Have you ever thought of enhancing the appearance of your lips? With lips being considered as one of your most attractive features, it isn’t uncommon. The cosmetic procedure of lip augmentation or lip filling can give you the kind of fuller and plumper lips you want.
While there are many lip injections to choose from, what’s more important is the care after your lip surgery. Depending on the lip filler option you choose and its duration, here is all you need to know about lip fillers, and what to avoid before and after lip surgery.
Let’s begin.
Highlights:
What are Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers are used to make your lips appear plumper. They are injected into your lips by a cosmetic surgeon to change the cosmetic appearance, shape and symmetry of your lips. They may be temporary or permanent, depending on your preference.
Types of Lip Fillers
1. Hyaluronic Acid Lip Fillers
These lip fillers are temporary, and the most popular due to minimal side-effects. They help to reduce the appearance of wrinkled lips and plump them too. These usually last upto 6 months (1) and give you control over lip volume. This can also be done over several sittings, till you get the desired results. Also, as these are made to imitate the natural substance in your skin, they cause less bruising and allergic reactions.
2. Collagen Lip Fillers
Collagen is a protein that is naturally produced by your body. This keeps your skin firm and prevents wrinkles. Collagen lip fillers help plump your lips and last for upto 4 months. As collagen in your body deteriorates with age, these lip fillers replenish your lips. Collagen lip fillers contribute to the fullness and volume of your lips, making them appear plumper and more symmetrical.
3. Silicone Lip Fillers
These are a permanent option. You have to be very sure before you opt for these. (2)
Side Effects of Using Lip Fillers
After your lip surgery, you will experience plumpness in your lips. However, there may be some side-effects too. While most of these are usually minor side-effects and are considered normal, some might need the attention of your doctor too.
A few common side effects of using lip fillers include redness and swelling. You may also experience some tenderness and bruising at the injection site, after the surgery. Some people may also experience bleeding. Ensure that you stop using any blood thinners, from at least 10 days before your lip surgery.
A few of the side-effects that needs immediate attention of a doctor are when,
1. You experience an allergic reaction, accompanied with redness and itching
2. There’s no reduction in swelling and bruising even after 1 week
3. Your lips begin to look asymmetrical
4. You notice irregularities, lumps or stiffening
5. You notice severe pain or infection
Note :
Make it a point to tell your doctor about any allergies you have before surgery.
What Should You Do After Lip Injections?
A few simple care tips after your lip surgery, enable the lips to heal faster, with minimal discomfort.
1. Apply Ice
Apply some ice cubes wrapped in a cloth to your lips, after the surgery. This will help ease redness and swelling. The cloth will prevent the cubes from sticking to your lips.
2. Stay Hydrated
Keep yourself hydrated in order to pace-up your body’s healing process. However, avoid drinking beverages through straws to prevent applying pressure on the lips.
3. Eat Healthy, Eat Easy
Sodium is known to worsen your swelling. So make sure you consume lots of fruits and vegetables to stay hydrated. Do ensure that the food you eat is easy to chew, so as to reduce the pressure on your mouth.
4. Check Medication
Post the lip surgery, you may notice some heaviness or pain. Talk to your doctor about the pain-killers you can consume and the recommended dosage.
5. Sleep right
Elevate your head with two pillows to reduce swelling. Avoid sleeping on your face.
5 Things You Should Strictly Avoid After Lip Surgery
There are some things that you strictly need to avoid, if you’ve opted for a lip filler injection. Indulging in any of the below, may lead to infection and slow down the healing process.
1. Smoking And Consuming Alcohol
Smoking and consuming alcohol can increase the risk of infection. (3) As alcohol is a blood thinner, it may result in inflammation of the lips and contribute to bruising. (4)
2. Makeup
Do not wear any makeup on your lips for a minimum of 48 hours after surgery. Makeup can irritate the injection site and lead to infection.
3. Exercise
Strenuous activity like exercising increases the heart rate and may worsen your side-effects. Avoid indulging in such activities for upto 48 hours after your surgery.
4. Travel
Traveling can worsen your bruising. Traveling by air can interfere with your filler due to air pressure. Talk to your doctor about when you can travel by air, post surgery.
5. Massaging The Lips
Avoid wiping and massaging your lips for at least 24 hours after surgery. Touching the lips too often can also lead to bruising or pain.
When Will You Be Able to See A Difference in Your Lips?
You will notice swelling and redness immediately after surgery. However, it takes about 4 weeks for the filler to settle into your lips. By that time you will be able to see reduced swelling, making your fillers appear less prominent and more natural. So if you’re planning this procedure for a special event, ensure you give the surgery enough time.
Wrapping Up
Lip surgeries are usually a smooth procedure, but side effects aren’t uncommon. From redness and bruising to bleeding, it's important to know how to care after lip surgery. Ask your doctor about the various fillers available. Also tell your doctor about any possible allergies and medication you’re on.Taking the right care can go a long way in making your lip augmentation surgery a successful one.
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