Lip Injections

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All treatments performed by Cienega Medical

*Individual results may vary. Every treatment plan is personalized during your consultation.

FAQ

• Where Can I Get Lip Filler in Los Angeles?

  At our West Hollywood clinic (375 N. La Cienega Blvd) and our Santa Monica clinic (902 Broadway). You can book a free consultation or a treatment online at either one.

• How Do Lip Injections Work?

  Your provider places a soft hyaluronic acid gel in and around your lips with a series of small injections, adding volume and shape where you want it. You plan the amount and placement together before anything is done.

• What Is Lip Filler Made Of?

  We use Restylane Kysse, a hyaluronic acid filler. Hyaluronic acid is a substance your body already makes. It holds water, which gives lips a soft, full look, and it can be dissolved if needed.

• Do Lip Injections Involve Surgery?

  No. Lip filler is a series of small injections, given after a numbing cream; there is no surgery or general anesthesia. Most everyday activities are fine afterwards, but avoid exercise and alcohol for at least 24 hours and follow your injector's aftercare. Swelling and bruising usually improve within two weeks, though they can take longer.

• Who Is An Ideal Candidate for Lip Injections?

  Adults over 21 who want fuller or more defined lips, or softer lines above the upper lip. Your provider reviews your health history at your free consultation to decide whether lip filler is right for you.

• What Areas Can Be Treated With Lip Injections?

  Restylane Kysse is FDA-approved for lip augmentation and for correcting lines above the upper lip, in adults over 21. That covers the lips themselves, including the lip border. For other areas, such as the cheeks or jawline, see our Dermal Fillers page.

• Are Lip Injections For Men Too?

  Absolutely. Men may also enjoy natural looking, enhanced lips when receiving treatment from Cienega Medical. Please see our men’s lip filler before and after photos.

• Will My Results Look Natural?

  That is what we plan for. Your injector looks at your lips and your whole face, and you can start with a small amount and add more later. Results vary from person to person.

• How Soon Will I See Results of My Lip Injections?

  You see the change right away. Most people have some swelling at first, which makes lips look fuller for a while; it usually goes down within two weeks, though it can take longer.

• What Kind of Results Should I Expect?

  Because fillers provide immediate volume, you should expect to see some increase in the size or shape of your lips. Swelling at first is common and temporary. Some may require additional treatments to achieve their goal size or shape.

• How Long Does Lip Filler Last?

  Lip filler is temporary. Restylane Kysse can last up to a year; how long yours lasts depends on how much was used and how quickly your body breaks it down. Your injector can advise whether and when another treatment makes sense; additional treatments are priced separately.

• Are Lip Injections Safe?

  Like any injection, lip filler has risks. Swelling, tenderness, bruising, redness and pain where the needle went in are common and usually improve within two weeks; small lumps or bumps can last longer. A rare but serious risk is filler entering a blood vessel and blocking it, which can cause skin damage, vision loss or stroke. Your injector reviews your health history and these risks with you before treatment.

• Are Lip Injections Painful?

  You may feel a few quick pinches. We apply a topical numbing cream first, and Restylane Kysse contains lidocaine, a numbing agent, for extra comfort.

• Do You Charge For Numbing?

  No. Topical and injected numbing is provided at no additional cost for customers of Cienega Medical.

• How Long Do Lip Injections Take?

  Treatment takes about 30-45 minutes. Ask us how much time to allow for your whole visit.

• I Know Exactly What I Want For My Lips, Can This Be Done?

  Our injection nurses are your partners in helping you achieve your aesthetic goals, so feel free to bring in photos of your goal lips. During your free consultation, you can discuss the possibilities of what can be achieved.

• How Many Treatments Will I Need For Lip Injections?

  Your injector recommends the amount and number of visits based on your lips and goals, and more than one visit may be needed. Each visit usually uses a half or a full syringe.

• What If I Have Thin or Very Thin Lips?

  You may want to build up gradually, over two or more visits a few weeks apart, rather than all at once. Your injector plans this with you at your consultation.

• What Happens If I Dislike My Fillers?

  Restylane Kysse is a hyaluronic acid filler, so it can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if you don't love your result. Additional fees apply, and the enzyme has its own small risk of an allergic reaction.

• Who Should Not Get Lip Injections?

  Lip filler isn't right for you if you have severe allergies or have ever had anaphylaxis, if you have had an allergic reaction to a hyaluronic acid filler before, or if you are allergic to lidocaine or similar numbing medicines, or to the trace bacterial proteins the filler may contain. Its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, so wait until afterwards. Tell your injector if you have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners. Tell them too if you get cold sores, since treatment can bring one on. If you have a cold sore, pimples, a rash or any infection on or near your lips, wait until it has fully healed.

• Is There Downtime From Lip Injections?

  You are able to return to normal activities, with the exception of working out or drinking for at least 24 hours after your appointment (as these may increase the possibility of swelling).  

• How Long Does Swelling From Lip Injections Last?

  Swelling and bruising usually go down within two weeks, though they can take longer, and small lumps or bumps can last longer still. A cold pack wrapped in a cloth, used for short periods, can help; be gentle while your lips are still numb. Tell your injector about anything that lasts or gets worse.

• What Are The Common Side Effects of Lip Injections?

  Swelling, tenderness, bruising, small lumps or bumps, redness and pain at the injection sites are the most common. Most of these improve within two weeks, though lumps can last longer. Itching or a cold sore flare-up can also happen. Tell your injector about anything that lasts or gets worse. Call 911 right away for any change in vision or signs of a stroke. If the skin near your lips turns white, gray or blue, or you have unusual pain, call us right away at 323-655-8220. If you can't reach us at once, get urgent medical care rather than waiting for a call back.

• What Should I Do To Get Ready For My Lip Injections?

  Tell your injector about every medicine and supplement you take. Aspirin, ibuprofen and similar pain relievers, blood thinners, fish oil and alcohol can increase bruising, and your injector will tell you which over-the-counter products and supplements you can pause before your visit. Never stop a medicine your doctor prescribed or recommended, including daily aspirin, without asking that doctor.

• Can I Receive Lip Injections Before A Special Event?

  We strongly recommend receiving your lip injections at least 14-21 days prior to any special event or photoshoot you have coming up, as you may experience swelling or bruising.

• What Is The Follow Up Care for Lip Injections?

  Keep your lips hydrated. Until any swelling and redness have gone, avoid saunas, strong sun and extreme cold, and try not to touch your lips; skip lipstick and other makeup on them until the injection points have healed. Massage your lips only if your injector asks you to.

• How Often Do I Have To Come Back For Lip Injections?

  When your result starts to fade, which varies from person to person. Restylane Kysse can last up to a year, and some people choose a top-up sooner.

• Will My Lips Deflate If I Stop Receiving Injections?

  The added fullness fades gradually as the filler breaks down. Your lips may not return to exactly how they looked before.

• How Much Do Lip Injections Cost?

  Lip filler at Cienega is $750 for a full syringe and $450 for a half syringe, and the consultation is free. Most first-time lips use one syringe or less.

  What you need depends on your starting point and the look you want, which is what the consultation is for.

• Why Choose Cienega Medical?

  Your lips are done by one of our nurse practitioners or physician assistants, under the direction of our medical director, a board-certified dermatologist. We have been in Los Angeles since 2010. You can start with a free consultation, where your injector plans the amount and placement with you and gives you the price before treatment.

• How Do I Get Started?

  Pick the option you think fits, or book a free consultation first. When you come in, your injector answers your questions and makes sure you are comfortable before anything is done.