Lip Fillers: Risks and Advice from a Nashville Top Injector
Nash Injections' client showcasing results after lip filler.
Lip augmentation is one of the most popular dermal filler treatments you can get at your local medspa. The instant cure for thin or deflated lips, lip filler injections are quick, mostly painless, and there’s no downtime. But, like with any cosmetic procedure, there are potential risks to consider.
In this article, we'll look at the risks of lip filler and share advice on how to find the best Medspa for your lip filler treatment.
Should I Get Lip Filler?
To find out if lip filler is right for you, you’ll probably want to know what the benefits are.
Here are some common reasons why people choose to get lip fillers:
Volume Loss: Many people get lip fillers to increase the volume and fullness of their lips. This can create a more defined and plump appearance.
Unevenness: Some people have naturally uneven or asymmetrical lips. Lip fillers can help correct this, creating a more harmonious look.
Aging Effects: As you age, your lips can lose volume and definition. Lip fillers can restore a youthful appearance.
Lip Shape: Fillers can be used to define the shape and contours of the lips. This can include creating a more pronounced cupid's bow or accentuating the lip line.
Self-Confidence: For many, lip fillers can boost self-esteem and have a positive impact on their confidence.
Trauma or Surgery: Lip fillers can also be used for reconstructive purposes, like repairing damage from accidents or surgeries.
The reason someone gets lip fillers is personal and a qualified medical professional can make sure you achieve your desired results.
What Are the Risks of Lip Fillers?
The results of a bad cosmetic procedure and its side effects depend on the specific circumstances.
Here are some common consequences of botched lip filler injections:
Unnatural Appearance: One of the most noticeable results of bad lip filler is an unnatural or disproportional look. Lips may appear overly large, misshapen, or uneven.
Lumps and Bumps: Poor injection techniques can lead to the formation of lumps, bumps, or irregularities in the lips.
Migration: If the filler material shifts from its intended position or is injected incorrectly, it may distort the face and add volume where it's not wanted, such as beyond the lip line.
Swelling and Bruising: While some swelling and bruising is normal, poorly administered filler injections can result in excessive swelling and bruising, which can take a long time to heal.
Pain and Discomfort: Some people can experience pain or discomfort due to the filler's presence, especially if it has been injected improperly.
Infections and Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, bad filler injections can lead to serious infections or allergic reactions.
Psychological Impact: Aside from the physical effects, poor lip filler outcomes can affect your mental well-being, potentially lowering self-esteem and confidence.
Experiencing overfilled or uneven results from lip fillers can be disappointing and uncomfortable. Remember, moderation is crucial when seeking fuller lips. A knowledgeable injector can help you avoid these risks.
Fixing Botched Lip Filler
This client came to Nash Injections with migration along the inside of her top and bottom lips. During her consultation, we discussed the benefits and process of targeting and dissolving those specific areas of migrated filler. Once that was done, we used Juvéderm Volbella to address asymmetry and replenish moisture, resulting in beautifully enhanced lips without looking overdone.
If you need to correct uneven, overfilled, or unwanted lip filler, you have a couple of options:
Dissolve and Re-treat: Some practitioners may suggest dissolving the current filler and treating your lips again after 2-3 weeks. This approach offers a fresh start for a more controlled enhancement.
Wait for Natural Metabolism: Alternatively, you can wait until your body naturally breaks down the filler. This process may take some time.
Remember, a reputable professional will always prioritize your safety and aesthetic goals and will know not to overfill your lips or dismiss the potential risks associated with migration.
Real-Life Example of a Bad Lip Filler
The client gave us permission to share the story under a pseudonym.
Meet Emily, a 27-year-old marketing professional from Nashville, TN. Emily had always had a thin top lip but as she got older, her lips had started to deflate and get wrinkles. So, she started looking for a Med Spa in Nashville for lip augmentation.
Emily scheduled an appointment with an injector who came highly recommended by a friend. Even though they had limited experience in lip fillers, they were offering a huge discount for new patients.
During the procedure, Emily started to feel worried as the practitioner insisted she should get a second syringe of filler. But this was her first time getting dermal fillers and she just figured the injector knew what they were doing.
After the treatment, Emily experienced severe swelling, bruising, and discomfort that lasted much longer than she expected. Her lips were disproportionately large and misshapen, and she was self-conscious and anxious.
As days turned into weeks, Emily noticed that the filler seemed to have moved above her top lip line and her lips protruded out giving her duck lips. She also started to see lumps and bumps forming.
Emily's decided to seek a second opinion from Nash Injections by Hannah and we were able to confirm that Emily's lips had been overfilled resulting in migration.
After discussing all of her options, we administered a careful and controlled dissolution of the unwanted areas of filler. Over several weeks, Emily's lips were gradually corrected to achieve the natural and balanced look she had originally desired.
How Do I Find the Best Injector for Lip Augmentation?
Actual Nash Injections by Hannah client with lip filler
Choosing a qualified injector is the initial step in guaranteeing the safety and success of your cosmetic procedure.
Here are our tips for finding the best medspa and injector near you:
1. Qualifications and Licensing: Start by confirming that the injector holds the necessary medical qualifications and has the right experience. Even if they are a plastic surgeon, they may not have experience in lip filler treatments.
2. Recommendations: Reach out to friends, family members, or colleagues who have undergone successful cosmetic procedures. Their personal recommendations can offer valuable insights into an injector's expertise, trustworthiness, and patient satisfaction.
3. Online Research: Use the internet to find injectors nearby. Websites and social media show reviews, photos, and patient stories, giving you an idea of their reputation and work.
4. Professional Organizations: Look at directories provided by professional organizations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. These organizations will have lists of board-certified plastic surgeons and med spas.
5. Consultations: During your first meeting, ask about an injector's experience, training, and the specific procedures they offer. Pay attention to their communication style and whether they genuinely listen to your concerns and objectives.
6. Portfolios: Check an injector's portfolio for before-and-after pictures of past patients. This lets you see the quality of their work and decide if it matches what you want.
9. Safety Protocols: Make sure the injector operates in a clean, accredited facility and strictly adheres to safety and hygiene protocols to minimize any risk of complications.
10. Read and Understand the Consent Form: Pay close attention to the consent form, which outlines the procedure, associated risks, and expected outcomes. A reputable injector provides comprehensive documentation to help you make an informed decision.
11. Vet Different Injectors: Consider getting opinions from multiple injectors if you're unsure or want different perspectives. This way, you can compare recommendations and approaches.
12. Trust Your Instincts: Choose an injector who not only has the required qualifications but also makes you feel comfortable and confident. Good communication with your injector is key to a successful cosmetic procedure.
Enhance Your Lips Safely
Lip fillers can truly enhance your natural beauty, but they also carry risks. To minimize these risks and achieve your desired look, it's crucial to choose an injector who understands your unique needs. By doing so, you'll ensure that the procedure is tailored to you, maximizing the chances of success.
With the guidance of an experienced professional, you can confidently pursue your goal of beautiful, natural-looking lips.
Article originally published 10//10/2023, updated 6/2/2024.
