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Show Your Teeth Some Respect

Think about how many times per day you rely on your teeth. You use them to chew breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. You press your tongue against them to make certain sounds when you speak. There's really no doubt about it — your teeth are important, and they deserve your respect. You can pay them that respect by visiting your dentist for regular cleaning and checkup appointments. You should also call at the first sign of dental pain, tooth discoloration, or other oral health changes. Read more about dentists and dentistry here on this blog, where we dive deep into related topics.

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Show Your Teeth Some Respect

Five Things You Need To Know About Lip Enhancement Procedures

by April Myers

If you're considering having a lip enhancement procedure performed, you're probably looking forward to enjoying a more appealing appearance. However, if you're like most people, you probably also have a lot of questions concerning what to expect. Although your surgeon or aesthetician should be your primary source of information about this or any other cosmetic procedure, there are common questions with fairly easy answers that usually crop up among those who are curious about what's in store should they decide to move forward. Following are five widely-asked questions about lip enhancement procedures with general answers — keep in mind that individual situations may involve customized answers. 

What Are Lip Injections Made From?

The most common material currently being used as a lip filler is hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a substance produced naturally in human tissues, and its major role is to keep skin hydrated, supple, and plump. Its production levels begin to wane as we age, which is why lips tend to become thinner as the years go by. Many of those choosing to have this procedure performed have reached the age where their body is no longer providing a natural source of hyaluronic acid, but some people simply aren't born with the lips they want. 

What Activities Should Be Avoided After Having Lip Injections?

Lip injections are performed on an outpatient basis and involve no significant downtime. Patients experience numbness in the lip area due to the use of local anesthesia, so it's important to avoid consuming hot beverages until the numbness wears off so you won't get inadvertently burned. You should also avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours, avoid eating salty foods because they may increase the swelling, and avoid environments with high temperatures such as saunas because they will also cause the swelling to increase. 

Are Lip Enhancement Procedures Painful?

The procedure itself isn't painful because the area is completely numbed using local anesthesia. However, patients may experience varying degrees of discomfort as the anesthesia wears off, but usually, all that's required to manage it is an over-the-counter pain reliever. You can also use an ice pack for several hours following lip injections to relieve any pain or discomfort and to keep the swelling down. Some people, particularly those with fair skin, experience a slight amount of bruising, but this generally subsides within several days if it occurs at all. However, you should avoid taking medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen that may act as blood-thinners.

Are Lip Injections Permanent?

Lip injections can last anywhere from three to 18 months, with ones that use hyaluronic acid having the most staying power. Studies have also shown that injections containing hyaluronic acid promote its natural production by bodily tissues. Many patients choose to have touch-ups every six months or so in order to facilitate a consistent appearance. The plus side to this is that you won't have to live with results you don't love for the rest of your life. 

Are Lip Enhancement Procedures Safe?

These procedures are exceedingly safe, but like everything else in life, they come with at least some amount of risk. An allergic reaction is extremely unlikely to occur with hyaluronic acid because the substance is already present in the tissues. However, you should make sure to notify your doctor if you are allergic to lidocaine because you may be better off with an alternative filler. It's essential to choose a doctor with certification and enthusiastic customer reviews in order to ensure that you'll receive the best possible care and treatment. 

To learn more about lip injections, contact a professional near you and learn about your options. 

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