As we age, our natural lip border begins to turn inward. Many patients notice a loss in volume, as well as vertical lip lines, a.k.a. “smoker’s lines”, that form above + below the lips. Even though this is a common dislike among patients, many avoid treatment due to fear of looking visibly augmented. As the Aesthetics RN of Hobgood Facial Plastic Surgery in Paradise Valley, I am happy to answer the most common patient concerns I am faced with regarding this procedure, + explain a new tool that is now available to patients.
1.) What are lip injections? Dermal Fillers contain of a blend of hyaluronic acid gel particles that create lift + structure, while also building volume within the lips. Lip injections can also be solely above + below the lip if a patient wants to focus on vertical lines rather than volumization.
2.) What product will be injected? And how much will I need? Patients looking to build lift + structure are injected with Juvederm. If a patient’s main concerns are the vertical lines above + below the lip, or lines within the lip, my preference is Volbella. Volbella’s formulation is slightly smoother, + is also available in a ½ syringe. Typically, patients start with 1-2 syringes.
3.) How often do I need to be injected? On average, patients notice measurable improvement with Juvederm for about 6-9 months, and Volbella has an exciting 12 month approval from the FDA. Hyaluronic acid fillers stimulate your body’s own production of collagen, in turn meaning benefit that stays with you long-term.
4.) What is the downtime? I would advise “first timers” be treated on a day that allows a 2-3 day recovery window post-injection to understand the unique healing time their body requires. With regular intervals of icing and resting, you can greatly reduce your down time. You can also easily camouflage your temporarily swollen lips with concealer and nude lip colors.
5.) What if I am unhappy with the outcome? Dermal Fillers are fortunately reversible should you feel unhappy with your result. That being said, if you go to an experienced injector that fully understands your goals and desired outcomes, it is highly unlikely that you will be anything but thrilled with your results. Natural outcomes are always the goal of our practice, and a job well-done will not look corrected , but rather youthful and rejuvenated.
6.) How do I select my injector? For best practices of safety and efficacy, your practitioner should specialize in facial plastics, aesthetics, + reconstructive surgery. Credentials alone are not always a sufficient criteria when it comes to selecting your injector. New and existing patients are always welcome to schedule a comprehensive consultation at our office should you still have additional questions, or would like to discuss your needs with our team.
For additional information, or to schedule a complimentary consultation with Ashley Smith, RN, BSN, please call: (480) 214-9955.
Leave a Reply