Lip fillers are a simple yet effective way to enhance your lips. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that takes a few minutes but leaves you with subtle and stunning results that can last for about a year.
So why do some people not have natural-looking lip filler results? This is most likely due to the healthcare professional not administering the injection properly. Lip fillers can look natural if a skilled and experienced provider takes into account facial anatomy. Keep in mind that a lip filler treatment doesn’t end at the clinic. You also need to follow post-treatment advice to maintain your desired results.
How to Get the Most Natural-Looking Lip Filler Results
All too often we see people with over-filled, unnatural-looking lips brought about by filler treatments; however, keep in mind that it’s often because their injector doesn’t understand lip anatomy. The lips don’t act like a balloon that can be plumped with filler material. When it comes to lip injections, less is more – especially when done properly and precisely.
The most crucial step in achieving natural-looking lip filler results is selecting an experienced medical professional. They should have a thorough understanding of facial anatomy, as well as have a gradual approach to lip fillers. They must be intentional with where they inject the filler – may that be in the cupid’s bow, lower lip, vermilion border, oral commissure, or philtrum.
If you want a more subtle outcome, your healthcare provider would need to gradually build up the volume and shape of your lips over multiple appointments to allow for adjustments based on your preferences.
Next, you must learn about the various filler products available. Each one has their own unique properties and characteristics. Hyaluronic acid fillers, for example, are a popular choice due to their natural feel, reversibility, and compatibility with the body’s tissues. You can expect your lip augmentation results to last for about 12 months on average.
Lastly, aftercare is key. Follow your healthcare professional’s post-treatment instructions (e.g., avoiding excess heat, drinking water, booking follow-up sessions, avoiding certain foods and drinks) to ensure that your lips heal evenly and maintain their natural appearance.
Top Natural Lip Filler Options
The best dermal filler for you depends on a myriad of factors, such as age, medical history, metabolism, aesthetic goals, and baseline lip shape. If you’re going for a fuller lip appearance, we recommend Juvederm Ultra and Restylane Kysse.
If you just want a subtle, more hydrated look, some options to consider are Juvederm Volbella, Restylane Silk, and Belotero. All of which use hyaluronic acid as their main active ingredient.
1) Juvederm
Juvederm is one of the most popular lip injection brands available. Juvederm products, such as Juvederm Volbella and Juvederm Ultra Plus, are specially designed for lip augmentation that lasts from 6 to 12 months – sometimes even longer. Expect a smooth consistency for a natural look and feel. Take note that Juvederm is usually more expensive than other filler options.
2) Belotero
Belotero integrates smoothly into the surrounding lip tissues. The lighter consistency makes it particularly suitable for patients with delicate or thin lips who desire a subtle improvement. Since results may not last as long as other lip filler brands – only 3 to 6 months – touch-up sessions may be required more frequently.
3) Restylane
Restylane products are used for various facial rejuvenation purposes, including lip injections. Restylane Kysse and Restylane Silk are the most recommended options for lip augmentation. However, similar to other lip filler options, there is a potential for temporary swelling and bruising after the procedure.
4) Radiesse
Radiesse is a dermal filler brand primarily used for wrinkles, folds, and volume loss. It’s made of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres – not hyaluronic acid – that can be found naturally in the bones and teeth. Results are not reversible. Radiesse may be considered for lip augmentation if the patient is specifically looking for a longer-lasting solution (12 months or longer).
Why You Should Get Natural-Looking Lip Filler Injections
A lip filler injection can provide subtle results that complement your facial features, without appearing overdone or artificial. This cosmetic procedure has numerous benefits for those struggling with wrinkles, fine lines, and signs of aging in the mouth area:
- Little to no side effects: When administered by a skilled cosmetic provider, lip fillers can have minor side effects (e.g., swelling, bruising, redness) with minimal downtime. As mentioned earlier, hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body which means that it lessens the risk of adverse reactions.
- Natural fullness: Lip filler treatments improve lip structure, giving it a fuller and more defined appearance without being overly dramatic.
- Minimally invasive: Unlike traditional plastic surgery, lip fillers can be performed quickly – often within a single appointment – and results are typically reversible.
- Custom treatment plans: You can ask your aesthetic practitioner to customize the treatment on the basis of your aesthetic goals and specific needs. Say, for instance, you only want to redefine your upper lip or add volume to only a specific region.
Aftercare Instructions
A dermal filler injection is a rather straightforward procedure. It takes less than an hour to administer, but results can last months at a time. As with any cosmetic treatment, there needs to be an element of aftercare in order to maintain the longevity of results, as well as to minimize the risk of side effects. Some of these include:
1) Avoid Ultraviolet (UV) Rays
Excessive exposure to sunlight can cause inflammation. This potentially affects the longevity and appearance of your lip fillers. So whenever you’re about to go outside, make sure to apply a lip balm with SPF protection, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and limit direct sunlight exposure.
2) Drink Water
Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining the plumpness of your lip fillers. Aim to drink 8 to 10 glasses a day, depending on your individual needs and activity levels.
3) Book Regular Treatments
Lip fillers are not permanent. Expect that results will gradually diminish over time as the hyaluronic acid ingredient is absorbed by your body. The frequency of your touch-up sessions depends on your goals and individual response to the filler injections.
4) No Alcohol and Smoking
Both alcohol consumption and smoking can negatively impact the recovery process and the overall results of your lip enhancement procedure. Alcohol causes dehydration and increases the risk of swelling and bruising. In the same vein, smoking reduces the longevity of the filler material.
Ideal Candidate for Lip Filler Treatments
While dermal filler injections are popular options for enhancing facial appearance, it’s important to know if you are an ideal candidate for the procedure. You need to be in good general health, have realistic expectations, have no existing allergies to the ingredients, and be willing to commit to an aftercare regimen.
Ethos Spa Enhances Your Natural Beauty Using Lip Injections
Good lip filler results are natural. They aren’t easily noticeable because, for one, the medical professional knows when and how to inject the filler material. They understand that lip fillers are about enhancing the natural appearance of the lips and not necessarily making them volumized. They also choose the best lip filler brand that suits the patient’s goals.
The aesthetic providers at Ethos Spa closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that delivers subtle and natural-looking lip filler results. If for some reason you aren’t satisfied with the results, you can always come back to our office to have more filler injected. To determine the best option for your lips, schedule an appointment with us today.
