Contrary to popular belief, lip augmentation is not as common as you might think. Many doctors claim to offer fillers, but the results can vary dramatically from skilled to disastrous.
The anatomy lesson that matters
Professional injectors spend their time studying facial anatomy prior to administering treatments such as fillers. The lips are particularly tricky to administer fillers to due to the high number of blood vessels, nerves and muscles that run through the skin. To achieve the best results, injectors must have a thorough understanding of the varying depths required to administer the filler safely and effectively, as well as the muscle fibres and critical arteries that run through the body of the lip and the surrounding areas.
These structures can be visualised by qualified practitioners in 3D and fillers can then be placed according to your individual facial shape and anatomy. I can think of nothing more off-putting than seeing poorly executed fillers with obvious signs of “bad technique”. Sometimes a face can look more symmetrical but at the expense of lumps and an over-inflated appearance. There is no such thing as a face that fits in a training manual and each lip is different and requires a completely different approach.
Product selection matters more than you think
These products are available for the use of professional practitioners such as dermatologists and plastic surgeons. They are distributed through authorized medical distributors around the world. As with any fillers there are different formulas of hyaluronic acid within each volume, some suitable for subtle volumizing and some for larger volumizing.
Fillers that are used in clinical aesthetic centers are stored in a cool place in a cold chain environment at constant refrigerator temperatures. Failing to keep these products at the appropriate temperature and handling them incorrectly can not only change the properties of the original filler but also put patients’ health at risk.
The consultation that counts
The consultation should be given the same consideration as the procedure itself. By evaluating the shape and structure of your lips and explaining to you what outcomes are attainable, the injector creates realistic expectations. A top lip injector in Jacksonville even takes pictures of your lips from different angles and explains what different fillers and approaches will do for you and your face.
There are a few medical screenings done as well in this phase of healing. We find out any medications that you are on, if you had any recent dental work, and if you have any active infections. This is well handled by very trained and professional practitioners and they have worked out the protocols for such cases. Mostly these screenings occur in order to have you booked in quickly for an appointment with them. Mostly it indicates whether or not this practitioner is more interested in raking in the money or helping you to achieve true health.
Experienced and skilled injectors are often as quick to tell you what wont work as what will. They will also be honest as to whether your expectations are unrealistic and will guide you as to whether your face is best suited to other treatments or approaches. Not what you may want to hear I guess, but potentially save you from less than ideal results.
Technique refinement through continued education
Injections and fillers have come a long way in the past 5 years! Now advanced providers are studying and refining how to do injections, studying anatomy and incorporating patient feedback and results. In enhancing the lips specifically, now there is an understanding that the fillers must allow for proper movement of lips and mouth as opposed to simply overfilling.
As practitioners get the “hang” of using the device, many also like to pre-inject and view the blood flow patterns to better understand how to most effectively use the device. Not everyone has access to these evolving technologies and tools but this is where the future of micro-needling lies – in more detail and in understanding how to get the best result!
Recovery protocols and follow-up care
Filler aftercare is not left to heal by itself. Along with your treatment, you will be provided with some aftercare advice and you will have a follow up appointment. Your practitioner will be able to advise you as to what side effects are normal and when you need to seek medical attention. It is also helpful if your practitioner has a knowledge of other specialists and their contact details in the unlikely event of any complications arising outside of their remit.
When choosing a filler for your cosmetic treatment, it is good to consider how you would handle an emergency situation such as over-injection of a particular area. Many fillers contain reversal agents that can be injected into the affected area. Likewise, most fillers have a low risk of severe allergic reactions and/or vascular complications; however, your clinic of choice should be prepared to handle these rare occurrences. When deciding between two or more similar products, it is generally best to choose the option that does not have severe complications and/or reversal agents, and instead opt for a filler that is similar in nature and has a safer profile.
It’s important to review a practitioner’s credentials, as well as the facilities and patient interaction prior to investment in body sculpting treatments. This will save you time and money in the long run.