Lip fillers have become a popular cosmetic treatment for those looking to enhance the shape and volume of their lips. However, before undergoing this injectable treatment, it’s important to know what to avoid to ensure the best results. From avoiding certain supplements to staying away from strenuous exercise, this article will highlight 10 things to avoid before getting lip filler injections.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that lip filler treatments involve injecting a dermal filler into the lips to add volume and shape. The procedure is generally safe and effective, but there are certain things you should avoid before the treatment to ensure the best results and minimize the risk of complications.
10 Things To Avoid Before Having Lip Fillers |
| 1. Vitamin E and Fish Oil |
| 2. Dental Procedures |
| 3. Prescription Blood Thinners |
| 4. Strenuous Exercise |
| 5. St. John’s Wort |
| 6. Herbal Supplements |
| 7. History of Cold Sores |
| 8. Cold Packs and Ice Packs |
| 9. Special Events |
| 10. Botox Injections |
1.Vitamin E and Fish Oil:
Vitamin E and fish oil are both supplements that can increase your risk of bleeding and bruising during the injection sites of lip fillers. They are often taken for their anti-inflammatory properties, however, these supplements can have an opposite effect when taken before lip filler injections.
When you take Vitamin E and fish oil supplements, they can thin your blood and make it harder for your blood to clot. This increases the risk of bleeding and bruising around the treated area, which can be especially problematic if the injectable filler is placed too close to a blood vessel. Furthermore, if the blood vessels in the area of the injection site are damaged, it can lead to uneven results and may even cause the lip filler to migrate to an unintended area of the face. To ensure the best results and avoid complications, it is best to avoid these supplements for at least a week before your lip filler treatment.
2. Dental Procedures:
It is important to avoid dental procedures before having lip fillers because the lips and mouth are closely connected and can affect each other. Dental procedures, such as cleaning or extractions, can cause inflammation in the mouth which can lead to swelling in the lips. This can make it difficult to achieve the desired results from the lip filler treatment and can also prolong the recovery time. Additionally, if you are receiving a dental anaesthetic before the procedure, it can affect the blood flow in the area and make it harder for the lip filler to be evenly distributed.
Furthermore, its a good idea to avoid dental procedures before lip injections because the filler materials used in lip augmentation can increase the risk of complications if a patient has an active infection. The filler materials can act as a foreign body and attract bacteria, which can increase the likelihood of an infection. This is particularly concerning if the patient has an existing infection in the mouth, such as periodontitis or an abscess, as it can lead to more severe complications. It is always best to be in optimal oral health before any cosmetic procedure.
3. Prescription Blood Thinners:
One of the main reasons to avoid prescription blood thinners before having lip fillers is that they can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising during and after the procedure. Blood thinners, such as warfarin, heparin, aspirin and pain medication work by preventing the blood from clotting normally. This can cause increased bleeding and bruising at the injection site, which can make the procedure more uncomfortable and can also increase the risk of side effects. In addition, the bleeding can also affect the final outcome of the lip filler treatment, making it difficult to achieve the desired results.
Additionally, blood thinners can also increase the risk of complications from lip fillers, such as infection or irregular contouring. The increased bleeding can make it harder for the practitioner to administer the filler material, which can lead to uneven results. Furthermore, the increased bleeding can also make it more difficult for the body to heal and can increase the risk of infection. If you are currently taking blood thinners, it is essential to speak with your practitioner before having any type of filler. Your practitioner may advise you to stop taking the medication for a certain period of time before the procedure, or may recommend alternative treatment options that do not involve blood thinners.
4. Strenuous Exercise:
Avoiding strenuous exercise before having lip fillers is important because it can increase blood flow and cause swelling in the area, which can make the procedure more uncomfortable and can also affect the final outcome of the treatment. When you engage in strenuous exercise, your blood flow increases and the blood vessels dilate, which can cause the lips to swell. This swelling can make the procedure more difficult for the practitioner and can also cause uneven results. Furthermore, the increased blood flow can also make it more difficult for the body to heal after the procedure, which can prolong the recovery time.
Additionally, avoiding strenuous exercise before lip fillers can also help reduce the risk of bleeding and bruising during and after the procedure. When you engage in physical activity, your blood pressure and heart rate increases, which can cause increased bleeding at the injection site. This can make the procedure more uncomfortable and can also affect the final outcome. Furthermore, the increased bleeding can also make it more difficult for the body to heal and can increase the risk of infection. It is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours before and after the lip filler procedure to reduce the risk of complications.
5. St. John’s Wort:
Its important to avoid St. John’s wort before having lip fillers because it can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising during and after the procedure. St. John’s wort is an herbal supplement that is commonly used to treat mild to moderate depression, anxiety and other mood disorders. However, it can also have an effect on the body’s ability to clot blood. When the blood does not clot properly, it can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising at the injection site, which can make the procedure more uncomfortable and can also affect the final outcome of the treatment.
Furthermore, St. John’s wort can also interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications. It is known to interact with certain antidepressants, birth control pills, and blood thinners, among others. It can also interact with the filler material used in lip augmentation, which can affect the final outcome of the procedure. If you are currently taking St. John’s wort, it is essential to speak with your practitioner before having lip fillers. Your practitioner may advise you to stop taking the medication for a certain period of time before the procedure, or may recommend alternative treatment options.
6. Herbal Supplements:
Avoiding herbal supplements before having lip fillers is important because they can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising during and after the procedure. Herbal supplements, such as ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginger, and ginseng, can have an effect on the body’s ability to clot blood. When the blood does not clot properly, it can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising at the injection site, which can make the procedure more uncomfortable and can also affect the final outcome of the treatment.
Additionally, natural supplements can also interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications. They can interact with the anesthetics used during the procedure, as well as the filler materials used in lip augmentation, which can affect the final outcome. They can also interact with certain antidepressants, birth control pills, and blood thinners, among others. If you are currently taking herbal supplements, it is essential to speak with your practitioner before having lip fillers. Your practitioner may advise you to stop taking the medication for a certain period of time before the procedure, or may recommend alternative treatment options. It is important to inform your practitioner about any supplements or medications you are taking before the procedure, to ensure the safety and best outcome.
7. History of Cold Sores:
Having a history of cold sores before having lip fillers can increase the risk of complications during and after the procedure. Facial cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and typically appear on or around the lips. When the lips are being injected with dermal fillers, the needle can accidentally puncture an active cold sore, which can cause the virus to spread to other areas of the lips or face. This can lead to an outbreak of cold sores, which can be both unsightly and uncomfortable.
Furthermore, having a history of cold sores can also increase the risk of infection after the procedure. The herpes virus can be reactivated by stress, sun exposure, and other triggers, which can lead to an outbreak of cold sores. If an outbreak occurs after the procedure, it can cause inflammation and redness at the injection site, which can affect the final outcome of the treatment. If you have a history of cold sores, it is essential to inform your practitioner before having lip fillers. Your practitioner may advise you to take antiviral medication before and after the procedure to reduce the risk of complications. Additionally, the practitioner may suggest to schedule the procedure when you are not having an outbreak of cold sores.
8. Cold Packs and Ice Packs:
Avoiding cold packs and ice packs before having lip fillers is important because they can constrict blood vessels and decrease blood flow to the area, which can increase the risk of complications during and after the procedure. Cold compresses and ice packs work by decreasing the blood flow and temperature in the area, which can cause the blood vessels to constrict. This can make the procedure more uncomfortable and can also affect the final outcome of the treatment.
Additionally, using an ice pack before lip fillers can also increase the risk of bleeding and bruising during and after the procedure. The decreased blood flow can make it harder for the practitioner to administer the filler material, which can lead to uneven results. Furthermore, the decreased blood flow can also make it more difficult for the body to heal and can increase the risk of infection. It is recommended to avoid using cold packs or ice packs for at least 24 hours before and after the lip filler procedure to reduce the risk of complications.
9. Special Events:
Avoiding having lip fillers before a special event like a wedding or holiday is important because it can increase the risk of complications during and after the procedure. Lip fillers are a medical procedure, and as with any medical procedure, there is a risk of complications such as swelling, bruising, and infection. These complications can affect the final outcome of the treatment, and can be more noticeable in photographs and in person. The recovery time can take a few days to a week, and during this time, your lips may appear swollen, red, and uneven. It is important to keep in mind that the final results may not be visible until a few days after the procedure.
Additionally, having lip fillers before a special event like a wedding or holiday can also affect your ability to participate in certain activities. You should avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol consumption, and sun exposure for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Additionally, you should avoid wearing lipstick or other lip products for at least 24 hours after the procedure. These restrictions can affect your ability to fully enjoy your special event, as well as your ability to take photographs that capture the memories of the event. It is recommended to schedule your lip filler procedure at least a couple of weeks before your special event, to allow enough time for recovery and to ensure the best possible outcome.
10. Botox Injections:
Avoiding Botox injections before having lip fillers is important because it can interfere with the effectiveness of the filler and can also affect the final outcome of the treatment. Botox and dermal fillers work differently and are used to treat different areas of the face. Botox is a neuromodulator that temporarily paralyzes the muscles it is injected into, while dermal fillers add volume and hydration to the skin. When Botox is injected in the area near the lips, it can cause the muscles responsible for movement of the lips to be temporarily paralyzed, this can make it difficult for the practitioner to inject the filler in the correct location and can also affect the final outcome of the treatment.
Additionally, receiving Botox injections before lip fillers can also increase the risk of complications during and after the procedure. Botox can take up to 14 days to fully take effect, receiving lip filler before that time can cause the lip filler to be displaced due to muscle movement. Furthermore, receiving Botox and lip filler at the same time may not give the desired results and may require additional treatment. It is recommended to avoid receiving Botox injections at least 2 weeks before and after the lip filler procedure to reduce the risk of complications.
Conclusion:
Remember, it is always best to seek medical advice before undergoing any cosmetic treatments. Drinking plenty of water, and taking care of yourself after the treatment is also important for the healing process and to see the final results.