As you age, many changes begin to take place on your face. Fine lines, wrinkles, skin sagging, and thinning lips become visible and can make you look older than you feel.
These days, we are fortunate to have access to a plethora of cosmetic treatments that can reverse these signs of aging. Lip fillers are one of the most sought-after treatments used to add volume to your lips, enhance their shape, and correct symmetry issues without surgery. Many people ask, “Are lip fillers safe?”
Yes. When performed by a qualified, licensed injector who is using FDA-approved products, lip filler is considered safe. However, similar to any type of cosmetic treatment, lip fillers do have associated risks and side effects that can occur.
What Can Affect The Safety Of Lip Fillers?
The type of filler, its origin, the experience of your injector, and your health can affect the safety of your lip filler treatment. Lip fillers are considered reasonably safe when the fillers being used are FDA-approved and are done by a professional who has extensive training and experience.
Most of the lip fillers used today are made of hyaluronic acid, a compound naturally found in your body, and are less likely to cause a bad reaction. Many cosmetic fillers contain hyaluronic acid because it provides customizable volume and can be adjusted or dissolved if necessary.
Common Side Effects Of Lip Fillers
Like any type of cosmetic procedure, there are some normal and expected side effects that you may experience after lip filler. Some side effects of lip fillers might include:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Mild soreness near the injection site.
- Lumpiness.
You should contact your doctor if you experience:
- Severe pain.
- Swelling or bruising that is getting worse.
- Very pale skin or skin with white patches.
- You see signs of infection.
What Are The Risks of Lip Fillers?
Lip filler procedures are considered safe when performed by a licensed, experienced professional. Complications that are serious are rare, but they can occur. Lip filler risks may include:
- An allergic reaction
- Infection
- The filler can move into unwanted locations.
- Scarring
- Lumps
- Damage to nearby tissue.
- A blood vessel could become blocked. (very serious)
- If filler accidentally enters a blood vessel, it may affect the blood flow to the tissue in that area, and the tissue may die. Other serious complications like vision problems, blindness, or even a stroke are possible.
Lip fillers should never be attempted by someone who is not a qualified, trained, and licensed injector with extensive experience.
How Can You Help Ensure Your Lip Filler Session Is Safe?
The best way to ensure your safety with lip fillers is to choose an experienced and qualified provider. It is important that your injector is properly licensed and trained, so look for a provider who:
- Has extensive training in facial anatomy.
- Reviews your medical history to make sure you are a suitable candidate for lip filler before your treatment.
- Has several years of experience administering lip filler injections.
- Uses fillers that are approved by the FDA.
- Will discuss the risks, benefits, and alternatives that may be available.
- Is experienced in managing any complications that may occur.
Can I Do Lip Fillers At Home?
You may see DIY lip filler kits on social media or when doing a Google search, and you may wonder, “Are at-home lip fillers safe?”
No. In fact, the FDA warns against using at-home filler products, including DIY lip filler kits and “needle-free” injection devices that you may see marketed. These products can contain unknown ingredients or may be contaminated, which can cause serious complications.
Additionally, self-injecting lip fillers could result in disaster if you were to accidentally inject into a blood vessel or into the wrong area.
Lip Fillers May Not Be Safe For Everyone
Lip fillers are not a good choice for every person. It is important to talk with your injector if you have:
- Certain autoimmune conditions
- An active skin infection
- Severe allergies
- A history of anaphylaxis
- Are prone to excessive scarring
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
A consultation with a specialist at IBI Plastic Surgery & Med Spa can help determine if lip fillers will be a safe option and will give you the results you are looking for.
Where Can I Find Out More About Lip Fillers In Atlanta?
If you are considering lip fillers in Atlanta, GA, the injectors at IBI Plastic Surgery & Med Spa are highly qualified professionals with years of expertise in lip filler injections.
IBI Plastic Surgery & Med Spa is led by Dr. Angelina Postoev, a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon with over 20 years of experience.
One of our knowledgeable injectors can answer any questions you may have and help determine if lip fillers are a good option for you. Set up your consultation today to learn more.
