Scroll through any beauty forum or social media feed. You will find two very different sides of the lip filler conversation.

On one side you see natural-looking results that make you wonder "did she get lip fillers or didn't she?"

On the other side you see cautionary tales of overdone stiff forward-projecting lips that have become the internet's go-to example of what not to do with lip fillers.

The truth is, lip fillers done well are practically invisible.

Most of the time, everyone's dreaded overfilled lip appearance is not caused by the lip filler itself but rather it is from the excess amount of filler used or an incorrectly applied technique or injected by someone inexperienced.

It is here we will guide you on what to expect after your lip filler procedure, a realistic expectation of the outcome after lip filler, what you need to do to not get duck lips and the reason that so many people are turning to the permanent lip alternative.

What Are Lip Fillers?

Lip fillers are treatments that use hyaluronic acid. A substance your body naturally produces. To add volume, definition and hydration to your lips.

Popular brands of lip fillers include Juvederm and Restylane each offering different textures and consistencies suited to different lip filler outcomes.

When injected by a practitioner hyaluronic acid fillers integrate with your lip tissue attracting water molecules and creating a soft plump hydrated effect.

The lip filler treatment is most hyaluronic acid fillers that last 6 to 12 months before your body naturally breaks them down.

This is actually one of the advantages of hyaluronic acid lip fillers: if you are unhappy with the lip filler result they can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase.

The lip filler procedure itself typically takes 30 to 45 minutes including numbing time.

Results are immediately visible. Though some swelling in the few days will temporarily exaggerate the look before it settles into the true lip filler result.

Lip Fillers Before. After: What to Realistically Expect

Immediately After Treatment

After your lip filler appointment your lips will look swollen and fuller than they will after they heal. This swelling is normal and not the final result. You might also feel:

• A little bruised where the needle went in
• Tender and tight around your lips
• A bit uneven as the swelling goes down

Days 3 to 7: Settling Begins

The swelling keeps going down. Your lips start to feel softer and more natural. If you get bruised it will start to fade. Many people think this is when their lips look their best. They're still a bit bigger, but not swollen anymore.

2 Weeks Post-Treatment: The True Result

Two weeks after the treatment you can see how your lips really look. Any swelling is gone, the filler has settled into your lip tissue. Their shape is set. This is when you and your doctor should check if you need filler.

Important: Don't judge your lip fillers before two weeks. Many people get worried when their lips are swollen and think they're too big.. They think they've lost too much and try to fix it too soon. Just be patient.

3 to 6 Months: Gradual Softening

Hyaluronic acid fillers are gradually broken down by the body. About 3 months is when you'll find the lips start to soften. Results last 6-12 months depending on the filler used, injection site and how quickly your body metabolises the filler.

The Overfilled Look: What Causes It and How to Avoid It

The "duck lip" look. You know, the round upper lip that sticks out. Is what most people fear when they think about lip fillers. If you understand what causes it you can make choices.

Much Filler, Too Fast

This is the common reason. When much filler is added at once the lip tissue can't handle it and the filler pushes forward. A slow approach. Starting with a little and adding over time. Usually gives better results.

Poor Placement

Where the filler is injected matters a lot. If it is injected shallowly or too much is put in the wrong place it can look unnatural. A good injector looks at your face, not just your lips.

Ignoring Facial Proportions

Beautiful lips fit with the rest of your face. The ideal ratio between your lower lip is about 1:1.6. Your lower lip should be a bit fuller. When the upper lip is too big it looks weird. A doctor who checks your face before treating your lips will give you better results.

Repeated Top-Ups Without Dissolving

Filler doesn't get fully absorbed if you don't add more and can accumulate over time, making it look unnatural. That's where celebrity lips look so strange later on.

Protection

Make sure you have more filler than you want or think you need added initially, you can always add more later.

Make sure you are seeing a well-trained and natural looking practitioner. Have a look at their before and after images to ensure their results look natural.

Don't have too many fillers put in at once. Gradually adding more filler over time will give you the most natural look.

Who Is a Candidate for Lip Fillers?

Lip fillers are good for people who:

• Have really thin lips and want them to look fuller
• Are getting older and losing volume in their lips
• Have lips that are not symmetrical
• Have lips with weak edges
• Have lines around their mouth

Lip Fillers vs. Lip Blush

If you want your lips to look fuller, lip filler is what you need. If you want your lips to look more defined, even and more beautifully coloured then lip blush or dark lip correction PMU is likely to give you the result you want.

Many clients at Elora’s PMU come in asking about lip fillers and leave with lip blush instead. This is not because we talked them out of getting lip fillers. Because once they understand what each treatment does, lip blush matches their goal more precisely.

Aftercare: How to Look After Your Lips Post-Filler

Good aftercare protects your results and reduces recovery time:

After treatment:

• Do not touch or apply pressure to the lips.
• Refrain from vigorous activity for 24-48 hours.
• Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours.
• Refrain from the use of extreme heat for 48 hours.
• Ensure plenty of fluids are consumed.

Within the next two weeks:

• No procedures that may pull the lips apart, such as dentistry, etc.
• No lip; or laser treatment near the mouth.
• Wear an SPF lip balm outdoors.
• Do not apply pressure to the lips.

Term:

• Use a good lip balm to keep the lips moisturized daily.
• Wear SPF on the lips when in the sun.
• Keep follow-up appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do lip fillers hurt?

Most practitioners use a numbing cream and many HA fillers contain lidocaine.

Can I still look natural with lip fillers?

Yes when done correctly.

How do I know if I've been overfilled?

Check two weeks post-treatment. Signs include a lip that projects forward unnaturally lips that feel stiff and lips that look disproportionately large.

Can lip blush and lip filler be combined?

Yes, many clients choose to have both.

How soon can I get lip blush after lip fillers?

Wait until the filler has fully settled, 4 weeks.

The important thing is that the overfilled look is avoidable with the right approach and practitioner. Looking for lip enhancement that works with your face is not a compromise. It's aesthetics.

Whether you opt for filler, blush or a combination, one thing will remain constant, and that is the outcome of lips that boost your confidence and will ultimately make you feel more like 'you'.

At Elora’s PMU we specialise in lip blush and dark lip correction PMU. If you're unsure which treatment is right, for you our consultation process is designed to give you a personalized answer.