Afraid of overfilled lips
Overdone lips are the image that stops many people from trying fillers at all. Natural results come from adding a modest amount, in proportion with your teeth, your smile and the rest of your face.
Because a dentist looks at your whole smile, your lips are planned as part of it, not on their own. You talk through the look you want, and the result is built gradually rather than all at once.
Not knowing what happens at a filler appointment
Your visit starts with what you’d like to change and a review of your health history and medications. You’ll know which product is being used and how much before anything is injected, and the area can be numbed so you’re comfortable.
The filler is placed in small amounts and shaped as it goes, with a check in the mirror along the way. Afterward, some swelling is normal, especially in the lips. Skip hard exercise for the rest of the day, avoid pressing on the area, and give it about two weeks to settle before judging the final look.
Smile lines and thinning lips with age
With age, lips lose volume and the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth deepen, even when your teeth look great. Fillers can soften those lines and restore some of the fullness you’ve lost.
Worn or missing teeth can also make the lower face look older. Since your dental care and fillers are in one office, you’ll hear honestly whether a filler, dental work or both would make the biggest difference.
Confused about fillers versus Botox
Fillers and Botox are often mentioned together, but they do different jobs. Botox relaxes muscles that create lines when you move. Fillers add volume where it’s been lost, like thin lips or deep folds around the mouth.
Both are offered here, so you won’t be sold one when the other fits better. Many people only need one, and you’ll hear which before anything is booked.
Worried about a result you can’t undo
Fear of a bad result you’re stuck with is common, and reasonable. The most widely used lip and smile-line fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, which the body breaks down naturally over time and which can be dissolved with an enzyme if needed.
You’ll know which product is being used before treatment, and how long it’s expected to last.
Frequently asked questions
How long do dermal fillers last?
It depends on the product and the area. Lip fillers often last around six months to a year, and fillers in smile lines can last longer. Your body breaks the filler down gradually, so the change is slow rather than sudden.
Do lip fillers hurt?
Many fillers contain a numbing agent, and the area can be numbed beforehand too, since numbing the mouth is everyday work in a dental office. Most people feel pressure and a little stinging. You can agree on a hand signal before starting, and treatment stops whenever you raise it.
How much swelling should I expect?
Some swelling and possible bruising are normal for a few days, especially in the lips. The final look settles in about two weeks, so plan around important events. Cold compresses and skipping hard exercise for a day help.
Can fillers be reversed?
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme if you’re unhappy with the result or if there’s a complication. Some other kinds of filler can’t, so you’ll know which type is being used before treatment.
Is dermal filler covered by insurance?
No. Fillers for appearance aren’t covered by dental or medical insurance. You get the total cost of your treatment before anything is injected, so there’s no surprise afterward.