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Are you all about achieving fuller, luscious lips? If you’ve tried every lip plumping gloss on the market, every lip contouring tutorial, or even those lip plumping devices that left your lips sore and bruised, it’s time for a longer-lasting, natural-looking, and safe solution. FDA-approved lip injections in the hands of a skilled aesthetic nurse injector can ensure fuller lips that look natural and last longer than any lip augmentation trick you’ve seen online. Learn all about lip injections in our Phoenix-area medical spa locations in Scottsdale and Chandler, AZ, below.

Lip Injections: Which Injectables are Used for Lip Augmentation?

Despite popular misconceptions, Botox is not a lip augmentation injectable treatment. Botox is a localized muscle relaxer that, when injected directly into a muscle, reduces contractions responsible for creating fine lines in the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes (crow’s feet). However, Botox has been used and is still rarely used on fine lines around the lips to soften their appearance. These vertical lip lines (often called “smoker’s lines”) appear as we age and cause the lips to appear thinner. When we smooth these out, natural fullness is partially restored for the duration that the injectable treatment lasts.

In recent years, however, new dermal filler formulations have largely replaced Botox for vertical lip lines. These fillers also plump up the lips themselves with a more natural look and feel than years past.

before and after lip injections in scottsdaleLet’s take a look at the FDA-approved lip injections used by aesthetic injectors in our Scottsdale and Chandler, AZ medical spa locations in Phoenix, AZ.

Dermal Fillers for Lip Augmentation

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, when injected in and around the lips, enhance and restore fullness to the lips and smooth away the signs of aging. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring substance in the human body that pulls water to the area, enhancing youthful fullness. When we reintroduce FDA-approved hyaluronic acid (HA) into and around the lips, immediate improvements can be seen while the HA pulls moisture to the area for long-term results. Over time, the HA breaks down and touch-up treatments are needed to maintain results.

The HA used in lip injections comes in a gel or jelly-like form that flows easily into the lips. It is then molded by your nurse injector to provide you with even distribution and desired shape. In addition to restoring fullness, adding fullness, and reducing the signs of aging, HA lip injections can also help create the appearance of a cupid’s bow, a feature most patients very much desire.

There are two main collections of dermal fillers that are used for lip augmentation: Restylane and Juvederm. Each contains several different types of dermal fillers, but we’ll explore the ones that are specifically used as lip injections.

Juvederm Lip Fillers: Ultra, Volbella, Vollure

The Juvederm family of dermal fillers are a collection of HA injectable fillers from the makers of Botox Cosmetic. Each is used in different ways, depending on your needs.

Juvederm Ultra was one of the first Juvederm fillers and is still used as a lip augmentation filler for many patients. It is also used as a facial filler, especially in the marionette lines and nasolabial folds.

Juvederm Volbella and Juvederm Vollure are a little different than Juvederm Ultra. They are thinner and smoother formulations that are specifically designed to address the vertical lip lines, which require significantly less filling than other areas of the face. They are also useful to add very subtle enhancement to the lips.

Restylane Lip Fillers: Restylane-L, Restylane Silk

Like Juvederm, the Restylane family of fillers are a collection of HA fillers with multiple uses. These fillers come to us from Galderma, one of the most trusted names in dermatology.

Restylane-L was the original Restylane filler and has many applications throughout the face. Depending on your needs, Restylane-L may be recommended as a way to enhance the fullness of your lips.

Restylane Silk was the very first FDA-approved dermal filler specifically created for lip augmentation. It’s smoother formula provided more natural-looking and natural-feeling results than other fillers that came before it. It was also the first filler smooth enough to fill in vertical lip lines without over-filling the area.

Lip Augmentation FAQ: Common Questions and Answers About Lip Injections

 

What can I expect during a lip augmentation procedure?

Before your lip augmentation procedure, you will need to be seen by an aesthetic injector. At Ultra Smooth Skin, an aesthetic nurse injector will meet with you for a consultation in one of our three convenient locations in Scottsdale and Chandler, AZ. During your consultation, we will go over your health and medical history; collect information about prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and any supplements you may be taking; and we will examine your lips and discuss your expectations. If we determine that you are a good candidate for lip augmentation treatments and can safely receive HA fillers, we will proceed with lip injections.

Your lip augmentation treatment varies based on your needs. We will select the dermal filler that will give you the best results. During treatment, we will ensure that you are comfortable. Each syringe of filler contains lidocaine to ensure your comfort, though your provider can offer you topical lidocaine and ice to help numb the area prior to the first injection. During treatment, your lips will be filled and molded according to your needs. Following treatment, we will schedule you for a follow-up appointment and send you home with aftercare instructions. During your follow-up appointment, we will review your results, compare your before and after photos, and, if necessary, add a little bit more filler to finish off your look.

Is lip augmentation permanent? How long do lip fillers last?

Dermal fillers are not permanent. Over time, these products do dissolve, so you will have to return for touch-up treatments to maintain your results. Also, if your results aren’t what you desired, we can dissolve the filler to remove it from the treatment area. Each hyaluronic acid (HA) filler has its own longevity based on clinical trials and data; however, lip augmentation results typically last around 4-6 months. This varies from patient-to-patient, however.

Are lip injections safe? Who can safely receive lip injections?

The lip fillers that we use at Ultra Smooth Skin are FDA-approved dermal fillers that have been tested for safety when used in the lips. They are considered safe for most adults who desire to have fuller-looking lips. Every patient is different, however, and no treatment is safe for everyone. During your consultation, we will go over your medical history, discuss medications and over-the-counter remedies you’re using, and discuss any reactions to previous injectables you may have received. If you’re allergic to any of the ingredients, have a pre-existing condition that prevents safe treatment, or are taking a medication that will negatively interact with the filler, we will not recommend treatment. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not receive lip injections.

Is lip augmentation surgery or are they considered non-surgical?

restylane silk lip injections in chandler arizonaLip augmentation can be surgical or non-surgical depending on the treatment you choose. Surgical lip augmentation involves lip implants that are placed for permanent lip enhancement. Lip injections are not permanent or surgical; they require only a series of tiny injections through a fine-gauge needle. Lip injections can be performed right in our office and does not require a surgical center.

How do I choose a lip augmentation specialist near me?

It’s important to remember that aesthetic treatments are still medical treatments. These are injections that enter your body. While they are safe and FDA-approved, a tool is only as good as a person who uses it. There are also laws governing who may legally provide aesthetic injections. When choosing an injection specialist, check their medical licensing and certifications. Make sure your provider is a nurse, physician assistant, or doctor who has been trained and certified in aesthetic injectables and has a proven record of success with lip injections. Read reviews for the practice and check to see if they’ve won any awards.

At Ultra Smooth Skin in Scottsdale and Chandler, AZ, our providers are highly-qualified and recognized leaders in the field of aesthetic medicine led by Certified Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner Lisa Williams. We are recognized as a top provider for Botox and Juvederm by Allergan, the makers of these injectable products. Lisa is also a certified trainer and an expert in facial rejuvenation.

Can I get lip injections to even out lips that are not symmetrical?

Yes! Lip injections aren’t just for filling lips and making them look more youthful. If you have asymmetrical lips, such as your top lip being thinner than your bottom lip, lip fillers can help correct this and make them appear more even.

Are lip injections painful? Will anesthesia be used?

Each syringe of dermal filler used for lip injections contains a small amount of lidocaine to ensure patient comfort. Prior to treatment, you may also receive a topical anesthetic to ensure comfort. We also use ice to improve comfort and reduce swelling. Most patients say that lip injections are tolerable and feel like a small pinch.

Who shouldn’t receive lip filler treatments?

Women who are pregnant or nursing should not receive aesthetic injectables of any kind, as the effects on the baby have not been studied and are not known. If you are allergic to lidocaine, you should not receive filler treatment. Patients who have reacted to other HA fillers should not receive lip injections. Other contraindications for dermal fillers apply, so it’s important to have a consultation with an aesthetic injector who will evaluate your health history, medications, supplements, and skin condition to determine if you can safely receive fillers.

What do I need to know about lip augmentation and cold sores?

juvederm lip injections lip augmentation scottsdale phoenix chandler arizonaIf you have a history of cold sores caused by the herpes virus, you may have an eruption of blisters following your lip injections. However, precaution may be taken ahead of time. Ask us about prescriptions that can help prevent cold sore outbreaks ahead of your lip augmentation treatment.

Where can I find good lip augmentation photos of real patient results?

Each dermal filler manufacturer has before and after photos of each of their products’ real results on patients. These are not retouched, as required by law. However, you may also ask to see before and after photos during your consultation.

How much does lip augmentation cost?

Each lip filler has a different price point per syringe, and it depends on how much filler you’ll need to see results. Each of our treatment pages includes the latest pricing information for each procedure we offer. We also provide monthly specials, which often involve dermal fillers.

Are lip injections worth it?

The majority of patients who have received lip injections have said that the treatment was worth it. As of the publication of this article, 94% of Real Self users rated lip augmentation as worth it.

Where can I find lip augmentation specials in Scottsdale, Chandler, and Phoenix, AZ?

We offer monthly specials in our three convenient locations in Scottsdale and Chandler, AZ that will often involve dermal fillers. However, we urge you to exercise caution in selecting a practice based solely on discounts. We recommend choosing the right providers based on their skills, proven results, expertise, and reputation before looking at pricing and special offers.

Get Started With Lip Augmentation in Scottsdale and Chandler, AZ, at Ultra Smooth Skin

Ready to get started with lip injections? Contact us today for a personalized consultation in one of our convenient locations in the Phoenix-area. We look forward to meeting you and helping you look beautiful and feel great about how you look.

Contact Us (480) 991-3038