Preserving Lip Filler 101

While hyaluronic acid lip fillers are never permanent, some patients will see results that last longer than others. This is partially thanks to several steps you can take to help ensure your results last as long as possible. A professional injector can answer any questions you may have, but below are some basic tips to help make your lip fillers last as long as possible.

Follow Your Lip Injection Aftercare Instructions

After you receive your lip injections, your injector will provide you with specific instructions to follow. Some common pieces of aftercare advice include avoiding alcohol or strenuous activity for 24 hours to prevent bruising or bleeding, staying hydrated, and gently applying ice as needed to reduce swelling. Your injector may also give you instructions regarding massaging the area to soften or evenly distribute the product. This varies, so refer to the provided instructions.

Apply SPF

It’s no secret that excess sun exposure can be dangerous and damaging to the skin. However, many are surprised to learn that UV rays can essentially dry the hyaluronic acid within lip filler. This is because the skin of the lips is very thin, making the hydration beneath sensitive to sun exposure and susceptible to damage. Apply SPF daily to prevent this sun damage, and choose a lip balm that contains SPF to reapply and protect your lips throughout the day. This will help extend the life of your lip filler results.

Hydration and Balanced Nutrition

Drinking plenty of water and eating balanced, nutritious meals is great for your overall health. However, hydration and eating well can also be great for your lip fillers. Sugars bind to collagen and elastin and trigger inflammation within the skin. This can cause hyaluronic acid fillers to break down faster, meaning that eating a well-balanced diet low in refined sugar can help maintain your lip filler results. Similarly, patients often find that limiting dairy or caffeine can reduce inflammation for better results. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water will also improve your skin’s overall health and support longer lip filler results.

Professional Quality Skincare

While excellent products may be available through the drugstore, these are not generally formulated with injectables in mind and may be unintentionally harmful. In contrast, many professional quality skincare products are designed to work well with injectable fillers. In addition, you can receive tailored recommendations from a professional for the best products to suit your skin type and support your lip fillers. At CARE Plastic Surgery, we offer proven product lines including Revision, ZO Skin Health, SkinCeuticals, EltaMD, and SkinMedica.

Routine Maintenance Injections

No matter how focused you are on taking proper care of your skin and supporting your lip filler results, these products are not permanent. If you want to maintain your results long-term, it is important to schedule routine injections. Lip fillers may last anywhere from six months up to two years depending on the product. Your injector at CARE Plastic Surgery can help you learn how often maintenance injections will be necessary for you.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about lip fillers, schedule a consultation at CARE Plastic Surgery. Call our Cary, NC office at (919) 335-9298 or contact us online.

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