March 6, 2023

Love Your Lips (Again)

No matter what your lip goals may be, Uniquely You is here to help you achieve them! We provide treatments that are as unique as you are. Whether you are looking to restore volume loss, increase more hydration in the lips, or create symmetry and balance, the skin experts at Uniquely You in Edmonton can help you. Contrary to some beliefs, lip filler does not have to look ‘ducky’. Lip filler has evolved so much over the years, and we are proud to offer a more natural aesthetic approach for our patients, where we focus on anti-aging in all areas of the face, including the lips.

What Happens to Our Lips as We Age?

As we age, our body produces less collagen and elastin. These are the proteins that give our skin that youthful, supple appearance. This loss of collagen and elastin production begins in our mid twenties, and eventually starts to lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, and volume loss. 

This is why our lips are one of the first places we notice visible signs of aging. In addition to losing collagen, the fatty tissues around our lips also start to break down, causing lines and wrinkles, and loss of that defined lip border we once used to have. Our lips will start to become thinner and dryer as we age as well. So, We’re All Going to Age… How Can We Slow it Down?!

Aging is an inevitable part of life. Just remember that no one is free from it, however, there are ways to promote positive aging and to slow down and even reverse visible signs of aging as it pertains to your lips. Let’s discuss some easy ways we can slow down the aging process for your lips:

Hydration

Stay hydrated and drink lots of fluid throughout the day. This will keep your skin and lips hydrated from the inside out. Aim to drink at least 0.5 - 1 oz. of water for each pound you weigh.

Wear Sunscreen

UVA rays can penetrate deep into the skin and will damage collagen and elastin faster. This is one of the main causes of lip aging. Make sure to wear a daily lip balm or a lipstick that contains SPF. This is one of the easiest ways you can prevent your lips from aging prematurely.

Proper Diet (Collagen)

Eat plenty of foods that produce collagen, such as egg whites, fish, citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens. What you put in your body does matter not only to your overall physical health, but also to your skin health (including your lips).

Hyaluronic Acid Lip Gloss

A hyaluronic acid lip gloss can help you protect and lock in the moisture of your lips. This is an easy step to add to your daily makeup routine.

Lip Filler Treatment

At Uniquely You, we use hyaluronic acid lip fillers to restore volume loss, create more definition and structure, as well as add lost hydration to the lips. Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in our bodies and is a ‘water-loving’ molecule that draws in water and hydrates the lips even further. Simply put, lip filler can help you get beautiful lips without an invasive surgery.

Tell Me All About Lip Filler!

Lip Fillers are made from hyaluronic acid and help to add structure, definition, and volume when injected in the lips. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the skin, and is responsible for keeping your skin hydrated. However, as we age, we start to lose hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin, thus causing our lips to become deflated (which also means more lines and wrinkles)! 

Environmental aggressors such as the sun also damage collagen and elastin. By adding Hyaluronic Acid Lip Filler, your lips will become plump and fuller. At Uniquely You, we believe in enhancing your own unique features so your results will look natural, without the fake, overdone look.

As we age, we will also develop “smoker’s lines” around the lip area, whether or not we smoke. These lines usually develop from repetitive movements such as eating, drinking, talking, laughing, etc. A ‘Lip Flip’ treatment using neurotoxins, such as Botox or Dysport, can help smooth these lines and can also shorten the distance between your nose and upper lip. This results in a slightly more pronounced lip, without the added volume.

What Can I Expect During My Lip Filler Appointment?

At Uniquely You, we strive to make your Lip Filler treatment as comfortable as possible! We offer a wide range of comfort measures, including topical numbing for your lips, so you shouldn’t feel much discomfort while getting your lip filler treatment. The numbing wears off shortly after your appointment.

Immediately after treatment, your lips will be quite swollen, and much bigger than you may have anticipated. This is a normal part of the injecting process, and the swelling will go down in a few days. You can expect some bruising, which typically subsides after a week. Be sure to plan ahead and get your Lip Filler treatment at least 4-6 weeks before any major events for optimal results! When administered by a highly-trained medical professional with many years of injecting experience, Lip Filler treatments are relatively safe and pain-free. 

Is There Any Downtime After My Lip Filler Treatment?

Lip Filler treatments give you visible, instant results. The best part is there is no surgery, stitches, or lengthy downtime after. With the right injector, your results will look natural and you don’t have to worry about scars or looking “fake”. Lip Filler treatments take around 45 minutes and you can return to most of your daily activities immediately after.

Some swelling or bruising is possible after your Lip Filler treatment, as a small needle is being used to inject the product safely into the targeted treatment area. At Uniquely You, we recommend planning at least two weeks in advance, prior to any upcoming special events or vacations. This ensures you see the best results and have enough time to heal from any potential bruising that may occur.

How Soon Will I See Results After My Lip Filler Treatment?

Our patients love Lip Filler treatments because of the very visible, immediate, and natural results this treatment offers. After your dermal filler treatment, the healing process begins, which can involve swelling and bruising for 3-7 days, depending on the area injected and how your body reacts to the treatment. 

You will enjoy your final results about 2-4 weeks after your treatment, once the filler settles and your healing is complete. Please plan two weeks in advance prior to any events or vacations in case of residual swelling or bruising.   

How Long Does Lip Filler Last and How Often Should I Come for Treatment?

Lip filler typically lasts 9-12 months. However, longevity of lip fillers differ from person to person and from treatment to treatment. Some bodies may metabolize the product faster than others. At Uniquely you, we recommend coming for a maintenance lip filler treatment every 6 months to assess and add a little top up if needed. This way, you can avoid the roller coaster game of adding and losing lip volume.

How Much Does Lip Filler Cost?

The price of a Lip Filler treatment is different for everyone. Different factors such as your unique facial anatomy, desired outcome, etc. will determine how many syringes of filler are needed to treat your lips. 

At Uniquely You, the cost of fillers range from $350-600 per syringe. We encourage you to book in a complimentary consultation, where our injectors will be able to assess your treatment area and facial anatomy, discuss your goals and create a treatment plan to help you achieve your desired result. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Lip Filler?

If you are unhappy with how thin your lips look, and/or want more volume and definition, then you are most likely a good candidate. It is important to note that you should have realistic expectations. Remember, Lip Filler is a non-invasive treatment and can only enhance what you naturally have. The best way to know which type of Lip Filler is right for you, or if you are a good candidate, is by booking a complimentary consultation with our Nurse Injector.

If you are ready for a pillowy pout and interested in a Lip Filler treatment, book a complimentary consultation with our Advanced Nurse Injector. A full facial assessment and a customized treatment plan will be provided to you based on your unique aesthetic goals.