The desire to have attractive lips is the reason why cosmetic brands sell so much lipstick, lip gloss, and lip liner. In my practice, I find that a lot of my patients, both men and women who come in for cosmetic eyelid rejuvenation such as enhancement for hooded eyes, or puffy under eye bags as well for injectables for cheekbone, chin, and jaw enhancement appreciate how the lips are also affected by aging. When we discuss lip enhancement with fillers, 2 major concerns come up:
– 1) the fear of looking like a duck
– 2) the fear of bruising
I assure them that the fear of looking like a duck, or the list of people in the media they mention whose lips look too big, are things I’m confident will not happen when I perform their lip enhancement. My goal is to make the lips look appropriate for the individual’s facial features so the lips don’t look out of place. As far as bruising is concerned, they often mention a friend or several friends who had bruises and swelling which were so significant, it prevented them from going to work.
*Simulated result using stock photo model
Again, I assure them by explaining that as a surgeon who’s performed a wide range of lip procedures, long before the popularity of injectable fillers, I have my own approach to enhance the lips, and consistently avoid or minimize bruising.
What Causes Bruised Lips After Fillers
Bruising occurs when there is bleeding. When bruising happens during or after lip filler injection, it’s due to the needle piercing a blood vessel. The more times a needle pokes the lips, the more likely a bruise will occur, which also increases the number of bruises.
Avoiding Bruising After Lip Fillers
I begin any lip enhancement with first an analysis of the aspects of the lips which would benefit from additional volume. This allows me to consider strategically how to use the least number of points of placement to achieve the desired outcome.
I routinely use blunt cannulas instead of needles to place filler. By using blunt cannulas there is less of a chance of piercing a blood vessel in contrast to a needle.
Different Types of Lip Fillers
For lips I use a range of hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane L, Restylane Silk, Juvederm XC, and Juvederm Volbella. I find these softer fillers are ideal for the natural soft quality of the lips, which allow the lips to move naturally with talking, smiling, and kissing. I prefer hyaluronic acid fillers over other options such as fat grafting or implants. I’m able to place these fillers with fine precision to address volume, and contour asymmetries. These filler materials are metabolized naturally because hyaluronic acid, as well as hyaluronidase occur naturally in the body.
Unfortunately, disproportionate lips and bruising strike fear in the hearts of men and women considering lip enhancement, so as with general health, prevention is the best approach. Although excessive swelling and bruising from lip augmentation are common, both issues can be addressed with optimal technique. I feel that there is particular value for a lot of patients who come in and wear lipstick in a way where they literally draw the lips the wish they had. This means that the lipstick goes well outside the borders of the lips.
Essentially, there is a potential space where the lip volume has diminished, typically associated with aging, that can be enhanced. As I often discuss during consultation, lips play a very important part in your facial appearance. Minimally traumatic and artistically placed volume can have a tremendous impact on the appearance of your lips. Don’t let the fear of swelling or bruising stop you from enjoying the benefits of naturally full lips.