Despite the popularity of lip fillers, the rumors persist—lip filler will give me duck lips, lip filler is hard to upkeep, lip filler has a lot of side effects. However, we’re here to put the misconceptions about our fave treatment to rest! Read on as we debunk some of the most common lip filler myths, and learn what’s true (and what’s not) when it comes to perfecting your pout.
Myth #1: My Lips Will Look Fake
As with anything, like a haircut or a meal, the technique is everything. An experienced lip injector at a reputable med spa (like AESTHETICS 360°) will know how to strategically achieve the perfect balance—without any of the fake-looking puffiness.
The goal should be to subtly enhance your appearance without completely altering it, and to inject the filler in a way that prevents the appearance of “duck lips.” Your injector will work with you to help achieve the look you want, whether that’s natural or dramatic, or anywhere in between.
Myth #2: Lip Filler is Only for Thin Lips
Although adding volume is a common request, that’s not the only thing lip fillers are used to treat. Lip fillers are extremely customizable, and we often see patients who would like to address a wide variety of concerns, including (but not limited to):
- Correcting uneven or asymmetrical lips
- Smoothing wrinkles or lines around the lips
- Improving definition (around cupid’s bow or vermilion border)
- Lifting downturned smiles
- Adding hydration to dry, cracked, or dull lips
Myth #3: The Procedure is Painful
Many people shudder at the thought of needles and worry about them being painful. However, for the most part, lip fillers don’t hurt. Although it is an injection, people typically describe the sensation as similar to a little pinch—but pain levels tend to vary from person to person depending on their sensitivity.
During treatment, a topical numbing cream will be applied for added comfort, and there is also lidocaine in the product itself to help with pain relief. The majority of our clients report the discomfort as being totally bearable, and say that any pain goes away shortly after the procedure is finished.
Myth #4: You Have to Wait for the Filler to Dissolve
If you end up not liking your lip filler, or simply change your mind, the filler can be “dissolved” by injecting an enzyme called Hylenex into the area. Dissolution is noticeable almost immediately, with major changes occurring in the first 24 hours. The lip filler will continue to dissolve for a number of days after injection. (However, it’s important to note you can’t dissolve and then immediately refill your lips)
Myth #5: Your Lips Will Feel Weird & Your Smile Will Look Unnatural
While it’s true that lip fillers may feel a bit strange at first (people sometimes report numbness or tightness), that feeling will go away as swelling reduces and the product settles into your lip tissue. Lip fillers should be unnoticeable and not affect the way you eat or talk.
If administered properly, lip filler also shouldn’t change the way your smile looks. A distorted smile is usually a result of overfilled lips or poor injection placement, which is unlikely to happen at an accredited and experienced med spa.
Myth #6: Lip Filler Will Permanently Stretch Your Lips
Nope, your lips won’t permanently stretch, and here’s why: lip fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in our body. In the months following your treatment, the hyaluronic acid will slowly be dissolved by natural enzymes, leaving your lips back to how they once were.
In fact, since fillers promote collagen production, whatever is left over of the hyaluronic acid may actually thicken your lips’ dermis (the outermost layer you want to keep thick and healthy in order to prevent fine lines and wrinkles).
Myth #7: There’s a TON of Upkeep
While you will need regular treatments to maintain your look, it’s probably not as often as you think. Depending on factors like your lifestyle, metabolism, how much filler was used, what type (Juvéderm, Restylane, and RHA product lines), and where it was injected, lip fillers can last an average of 6 to 12 months or more.
To make your lip filler last as long as possible, we recommend:
- Following the aftercare advice to maximize your benefits
- Reducing direct sun and UV exposure
- Wearing a daily lip balm with SPF
- Drinking plenty of water to keep your lips moisturized
- Staying calm and avoiding stress (We know it’s not easy, but too much stress can accelerate the absorption process.)
- Avoiding smoking or vaping and exposure to chemicals
Myth #8: Lip Fillers Aren’t Safe
As mentioned, lip fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA). Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar that’s found in your skin. It promotes collagen production and allows your tissues to retain water to stay plump, full, and firm. You likely already have skincare products with hyaluronic acid in your bathroom!
At AESTHETICS 360°, we only use FDA-approved, clinically tested lip filler injectables. We also use facial marking, a state-of-the-art Accuvein “vein finder”, and a facial ultrasound (depending on the area being treated) to ensure safety, precision, accuracy, and to reduce the chance of bruising.
Ready for Lip Fillers? Contact AESTHETICS 360°
Have we put your worries, questions, or concerns to rest? Then consider scheduling a free, no-obligation consultation at AESTHETICS 360°! We offer only the best professional-grade hyaluronic fillers to plump and define your lips while still looking natural. After all, that’s what it means to experience the 360-degree difference!
