Lip fillers restore volume and shape to the lips using an injectable gel. This treatment is minimally invasive and can give you immediate results. At U Laser Med Spa in La Jolla, we carry several FDA-approved hyaluronic acid fillers so each treatment fits your lips and your goals, and our injectors focus on safe results that look natural.
Lip Filler
What Is Lip Filler?
Most lip fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a sugar molecule your body already produces to keep the skin hydrated and full. When injected into the lips, it binds water and adds volume where it is placed. The effect is temporary because your body slowly breaks down the filler.
What Are the Benefits of Lip Fillers?
- Quick appointment with little downtime: Most visits take 30 to 45 minutes, and you can return to your day soon after.
- Reversible results: Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved to undo or change the outcome.
- Built around your face: We match the filler type and amount to your lips and features.
- Gradual control: You can start conservative and add more at a later visit.
What Can We Treat With Lip Fillers?
Lip filler can address several concerns, including:
- Thin lips or volume lost with age
- Vertical lip lines around the mouth
- Uneven or asymmetrical lips
- A faded or undefined lip border
- A flat cupid’s bow
- Downturned corners of the mouth
- Lips that look out of proportion with the rest of the face
Which Fillers Do We Use for the Lips?
JUVÉDERM ULTRA XC and ULTRA PLUS XC
JUVÉDERM is a collection of hyaluronic acid fillers. For lips, we often use JUVÉDERM ULTRA XC for fuller volume when patients want a more defined and noticeable pout and a soft natural feel. The Ultra Plus formulation is best for vertical lines of the upper and lower lips.
JUVÉDERM VOLLURE XC
JUVÉDERM Vollure is a flexible hyaluronic acid filler known for longer-lasting results, up to 18 months when treating facial folds. Our injectors use it to soften moderate lines around the mouth and add subtle structure. It contains lidocaine and blends smoothly into the tissue.
RESTYLANE KYSSE
Restylane Kysse is a hyaluronic acid filler formulated for the lips. Its unique XpresHAn Technology allows the gel to move and flex with your natural expressions. We use Kysse when the goal is fuller, more defined lips with a soft texture that doesn’t feel stiff or look overly plumped.
RESTYLANE SILK
Restylane Silk was the first FDA-approved filler designed specifically for lip enhancement and the fine lines around the mouth. Its formulation uses smaller hyaluronic acid particles than other fillers in the Restylane family. Our injectors often recommend Silk for smoothing perioral lines while adding a gentle touch of fullness.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Lip Fillers?
Most healthy adults who want more volume or better-defined lips are candidates for lip fillers. Good candidates have realistic expectations and no active infections on or around the lips. The treatment is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding and may also not suit patients with a bleeding disorder or a history of frequent cold sores. Share your medical history and medications during your consultation so we can plan safely.
What to Expect From Dermal Fillers
Before
We start with a consultation to review your medical history and go over the look you want. To lower your risk of bruising, avoid blood thinners like aspirin and ibuprofen, along with fish oil and vitamin E, for about a week before your appointment. We also ask that you skip alcohol for 24 hours beforehand. Come in with clean lips, free of lip stain or other products.
During
Your injector cleans the area and applies a topical numbing cream. Our lip fillers also all contain lidocaine, which makes the treatment more comfortable with each injection. Using a fine needle or a blunt-tipped cannula, your injector places small amounts of filler in planned spots along the lips. The appointment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. During this appointment, we provide a calm supportive environment to assure you have a comfortable experience.
After
Swelling and minor bruising are common for a few days and settle on their own. Avoid strenuous exercise and heat for 24 hours, and continue to avoid alcohol for at least one day after your treatment, since both can increase swelling. Do not press or massage your lips unless your injector tells you to. Your lips may look fuller at first until the swelling dissipates, but this is normal. To reduce swelling, we recommend limiting salt intake and hydrating with water.
Dr. Stacey Ross, DNP — MedSpa Director
Dr. Stacey Ross recently earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice and serves as MedSpa Director at U Laser Med Spa. She has years of injectable experience, and patients say she makes their lips look exactly the way they pictured. She puts patients at ease with her knowledge of fillers and delivers results that are fuller but still look natural.
Amy Sinda, RN — Aesthetic Nurse Injector, Laser Specialist
Amy Sinda performs lip fillers alongside other injectable and laser treatments and works closely with the practice’s physicians to stay current on technique. Amy is knowledgeable and keeps patients comfortable and well-informed throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long do lip fillers last?
Results usually last six months to a year, depending on the filler used and how quickly your body breaks it down. Vollure can last longer. Touch-up appointments help you keep your look once the effects begin to wear off.
When will I see my lip filler results?
You will see added volume right away, though some is early swelling. Your true, settled result appears once the swelling goes down over the next two weeks.
Will my lip fillers look natural?
Natural results come down to technique and the right amount of filler. Our injectors add volume gradually and in balance with the rest of your face. They are well-known for keeping the look natural and listening to what their patients want. Your lips will be fuller and more defined, but still move and look like yours.
Do lip fillers hurt?
Most patients feel only mild discomfort. We apply a numbing cream first, and the lidocaine numbs the area as it is injected. You may feel a small pinch or poke during the injections.
Can lip fillers be dissolved?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with an injection of hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks the filler down. This means we can adjust or reverse your results if you are unhappy with them.
Why Choose U Laser Med Spa?
U Laser Med Spa is directed by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. William Umansky and Dr. Jeffrey Umansky. Every filler we offer has been researched and approved by our doctors, so your treatment is backed by medical oversight. We like to say it is all about U, and we build each treatment plan around your goals and comfort with the kind of attention that feels like VIP care.
Book Your Lip Filler Consultation in La Jolla, CA
Ready to see what lip filler can do for you? Call U Laser Med Spa at 858-250-0952 to book your consultation. We serve La Jolla, San Diego and the surrounding areas.