If you are planning to get your lips done up, you may be confused about the type of filler to get, the aftercare and the recovery process. There are many steps involved and many factors to consider, which can feel overwhelming. But donโt worry, you are not alone.
Lip fillers on thin lips look amazing, but only when you have chosen the right filler type and followed your doctorโs advice closely. Moreover, the aftercare of a lip filler also plays a crucial role in the end result. Many people donโt get lip fillers because they are worried about the recovery process, and even if they do, they are left confused about what they can eat, what products they can use and how they can accelerate the recovery. The first step to ensure an expedited recovery process is to get lip fillers from a reputable clinic. Once you have found the clinic and gotten your lip done, the speed of recovery depends on the aftercare.
Four Types of Lip Fillers:
There are four types of lip fillers that cosmetic surgeons use:
- Hyaluronic Lip Filler:
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance that is naturally produced by the body. By externally injecting HA filler into your lips, you can enhance the shape of your lips and increase its volume. These lip fillers usually last 12 months and are great if you are looking for a temporary solution.
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite:
This lip filler lasts for about 12 months and more if you take good care. The substance present in the filler is made of microscopic calcium particles suspended in a gel solution that adds volume and stimulates collagen production, leading to a long-lasting result.
- Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA):
This synthetic biodegradable polymer stimulates collagen production, gradually making your lips look voluminous and plump. These fillers donโt provide immediate results, and a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart are needed to achieve optimal outcomes. However, the effects are long-lasting and worth the multiple sessions.
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Beads:
PMMA beads are suspended in a gel-like substance and injected into the lips to give it a voluminous appearance. These fillers are semi-permanent because microsphere beads donโt degrade easily, providing a long-lasting result compared to many other fillers.
The Aftercare of Lip Filler
If you want to speed up the healing process, here are the things you must consider:
- Avoid Alcohol at Any Cost:
Avoid alcohol at any cost because it will act as a blood thinner in your body, aggravate your bruises and make your inflammation worse. It can also dehydrate your body, impacting the time taken to heal.
- Apply Aloe Vera Gel, Arnica or Vitamin K:
Doctors recommend using aloe vera gel, arnica or vitamin K if you have bruises on the injection site or swollen lips. This will help you calm the swelling and speed up the healing process.
- Avoid Intense Exercise for the First 48 Hours:
Intense exercising will increase your blood pressure and aggravate swelling and bruising. Therefore, avoiding intense exercise or any other activity that causes sweating for the first 48 hours is best.
- Avoid Makeup:
Avoid putting makeup on your lips, such as lipstick or lip balm, until the bruises have completely healed. The chemicals present in your makeup may settle on the bruises and make it worse. However, you can use clear petroleum jelly to keep it hydrated.
- Have Plenty of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables:
Ensure you have plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoid food high in sodium. Excess sodium will worsen the swelling and irritate your lips.
- Avoiding Touching or Massaging your Lips:
Avoid applying pressure on your lips by touching or massaging them. Doing so will worsen the infection and impact how the fillers settle on your lips.
- Avoid Sauna and Steam Rooms:
Avoid hot environments such as saunas and steam rooms. Heat can dilate the blood vessels, worsening the injected area.
- Take Pain Killers After Doctorโs Consultation:
Taking pain medications is okay, but only after you have consulted with your doctor. Your doctor will advise you to avoid taking blood thinning medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin after the treatment.
- Donโt Travel or Take a Flight:
It is better if you avoid traveling or taking a flight for the first week after the treatment. The air pressure in the plane will make your bruising worse.
- Avoid Smoking or Vaping:
You must avoid smoking and vaping till the bruises have completely healed. Not following this advice will aggravate the bruises.
How Much Time Does it Take for Your Lips to Heal?
Swelling is very common after you have got your lips done. However, it goes away in a few days if you follow the precautions mentioned above. The first 24 hours after the treatment, your lips may appear more prominent than you had expected. But donโt worry, this is not the final result. The swelling subsides gradually in about five days if you take precautionary measures. Moreover, for your lips to completely heal, you have to wait for two weeks (approximately).
Conclusion
Lip filler is a safe option for individuals insecure about their thin lips. However, remember it is a semi-permanent option, and you must get touch-ups done at regular intervals. Moreover, before you get your lips done, it is best to consult with the doctors about the entire procedure and the aftercare to ensure long-lasting and optimal results.
