Let's talk about lip filler injections. It's no secret that in recent years, many people have opted for this procedure to achieve fuller, plumper lips. However, despite the growing popularity of lip fillers, a lot of individuals are left unsatisfied with the results. In fact, many people complain that their lips look anything but natural after the procedure.
Unfortunately, if you search for #lipfillergonewrong on TikTok, you'll see countless examples of patients who were left disappointed by their results. The hashtag has over 50 million views!
But don't worry; it's still possible to achieve the fuller lips you desire without sacrificing your appearance. The key is to be informed and selective. In this post, we'll dive into what you need to know to get the best results possible from your lip filler injection.
So:
Why Do So Many Lip Filler Results Rarely Ever Look Natural?
Despite their popularity, lip fillers carry a big risk of failing to produce natural-looking results.
This is due to a variety of factors:
- skill and experience of the injector
- common mistake related to lip fillers
- every person's lips are unique
- Unrealistic expectations
Let’s quickly go through each.
The Skill and Experience of Injector
Understanding the Anatomy of Lips
Lips are a pretty important part of our face, and they play a big role in facial expressions, communication, and overall aesthetics. If you're considering lip filler injections, it's crucial to understand the structures that make up the lips.
First, let's talk about the skin. The skin on our lips is pretty thin and delicate. It doesn't have hair follicles or sweat glands like the rest of our skin. Next, there's the mucosa, which is the inner lining of the lips. It's even thinner than the skin and provides a moist environment for our lips.
Moving on to the muscles of the lips, they're responsible for our lip movements and shape. There are several groups of muscles, including the orbicularis oris, depressor labii inferioris, and levator labii superioris. They all work together to control the movement of our lips.
The fat in our lips is pretty minimal, and it's mostly located in the submucosa. And it's important to note that our lips have a rich blood supply, which makes them prone to bleeding during injections. Finally, the nerves in our lips are essential because they provide sensory and motor functions.
So, that's a brief overview of the anatomy of lips. But why is this important?
Well, understanding the structures that make up our lips can help us appreciate the complexity of the area. This should make you more conscious of your decision when it comes to choosing a lip filler injector. This is crucial for several reasons:
The Importance of Choosing the Right Injector
When it comes to getting lip fillers, choosing the right injector is crucial to achieving natural-looking results. While many people may think that any injector can do the job, it is important to remember that not all injectors are created equal. It is essential to find an experienced and knowledgeable injector who can deliver on the following:
Safety: A deep understanding of the anatomy of the lips and surrounding areas is crucial for safety during lip filler injections. An injector who is well-informed about the lip's anatomy can avoid injecting the filler into blood vessels or nerves that could cause complications.
Desired results: Knowledge of the lip's anatomy can help the injector achieve the desired results by understanding the various structures of the lips and how they contribute to their shape and volume. This understanding can help the injector create natural-looking results and avoid overfilling or misshaping the lips. They will also be able to explain the different types of fillers available and help you choose the one that is right for you.
Communication: Understanding the structures of the lips can help the injector communicate more effectively with the patient, explaining what can and cannot be achieved with lip filler injections and ensuring that the patient has realistic expectations.
Which leads me to the next point.
Common Lip Filler Injection Mistakes
If you're considering lip filler injections, it's essential to understand the common mistakes that can lead to unnatural-looking lips.
- One of the most common mistakes is overfilling the lips, which can result in a "duck" or "sausage" appearance. Injecting too close to the edge of the lips can also cause a "trout pout," which is a protruding and unnatural-looking lip.
- Another common mistake is injecting too much filler in one session. This can lead to complications such as swelling, bruising, and infection. It's crucial to have your lip fillers done in a series of sessions to achieve the desired results safely.
- Using the wrong type of filler is also a mistake that can lead to an unnatural look. Hyaluronic acid fillers are generally considered the gold standard for lip augmentation, but other types of fillers can produce a less natural-looking result. Permanent fillers, for example, can lead to a distorted and unnatural appearance over time.
- Another reason why lip fillers often look unnatural is due to the injection technique used by some practitioners. Injecting too much filler, injecting it in the wrong areas, and failing to account for the natural shape and contours of the lips are all common mistakes. These errors can result in an overfilled, lumpy, or uneven appearance that is far from natural-looking.
A skilled injector will consider your facial features and proportions, use the right type of filler, and employ proper injection techniques to achieve the desired natural-looking results.
Are Patients Also To Blame?
Yes and No.
Let’s look at both sides of the coin.
On one end, some patients have unrealistic expectations or insist on overfilling their lips. Many patients may be influenced by the media or social media, where full and pouty lips are often portrayed as the ideal. The reality is what may look good on one person may not necessarily look good on another, and achieving a natural-looking result should always be the primary goal. Some people refuse to accept for that and still insist on a certain approach.
The big question is how many patients will admit they had a role to play in their unsatisfactory outcome? Not many, I bet!
Nonetheless, it’s your injector’s prerogative to help guide you on what would look best for your individual features. Together, you can come up with a treatment plan that will help you achieve your desired results while maintaining a natural appearance.
And if it means putting their foot down and saying a big NO to a certain approach. So be it!
This laissez-faire approach some injectors take is a big reason why lip fillers have gotten a bad rep! Whatever the motivation is (it’s often monetary), this has to stop.
Sadly we can’t control what other medical aesthetic practitioners do, especially here in the UK, where the regulations on aesthetic treatments are still lax. That’s why I always encourage patients to look through the preferred injector’s ethos and hold them to that standard. You can read ours here.
To conclude:
A Quick Rundown on How to Avoid Unnatural Lip Filler Results
- Choose an experienced and qualified injector who has a good reputation.
- Discuss your goals and concerns with the injector before the procedure.
- Follow the aftercare instructions provided by the injector, including avoiding certain activities and medications.
- Avoid touching or rubbing the lips excessively after the procedure.
- Wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup or other products to the lips.
- If you do develop lumps or bumps, don't panic. Talk to your injector. This can often be massaged out or treated with additional injections.
Overall, the best way to avoid lumps and bumps is to choose a skilled injector and carefully follow all instructions before and after the procedure.
One final thought:
How About Wearing Lipstick After a Lip Filler Injection?
Wearing lipstick with lip fillers can be a bit tricky, but it's definitely possible. Here are some tips:
- Wait at least 24 hours after the injection before applying lipstick.
- Avoid matte lipsticks, as they can make your lips look dry and emphasize any lumps or bumps.
- Stick to creamy or glossy lipsticks, which can help to smooth out any imperfections.
- Use a lip liner to help define your lips and prevent the lipstick from bleeding.
- Apply lipstick with a brush for more precise application.
Remember, if you experience any unusual side effects, such as excessive swelling or lumps and bumps, be sure to contact your doctor right away.
