Lip Fillers

What are lip fillers?

As we age, natural substances found in the skin such as Collagen, Elastin and Hyaluronic Acid that give the skin structure and volume begin to diminish.  When this occurs the lips and surrounding areas can begin to lose volume. By using lip injection treatments you can enhance and restore that lost fullness.

Lip fillers provide subtle, enhanced volume to your lips, which highlights the natural shape and size of your face.

Why consider lip enhancement?*

Lip injections can help to:

• Improve symmetry between the upper and lower lips
• Define and accentuate the vermillion border
• Enhance the Cupid’s Bow
• Smooth vertical lip lines (smoker’s lines)
• Improve lip contour
• Add volume

What happens during the lip filler treatment?

This procedure typically lasts 20-30 minutes. Prior to injection, we use a topical anesthetic cream on the lips to make the treatment as pain free as possible. Once the numbing cream has taken effect, the lip filler is injected into the lips. Dr. Singh often incorporates a cannula injection technique, which results in less trauma to the lip tissue and therefore less swelling and bruising.

As with any injection into skin tissue, some swelling should be anticipated, but this will usually subside within the first 24- 48 hours. It is recommended to give the filler product and the surrounding tissue 10-14 days for full effect to occur, and you can then expect the results to last anywhere from 9-12 months.

Individual results will vary and a complimentary consultation is required to discuss your expectations and assess your needs. In most cases we are usually able to proceed with lip filler procedure on the same date as your consultation. We strive to work with you to establish a treatment plan, ensuring that we know exactly what you are looking to achieve and have a goal of enhancing the natural beauty of your face.

Before and After Care

Download instructions

Pre-injection instructions

1. In order to minimize bruising after your procedure, please stop using the following at least 3 days prior: Aspirin, Advil or any anti-inflammatory medication during the week prior to injection, this may increase the risk of bruising or bleeding at the injection site. If possible discontinue these medications at least 3 days (preferably 1 week) before the treatment. Do not discontinue these medications without consulting with your physician if they are medically necessary. Green teas or herbal supplements, ex., flax or fish oils, multi-vitamins and red wine.
2. One day prior, you can start using Arnica, which is a herbal supplement that minimizes bruising. This is available at our front desk.
3. To ensure a comfortable procedure please eat and keep hydrated prior to your procedure.
4. Optimally, do not wear any make-up on the day of the procedure. If minimal make-up or skin care products are worn, you will be asked to wash your face with cleanser to minimize the risk of infection.
5. If you have previously suffered from cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another cold sore. Please ask Dr. Singh for medications to take prior to treatment to avoid cold sores from developing. Prophylactic anti-virals should be taken the day before your appointment.
6. Bruising is a natural response by the skin to injections. Although we try to minimize its occurrence, please anticipate its possibility. Please, do not schedule your appointment before any upcoming special events. Swelling/bruising duration varies with the patient and can last anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks.

Post-injection instructions

1. Immediately after the treatment, the common side effects are temporary redness, swelling, tenderness and an itching sensation at the injection sites. This can be a normal reaction to the injections, but is typically resolved within 2-3 days. Cold compresses may be used after treatment (no longer than 2 minutes at a time) to help with swelling, bruising and any tenderness. Tylenol use after treatment is also acceptable. If you notice any blanching, discolouration or pain around the injected area, please phone our office at (780) 428-9333 immediately. There will also be an after-hours phone number on the answering machine for you to call.
2. Initially, there may be swelling, especially in the lips. Some patients can experience swelling for about 1 week and the treated area (i.e., lips) can look somewhat uneven during this time. DO NOT massage or manipulate the injection sites during the first week even if there are lumps or they appear uneven, as this is a normal part of the healing process. This means that the results immediately after treatment should not be looked upon as the final result. Your ideal results will occur in about 3 weeks when the fillers have fully integrated with the surrounding tissue.
3. Avoid touching the treated area for 6 hours following treatment. After that, the area can be gently washed with soap and water, patted dry, and a light make-up can be applied, if desired. If the lips feel dry, use the Lip Therapy that was provided and avoid lipsticks and medicated lip balms. After 24 hours, full makeup and your usual lip care can be used again.
4. Until the initial swelling and redness have resolved, do not expose the treated area(s) to intense heat (ex., sauna, sun tanning, hot tubs) or extreme cold. Exercise and alcohol should also be avoided for the first 6 hours after treatment.
5. Evidence shows that having a follow-up treatment before the product has fully dissipated will enhance the lasting effects. Please consult with Dr.Singh about recommendations for touch-up or follow-up treatment.

Risks and side effects

Do not use dermal fillers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are allergic to any ingredients, or suffer from neurological disorders. Please inform us if you have any questions about this prior to your treatment.

Swelling after lip filler treatment is completely normal and therefore the size of your lips immediately after treatment is not a true reflection of the final result. Minor swelling can last between a few hours or days, possibly longer, depending on multiple factors.*