You know all the tips and tricks for healthy, stylish hair. Your makeup is on point. And your wardrobe is in season. Everything you need for the perfect night out is at your fingertips, but there’s just one thing missing.
What can you do about your lips? Sure, lip gloss and lipstick are helpful, but sometimes there’s not much room to work with. If you’ve been considering lip fillers or lip injections for fuller lips, here’s what you should know beforehand.
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What Are the Risks?
As you begin your journey, keep in mind that there are inherent risks with any procedure. For lip fillers, these are mostly benign and temporary. Still, it’s important that you know them. These adverse reactions are:
- Swelling
- Infection
- Vascular occlusion
- Lip asymmetry
How Long Do Lip Fillers Last?
Every four to six months, you will need a “top-up” to keep that plump, juicy look you’ve come to love. This is where the bulk of the cost comes in. Even though top-ups only happen two or three times a year, they’re a recurring payment that you need to take into account.
Medical insurance might not cover these procedures either. Because fuller lips are not an immediate threat to your health, you’ll be paying for this out of pocket. Before you begin, be sure to ask your physician about the expenses. Some charge up to $2,000 per injection.
Most Injections Are Temporary
When it comes to lip fillers, doing your homework is essential. For example, while most fillers are temporary, some are permanent. Make sure you can recognize which one is which.
Here are some important questions to ask yourself before making your final decision:
- What type of filler will you choose? – The most common fillers are Restylane, Juvederm, and Belotero, but there are more on the market. Take the time to research how each one changes the lips and pick the one that’s best for you. Talk to the plastic surgeon about what they recommend and why.
- Which doctor will you choose? – When researching the doctor, be as thorough and extensive as you can. This person is going to be in charge of one of the most important features of your face. One screw up can leave you with funky lips and a painful redo process. Also, meet them in person before you give them the go-ahead.
- How much filler do you want? – Do you want Kylie Jenner lips or just a slight touch up? Knowing what you want and coming to your doctor prepared can save time and decrease your stress levels.
Proper Preparation and Post-Op Tips
Preparing for the big day means knowing what to do before and after your lip filler. Before you go into the procedure, don’t take any anti-inflammatory medicine. Avoid ibuprofen, multivitamins, and fish oil. This will reduce the amount of bruising after the procedure.
Also, if you’re in that twenty-four-hour window, skip the trip to your local coffee shop. Caffeinated products will increase the swelling from the surgery. Post-op, there are a few tricks to get your lips back to full health. Most people use Arnica for lip fillers and injections; this natural ingredient reduces pain, swelling, and helps rid your lips of those nasty bruises.
Breaking Up the Treatment
You don’t have to receive the full lip injection all at once. If it’s your first time and you’re nervous about the effects, talk to your doctor about splitting up the doses. They’ll understand and schedule two different appointments weeks apart.
(If your doctor doesn’t understand, maybe that doctor isn’t right for you.)
Natural Alternatives
If you want those luscious full lips but aren’t sure about getting lip fillers, know that there are safe, natural alternatives. Some of these include:
- Peppermint essential oil
- Cinnamon
- Beeswax
- Sugar
- Ice
- Cocoa butter
Natural alternatives either irritate or stimulate your lips, generating more blood flow just beneath the surface. This touch of swelling is a great way to plump up your lips for a night out without going through any medical procedures.
Kiss the Old Lips Goodbye
It might be time to kiss those old lips goodbye and embrace the newer, plumper you. If it is, doing your homework beforehand will make you more confident about your decision. Plus, once it’s all over, the results will speak for themselves. Muah!
