and did undergo botox, cheek and chin fillers under Dr. Hetz’s careful hand. You can watch the video on that procedure here:

Dr. Sam Hetz by the way is very experienced with this procedure and is known for in-depth and honest consultations. His work is very subtle and natural also, making him a leader in the city for administering this procedure.

1. RESEARCH YOUR DOCTOR

STEP AWAY FROM THE GROUPON DEAL. Take the time to find yourself a board-certified doctor. The physics of the face are very precise. A knowledgeable, trained injector will be able to administer just the right amount of product to give you a subtle look.

Ask for references, study the pictures of his or her past work carefully and ask as many questions as you need to in order to feel comfortable and secure in your decision. Poor injection technique can result in serious complications like nerve damage and/or worse – necrosis (death of tissue).

2. DETERMINE WHAT TYPE OF FILLER WILL BE RIGHT FOR YOU

Not all fillers are created equal. Some fillers are soft and silky, while others are firmer and provide more volume. Your doctor or trained injector will help you decide what is best for you. Remember – one size does not fit all.

3. BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER

Lip fillers really should look natural, not fake or overdone. A proper lip augmentation will look like your own lips but subtly plumped and enhanced.

This is a buildable procedure too. You can always go a little bigger if you are unsatisfied with your first enhancement.

4. IT SHOULDN’T HURT

Your lip enhancement really shouldn’t hurt. An experienced injector will use a topical numbing gel or freeze inside the mouth to numb the lips. This is key to providing a pain-free treatment.

5. WHEN DO YOU SEE THE RESULTS?

Directly after the procedure, your lips will swell. Patients are advised to apply ice to their lips to prevent bruising. While you will see the effects of your lip enhancement immediately, it does take about 24 hours to see the full effect.

6. DOES IT FEEL NATURAL?

When done properly, your lips should not feel any different from your natural lips.

7. HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

Typically, the results will last anywhere from about four to 12 months.

8. WHAT IF YOU DON’T LIKE THE RESULT?

The beauty of hyaluronic acid (HA) lip fillers compared to collagen fillers is that HA-based filler can be dissolved almost immediately. Your injector can use an enzyme called “hyaluronidase” to reverse the treatment.

9. THE COST

Alright – lip fillers ain’t cheap, especially when you take into account that they results aren’t permanent. Typically, the results will last anywhere from about four to six months. This treatment costs anywhere from $350-$1000 per visit, and most people usually like the results so much that it can become a regular thing.

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER

That “duck lip” look is caused by too much filler too soon. Go slow and have small amounts of filler injected over two or three sessions. This will help your lips maintain their natural shape.
Your teeth support your lips, so uneven teeth can cause a little unevenness in lips.
Don’t forget to look at your face as a whole and consider how fuller lips will affect the proportions of your face. Volume loss in other areas affects the way your lips look!
Remember, there is nothing wrong with undergoing treatments that help you feel better and more confident. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty about your decisions.

I’m hoping these tips will help you with your lip enhancement decision-making. Have you tried lip fillers? How did it go?

Lip Fillers: 9 things You Should Know Before Getting Them