Lip Fillers is one of the most common procedures done in any Aesthetic Practice. They can be used either to increase the volume, to correct any asymmetries, and also to enhance the lipline.

The things you should know before you undergo lip fillers are:

1. There are many different types of lip fillers, like Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen and your own fat. Even under Hyaluronic acid, there are various subtypes based on the viscosity of the filler. Understand how each filler performs, and make sure to select the one which coincides with the end result you have in mind. Fat Grafting will provide you with permanent results, and others you will need to get repeated.

2. Choose the correct practitioner: Find one who is experienced in doing different types of lip fillers. As per Dr Ankit Gupta, a practicing Plastic Surgeon, Fillers are a form of art, as the end results depend more on the techniques used, than the product per se. So you need to choose the correct artist.

3. Understand that the procedure would be divided into two stages, first would be the initial filler application. You will need to visit again after a week, to correct any asymmetries, or increase volume in the deficient areas. Also, if you want to increase the volume dramatically, it will again be done in stages, to ensure there is no filler migration.

4. You should stay away from waxing, threading & bleach at least a week before your procedure.

5. Be diligent with the sunscreen application.

6. Avoid smoking, at least on the day of the procedure, both before and after.

7. Avoid alcohol, for at least a week before your procedure, it will help with the healing & bruising post procedure.

8. Take arnica tablets, it decreases the bruising.

9. Avoid taking any herbal supplements such as biloba etc, for 3-4 days before and 1-2 days after the procedure, to minimise the risk of bleeding & bruising.

10. Avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin e supplements, fish oil supplements 3-4 days before the procedure.

11. If you are on blood thinners, inform your provider, and they will advise you accordingly, based on your overall health status.

12. Do not apply any makeup on the lower face, on the day of the procedure. Also, refrain from applying anything on the lips, for 1 day after the procedure.

13. Apply cold packs after the procedure to minimise swelling & bruising.

14. Inform your provider if you are on any anti-biotics. Depending on the nature of antibiotics, they might advise you to finish the course before coming for your appointment.

Recommended Volume

For a first time user, you should get no more than 1 ml of filler done, that is 1 syringe. This will give you natural looking results.

For someone with a good lip shape and volume: In the initial sitting, usually only 0.8-0.9 ml of filler is used, and the rest is kept to correct any asymmetries.

If someone has very thin lips: Get the fillers done in step ladder fashion, ie, progressively increase the amount of filler to avoid the risk of filler migration. You will need to break down even the 1 ml filler into 2-3 settings, to avoid the risk of filler migration. Ideally, get around 0.5-0.6 ml of filler in the first sitting, let it settle and make space for itself, and have another round with the remaining 0.4-0.5 ml in a month’s time.

Usually, only models get more than 1 ml of lip fillers done, as it looks amazing in pictures, however, it appears very unnatural, in person.

Consultation Advice

The patient needs to be very thorough with the final outcome they want, as it depends on the technique utilized to inject the filler. Do they need to enhance the lip border? Do they just want some increase in volume? Do they want Russian Lips? Doll Lips?

The outcome is entirely dependent on the technique.

Potential Outcomes

You will not notice much difference in your lip size immediately after the procedure, as fillers expand by absorbing water and also there will be some swelling, both in your lips and nearby tissues. In 1-3 days, the swelling will go down and the fillers will expand to reveal the true shape & size. However, you should ideally wait for up to a week, to get any corrective filler done.

Underfilling: You will not notice any change.

Overfilling: Risk of filler migration is there, in which case, you will need to get the filler dissolved.