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For many of us, thinner lips are a major insecurity that only seems to intensify with aging due to natural deflation that happens over. However, lip injections, which have become increasingly popular in recent years, have allowed us to reclaim plumpness in our lips for the natural and subtle volume we’ve always wished for. Lip injections are a simple cosmetic procedure for fuller and plumper lips. Sabrina offers this service at her Vaughan Medical Spa; with over 15 years of experience in the healthcare sector, you can trust her to deliver great results. 

In this blog, you will learn everything there is to know about lip injections and whether this procedure is right for you, before booking a free consultation. 

What are lip injections?

While the name itself hints at what the procedure consists of, the general public tends to know very little about what substance is actually being injected into our lips. Although there are various different dermal fillers injectable into the lip/mouth area (such as collagen), the most commonly used filler is made from hyaluronic acid - a naturally-produced substance found in our bodies that attracts moisture. These injections are non-surgical and minimally invasive procedures. 

What will lip injections do?

Lip fillers will change the appearance of your lips by restoring or adding volume to your liking, help shape and structure lips that may be asymmetrical, as well as reverse the signs of aging in the lips. 

What is the procedure?

Lip injections are a simple procedure that involves initially using a numbing agent or a needle to inject little amounts of anesthesia inside your mouth to numb both the top and bottom lips and ease possible discomfort. Once the lips have been numbed, the filler will be injected into the areas that are in need of volume and the lips are massaged softly to prevent the emergence of any lumps. 

How much filler do I use?

It is important to discuss your appearance goals during a consultation with a medical professional prior to receiving treatment to know. With the help of a professional, you can determine the right amount of filler for your needs and set yourself up to achieve the best results. A little product can go a long way and it is always best to go with an amount that is too small (that you can then top-up later) rather than an amount that is too large and the product then needs to be removed. Typically 0.5 to 2 syringes (cc’s) are used, but it varies depending on patients’ needs and current lip size. 

To understand how much filler is needed to achieve your desired look, book a free consultation at Sabrina Medical Aesthetics. 

Can I get any lip shape I desire?

Patients often have a specific lip shape in mind that they hope to attain through lip injections. Whether it be Russian lips, cherry lips, a lip flip, or the cupid bow’s technique, it is important to consider that any aesthetic procedure looks its best and most natural when simply enhancing your existing features, proportions, and shapes. Attempting to completely transform your lips can result in a much too obvious, heavy, and aging result. 

While we encourage you to let us know your aesthetic goals for this treatment, at Sabrina Medical Aesthetics we factor in your facial anatomy and natural features to our treatment plan to give you the best and most natural-looking result.

Does it hurt?

During the procedure, patients might feel a pinch and/or minor discomfort. However, lips are numbed beforehand, so overall the experience is minimally painful. The numbing feeling from the lips wears off within a few hours after the treatment.

However, every patient is unique and pain tolerance varies from person to person. Accordingly, some may experience slightly more or less discomfort than others. The amount of filler being injected can also impact the level of pain. 

What is the healing process like?

Lip injections are a quick procedure that typically does not take longer than an hour and allows you to resume normal activities immediately. However, no firm pressure should be applied on the lips directly after injections and it is best to avoid lip products (such as makeup) until the swelling subsides. Mild soreness, redness, and/or itchiness at the injection site is also normal.

You will notice an increase in volume right after the treatment, however, final results typically take 2-5 days to reveal themselves as the initial swelling from the injections goes down.

Are there any risks or side effects?

When performed by a licensed medical professional, such as Sabrina at her Vaughan Medical Spa, lip injections are a very safe procedure. The best and most frequently used fillers are hyaluronic acid fillers which have very low risks of side effects, require no downtime, and can easily be reversed should a patient choose to do so. 

The most common side effects of lip fillers using hyaluronic acid are:

• Swelling, bruising, and tenderness of the lips
• Mild bleeding and/or redness at the injection sites
• Cold sore reactivation 

More serious possible side effects can include:

• Lip asymmetry 
• Infection
• Tissue loss as a result of injection into a blood vessel
• Allergic reaction that may cause extra swelling, itchiness, and redness around the lips
• Lumps on the lips as a result of poor injection

While serious side effects are rare, the best way to avoid them is by entrusting certified providers only with the treatment. 

Can I eat or drink after my treatment?

It is recommended to exercise caution until the anesthesia/numbness of the lips has worn off after treatment to prevent accidentally biting or irritating your lips. It is also best to avoid smoking or drinking from a straw for at least 24 hours because puckering your lips may also disturb the filler. As well, alcohol consumption should be avoided for at least 24 hours - alcohol thins your blood which can intensify the bruising on your lips. 

Are results permanent?

Lip fillers aren’t forever. While the length of results varies between patients, the injections typically last between six months to a year, but can last upwards of 18 months for some. This duration can vary depending on the speed of your metabolism as well as your age - generally, younger individuals have a faster metabolism (burn calories faster) and therefore their fillers often don’t last as long as others. 

Where can I learn more about lip injections and if it is right for me?