Lip contouring - how should you care for your lips after the treatment? Tips and recommendations

Lip contouring treatments are becoming increasingly popular all over the world. They allow us to enjoy fuller, more symmetrical lips that certainly add to our charm. But have you ever wondered how to care for your lips after such a treatment? Understanding how to look after your lips after the treatment is key to maintaining long-lasting results and avoiding potential complications. That is exactly why we have prepared this guide. Read on to find out everything you need to know about caring for your lips after lip contouring.

What is lip contouring with hyaluronic acid? Discover the secrets of aesthetic medicine

Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of our body. It is responsible for maintaining adequate hydration and firmness of our skin. With age, the amount of it in the body decreases, which is one of the factors that accelerate the process of skin ageing.

How is hyaluronic acid used in aesthetic medicine?

It is used not only for lip contouring treatments, but also for filling wrinkles, contouring the cheeks or the facial contours. The use of hyaluronic acid in these treatments is safe, provided it is performed by an experienced specialist, because it is a substance that occurs naturally in our body, which minimises the risk of an allergic reaction.

What are the effects of lip contouring with hyaluronic acid?

The effects are immediate, but the final result is visible after about 2 weeks, when the swelling has completely subsided. Depending on the product, the effects may last from 6 to 12 months. After this time, the treatment can be repeated.

What does the lip contouring process look like?

The first step is a consultation with an aesthetic medicine doctor. During this appointment, the doctor will assess the condition of the skin around the lips, as well as their natural shape and fullness. The patient's expectations, the possibilities and the final result are discussed. The person performing the treatment should also explain what hyaluronic acid is and how it works, and discuss the potential risks and side effects associated with lip contouring.

Preparing for the treatment

Before the treatment begins, an anaesthetic cream is applied to the skin. It acts on the surface of the skin, minimising discomfort during the treatment. In some cases, dental anaesthesia may also be used.

Performing the treatment

Lip contouring with hyaluronic acid is performed using fine needles or cannulas. The hyaluronic acid is injected at several points along the lip contour or directly into the red part of the lips (the vermilion). The treatment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Recovery period

The recovery period after hyaluronic acid injections is usually short. For a few days after the treatment, it is recommended to avoid intense physical exercise and the sauna. You should also not drink alcohol or hot drinks after the treatment.

Follow-up after the treatment

A follow-up after the treatment is very important. It allows the results of the treatment to be assessed and any corrections to be made. The follow-up should take place about 2 weeks after the treatment. By then, the swelling has completely subsided and the final assessment of the lip contouring results can be made.

Is lip contouring the same as lip augmentation? Differences and similarities

Lip contouring and lip augmentation are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but in fact they refer to slightly different procedures in aesthetic medicine.

What is lip augmentation?

Lip augmentation, as the name suggests, is a treatment aimed at increasing the volume of the lips. This is most often achieved with a filler such as hyaluronic acid. Lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid is popular because hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in our body, which minimises the risk of an allergic reaction.

What is lip contouring?

Lip contouring, on the other hand, does not focus solely on increasing volume. The key difference is that lip contouring aims to improve the overall shape and proportions of the lips. This may include increasing the fullness of the upper lip, the lower lip or both, reducing asymmetry, smoothing the lip lines or accentuating the Cupid's bow.

Similarities and differences

Both lip augmentation and lip contouring can involve increasing lip volume with hyaluronic acid. However, the main difference is that lip contouring is a more comprehensive approach that aims to improve the overall appearance of the lips, not just their size. The choice between these two treatments depends on the individual needs and expectations of the patient.

How to care for your lips properly after lip contouring? Tips and recommendations

Regardless of whether you have chosen lip augmentation or lip contouring with hyaluronic acid, proper aftercare is key to achieving the best results. Here are some tips on how to care for your lips after lip contouring:

Avoid extreme temperatures

In the first days after lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid, you should avoid extreme temperatures. This means that you should avoid very hot or cold drinks, as well as the sauna or solarium.

Avoid physical activity

For the first 24-48 hours after lip contouring, it is recommended to avoid intense physical exercise. Increased physical activity can lead to increased swelling.

Keep your lips hydrated

Hyaluronic acid has the ability to attract and retain water, which contributes to its filling effect. That is why, after lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid, it is worth remembering to moisturise your lips regularly.

Avoid irritating substances

After lip contouring, you should avoid substances that can irritate the skin, such as harsh cosmetics or alcohol.

Remember that these recommendations are general, and the exact aftercare instructions may vary depending on your individual situation. That is why you should always consult the doctor in charge of your treatment.

The most common problems after lip contouring with hyaluronic acid

Although lip contouring with hyaluronic acid is generally considered safe and effective, like any medical procedure it can have certain side effects. Many of them are temporary and resolve on their own within a few days. Below are the most common problems that may occur after the treatment:

1. Swelling and bruising: Immediately after lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid, mild swelling and even bruising may appear. This is normal and usually resolves on its own within a few days.
2. Unevenness or lumps: Unevenness or lumps may appear as a result of the hyaluronic acid injection, but they are usually temporary and disappear as the product is absorbed by the body.
3. Excessive sensitivity or tenderness to touch: Some people may experience excessive sensitivity or tenderness to touch at the injection site. This is temporary and should subside within a few days.

Can anyone have lip contouring with hyaluronic acid? Contraindications to the treatment

Lip contouring with hyaluronic acid is a treatment that enjoys great popularity. Minimally invasive and effective, it attracts those who want to improve the appearance of their lips, give them more fullness or reduce asymmetry. However, although the treatment is generally safe, there are certain contraindications that need to be taken into account.

1. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Due to the lack of studies on the safety of hyaluronic acid in pregnant or breastfeeding women, lip contouring is contraindicated for them.
2. Inflammatory skin conditions: People who have active inflammatory skin conditions around the lips, such as cold sores (herpes simplex), should not undergo the treatment until the problem has resolved.
3. Allergies: If you are allergic to hyaluronic acid or any of the ingredients of the product, lip contouring with hyaluronic acid is contraindicated.
4. Anticoagulants: People taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) may be more prone to bruising and bleeding after the treatment, so they should consult a doctor before deciding on the treatment.
5. Autoimmune diseases: In some cases, people with autoimmune diseases may experience an increased reaction of the body to the treatment, which may lead to undesirable effects.

Before deciding to undergo lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid, you should always consult an aesthetic medicine doctor. The doctor will assess your health, rule out any contraindications and answer all your questions about the treatment.

Do smoking and breastfeeding affect the results of lip contouring?

Both smoking and breastfeeding can affect the results of lip contouring. Smoking is particularly harmful because it not only accelerates skin ageing, but may also shorten how long the effects of the treatment last. The nicotine in tobacco smoke causes blood vessels to narrow, which in turn may lead to faster breakdown of hyaluronic acid in the body.

Breastfeeding, on the other hand, is a contraindication to lip contouring with hyaluronic acid. Due to the lack of studies confirming the safety of hyaluronic acid in breastfeeding women, specialists recommend postponing the treatment until the end of the lactation period.

Every medical treatment, even a non-invasive one, carries certain risks. That is why, before making a decision, it is worth consulting an experienced aesthetic medicine doctor who will help you understand the process and inform you about all aspects of the treatment.