Lip Fillers in Bellevue & Kirkland, WA

The lips are an important part of facial aesthetics. Lips that appear too small or do not have enough outward projection can affect both the frontal and profile view of the face. The 2010s brought new beauty standards and a new focus on the look of the lips. Celebrities and influencers have popularized full, plump lips and touted the various procedures that can achieve bigger lips. Luckily, there is a relatively quick and simple way to augment the lips, lip fillers. Northwest Face & Body provides the best lip fillers Bellevue and Kirkland have to offer.

What Is Lip Filler?

Lip fillers enhance the appearance of the lips using hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. This non-surgical procedure is among one of the most popular and widely performed cosmetic procedures today. Dermal fillers are also used outside of the lips for filling in wrinkles and hollows.

Filler injections in the lips can achieve many cosmetic goals. While the most common motivation for lip fillers is to get plumper lips, patients have many reasons for wanting to try lip fillers. Some of the reasons patients seek lip fillers include:

• Improve the facial profile
• Correct lip asymmetry
• Plump thin lips
• Reduce lip wrinkles
• Correct the look of lipstick lines and smoker’s lines
• Achieve bigger, rounder lips

Types Of Lip Fillers

Dermal fillers vary in composition and ingredients. However, largely, hyaluronic acid fillers are the only dermal fillers used for lip injections. Not only are hyaluronic acid fillers the lowest risk, but they also adapt best to the frequent movement of the lips and remain soft enough to look and feel natural. Longer lasting fillers like Sculptra or Radiesse are not safe for use in the lips.

Restylane and Juvederm make the most widely used hyaluronic acid fillers. Many of their fillers are safe for lip injections. Examples of lip fillers from Restylane and Juvederm include:

Restylane:

• Kysse (made especially for the lips)
• Defyne
• Refyne
• L
• Silk
• Lyft

Juvederm:

• Ultra
• Ultra Plus
• Volbella

Each type of filler comes with a slightly different look and feel. Some fillers, like Juvederm Ultra Plus, are thicker. While Restylane L is a thinner filler. Based on the anatomy of your lips and goals, your injectors can recommend the right lip filler for your lip injections in Bellevue.

Juvederm vs. Restylane

What are the differences between Juvederm and Restylane? Which one should I get? The answer is that the two fillers and treatments are extremely similar. Juvederm and Restylane are simply two different dermal filler manufacturers with slight variations in formula and offerings.

Restylane is more cost effective and makes more fillers suitable for the lips. Some patients may find that Restylane fillers do not last as long. Juvederm fillers, in general, tend to be a little thicker, and thus, may last longer. This thickness–while a benefit based on longevity–may not provide the best, natural results for some patients.

Juvederm fillers last on average from three to twelve months in the lips. The average Restylane fillers may need refreshing in three to six months. Ultimately, the best lip filler for you will depend heavily on your goals, anatomy, and lifestyle.

Lip Filler Benefits

Beyond creating plumper, fuller lips, lip filler come with many benefits and advantages. Benefits may include:

• Quick procedure
• Non-invasive
• Little to no pain
• Low risk
• Reversible
• No downtime required
• Increases the size of the lips
• Can enhance lip shape
• Improve lip projection and facial profile
• Temporary, providing the opportunity to try out different fillers and techniques to determine what works best for them
• Performed by physician trained injectors or plastic surgeons with extensive training in lip fillers
• Easy to combine with other fillers and procedures

Before And After Lip Filler Injections In Bellevue

Consultation With A Bellevue Injector

Before having lip filler injections at Northwest Face & Body, you will consult with an experienced injector. They will listen as you explain your goals for the procedure, medical history, and expectations. Next, they will physically examine your lips and facial structure. At this point, they will determine if you are a good candidate for Bellevue lip fillers.

If lip fillers will help you achieve your aesthetic goals, the injections can be scheduled. Subsequent filler injections often take no longer than twenty minutes to complete.

Lip Filler Injections

To begin your lip filler injections, your injector will first sanitize the injection sites with alcohol wipes. Depending on the specifics of the injections, or your request, they may apply a topical anesthetic. Most lip fillers contain lidocaine to further ease the pain or discomfort of the injections.

There are two main methods for lip injections. The first uses a needle to inject the filler while the second uses a thin cannula. Your injector may use one or both of these techniques to achieve the desired results. Lip filler injections usually take no more than twenty minutes. However, if you are receiving more filler injections, some injection appointments may go as long as an hour.

After the filler is injected, your injector may gently massage it into place. Finally, they will give you instructions on how to promote the best results. Normally, you will see an immediate difference in the look of your lips. As the swelling goes down and the filler settles, you should see your final results within two weeks.

Lip Filler Aftercare

It is not uncommon to see a few minor side effects. Like most injections, lip filler can cause swelling, bruising, tenderness, and redness. Side effects should subside within a week, although some patients may see side effects go away much sooner.

While there is no traditional recovery or downtime associated with lip fillers, your injector will give you instructions on how to reduce swelling and promote good results. A few examples of lip filler aftercare instructions include:

• Avoid wearing makeup on your lips for 24 hours
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid taking ibuprofen, aspirin, and other medications that may contribute to blood thinning
• If you experience swelling, elevating your head at night may lessen it
• Light activity is fine, but overly strenuous activity could worsen swelling or bruising
• Do not smoke or drink for at least 24 hours after your injections

These are just examples of instructions that your injector may give you. Your injector will give you lip filler aftercare instructions catered to you and your Bellevue lip filler.

Safety Of Lip Fillers

Lips fillers, especially hyaluronic acid based fillers are considered some of the safest cosmetic injections on the market. In general, dermal fillers and injections are widely considered safe, low risk procedures. While it is possible to experience more serious side effects, these are notably and extremely rare, especially when you choose a qualified injector like those at Northwest Face & Body.

If you have concerns about lip filler treatment, our injectors can address them during a consultation. There are some techniques and preparations available that can minimize risk. For example, the cannula method may reduce the chances of bruising and swelling and is less likely to disturb nearby structures. This reduces the overall risk of lip fillers.

The needle method is still perfectly safe in the hands of a capable and experienced injector. At a consultation, your injector can determine which method will provide you the best and safest results.

Risks

Complications from lip fillers are rare in ideal patients. If you have concerns or prolonged side effects (more than one week) or develop new side effects (like a fever). Patients usually see side effects fade within a week. Overall, the risks of lip fillers include:

• Infection
• Prolonged bruising or swelling
• Allergic reactions
• Unsatisfactory cosmetic outcome (such as lip asymmetry or lumps that don’t go away)
• Vascular occlusion (extremely rare and normally noticeable and treatable in office immediately. This can also be mitigated by using a cannula.)
• Scarring

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Lip Filler?

It is hard to say what is the best lip filler. Each patient and provider often has a different idea of what makes the best lip filler. Some patients may prefer a firmer look and feel, while others may want a more malleable and soft filler.

When it comes to the manufacturers themselves, Restylane produces Restylane Kysse which is a dermal filler made exclusively for the lips. Designed with the goals of lip filler patients in mind, Restylane Kysse aims to achieve the best lip filler results.

That said, patients like to try out different fillers to determine the one they like best. Your injector can also likely make a recommendation based on your goals and preferences.

Is Lip Filler Temporary?

Yes, lip fillers are not a permanent lip augmentation solution. There are longer lasting options such as a bullhorn lip lift or surgical lip augmentation. Lip fillers can often serve as a precursor to these procedures to give patients an idea of what the results of these more permanent solutions could look like.

When Will Swelling Go Down?

Swelling is one of the most common side effects of lip filler injections. Generally, patients see a significant reduction in swelling within three days or so. By one week, it should be imperceptible. Some patients can experience swelling for ten days or more, but this is exceedingly rare.

Your injector can also give you tips on how to reduce and prevent swelling. This can include avoiding NSAID painkillers, not doing any strenuous exercise for a day or two, and elevating your head when you sleep.

How Long Does Lip Filler Last?

The amount of time you get to enjoy your lip filler largely depends on a few factors. Firstly, the kind of dermal filler you received. Dermal fillers are known to last anywhere from three months to eighteen months. The lips are among one of the facial structures that move most. Therefore, fillers tend to dissolve faster in the lips than elsewhere on the face.

Another factor that impacts lip filler longevity is your lifestyle. Patients with a high metabolism, or who exercise more than average may see their lip filler dissolve faster. Additionally, those who use the lips more often (such as musicians or singers) may also see their filler dissolve quicker.

Finally, some people’s bodies break down the filler quicker than others. Two people who receive the same type and amount of filler can need new filler at completely different intervals.

Can I Make Lip Filler Last Longer?

Maybe, while you can’t control your metabolism, you can control other aspects of your lifestyle that impact how long your lip filler lasts. Firstly, follow your injector’s aftercare instructions carefully. Next, continue to live a healthy lifestyle with a good diet and exercise. Be careful not to exercise too much, since as discussed, this can cause your body to break down the filler faster. Finally, taking good care of your skin and wearing SPF can protect fillers which may be sensitive to UV and sun rays.

Are There More Permanent Lip Augmentation Options?

Yes, it is common that habitual and regular lip filler patients may eventually want a more permanent solution. Some patients may also have extremely thin lips or conditions where they may benefit from surgery more than fillers. For these patients, lip implants, fat transfer to the lips, or a lip lift may provide them the lasting results they desire. A Bellevue plastic surgeon can determine if you are a candidate for these plastic surgery procedures.

The Best Lip Fillers In Bellevue And Kirkland At Northwest Face & Body

Northwest Face & Body has served the Bellevue and Kirkland areas since 1983. For nearly four decades, they have provided the best lip filler and other cosmetic injections. Our injectors consist of plastic surgeons and physician trained injectors who combine skill and aesthetic expertise. With years of experience, our injectors customize every lip filler appointment to each specific patient and their goals.

Our office is located at Carillion Point in Kirkland, Washington, right on the shores of Lake Washington. Northwest Face & Body offers a welcoming and comfortable environment for your Bellevue and Kirkland lip filler. Just a few minutes drive from both downtown Bellevue and Kirkland, Northwest Face & Body is the Eastside’s top lip filler provider.

To schedule a consultation for lip filler in Bellevue and Kirkland at Northwest Face & Body, call us at 425-576-1700. You can also reach us online via our Price Simulator™ app, contact form, or chat.

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*Add $100 to starting prices for lip filler injections.