Can You Combine Lip Fillers With Other Facial Treatments?

Whether you are fighting signs of aging or simply want a few facial touch-ups here and there, you might be considering combining various facial treatments, minimizing your recovery time and doctor appointments. One procedure that patients generally seek to combine with other facial treatments is lip fillers.

So can you combine lip fillers with other facial treatments? Generally, yes. Most facial treatments can be combined with lip fillers with no added risk of complications. Lip fillers can be applied quickly and with little difficulty, making them an ideal treatment for combined facial procedures. In most cases, it is advised to undergo the lip filler procedure after other facial treatments.

Choosing Your Ideal Lip Filler

Knowing which lip filler to choose before any procedure is an important step towards achieving your desired results. Filler materials vary in terms of the intended injection site, longevity of efficiency, source, and type of gel or material.

Aside from the patient’s medical condition/s (if any), there are three factors that should be considered when choosing a lip filler:

• Procedure longevity: Some patients may want shorter, temporary results, while other patients may desire longer, semi-permanent results.
• Type of material: Patients who choose collagen-based fillers may have to pre-test the filler prior to the procedure.
• Desired result: Less prominent results can be achieved with fillers with lighter molecules; for more prominent results (lip augmenting or lip volumizing), doctors generally recommend denser fillers.

Here are some of the more popular fillers along with their general results:

• Restylane: Immediate volumizing and fullness effect, promoting a natural look
• Voluma XC: Best for facial folds and sagging skin, Voluma XC’s subtle results are noted for having the longest lasting results (1-2 years)
• Juvéderm: A hyaluronic acid gel filler with minimal traces of lidocaine (anesthetic), Juvéderm restores youth and volume with patient comfort
• Belotero: Best for procedures in which the gel must remain right underneath the surface of the skin; for fine lines and smaller wrinkles
• Perlane: Great for volumizing the skin and the lips, with denser gel particles than most other fillers. Usually used for deep wrinkles

The dermal filler industry can be confusing, especially for those trying to understand it for the first time. Here are three major tips to help understand lip fillers and the differences between types and brands:

1. Non-Hyaluronic Fillers Should Not Be Injected In Lips: These include Sculptra, Radiesse, Allofill, Bellafill, and more. These fillers are known for lasting several years and are better for patients who find that hyaluronic acid fillers are metabolized too quickly, but they should never be injected in the lips.
2. Popular Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers Include: Restylane (including Lyft and Silk), Juvéderm (including Volbella XC, Ultra XC, and Voluma XC), and Belotero Balance.
3. Lips Generally Need HA Fillers With Smaller Particles: Hyaluronic acid fillers differentiate by particle size, with bigger particles creating more volume. Lips should be injected with small-particle hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvéderm Volbella XC and Restylane Silk.

Many patients ask if they can mix and combine different kinds of fillers in a single session. While it is possible to have different fillers in the face simultaneously, these should not be injected in the same injection sites and during the same sessions. The materials may react in unpredictable and negative ways, leading to various complications beneath the skin.

Benefits of Combining Fillers with Other Facial Treatments

There are many obvious benefits from combining lip filler procedures with other facial treatments. You can recover from multiple procedures at once, rolling your various downtimes together; and you can save money from limiting your number of doctor visits. But there are some less-obvious benefits of combining these treatments. For example:

1. Customized Treatment – If you find a doctor or clinic who can perform your various procedures together, then it will be easier for them to tailor your procedures to a single, unified result. Instead of spacing various procedures out amongst several doctors over several months or years, your doctor will be able to truly handcraft an end result in accordance with your vision.
2. Treat Various Issues – Many patients looking for cosmetic procedures such as lip fillers are looking to combat aging in general, and when it comes to aging, there are several issues affecting the face at once. By combining your various facial treatments, you can treat various issues at once, creating a well-rounded fight against aging.
3. Longer-Lasting Results: Some treatments actually help each other to last longer, even if they affect different parts of the face. For example, Botox and dermal fillers are generally paired together, as the limited facial muscle movements caused by Botox help to keep the hyaluronic acid in place longer.

Lip Fillers Combined with Other Procedures

Liquid Facelift

What is it? – You may be familiar with the facelift (rhytidectomy), in which excess facial skin is removed from the face to help reshape the bottom half of the face and neck, such as the jaw line’s hanging skin. This is done to create a more youthful appearance in the patient by tightening the skin.

The liquid facelift aims to accomplish similar results with no skin removal. Various injectable dermal fillers – Sculptra, Artefill, Radiesse, Restylane, Juvéderm, and Perlane – are injected in various parts of the face, to create a smoother, fuller, plumper, and more lifted look.

How does it interact with lip fillers? – Lip fillers are just one part of a liquid facelift. As long as none of the dermal fillers are injected into the same place (and no contact is made between the various fillers), there should be no issue with the success of the lip fillers.

Facial Surgery

What is it? – A surgical procedure that reconstructs parts of the face. Popular areas for facial surgery include the cheeks, chin, and nose.

How does it interact with lip fillers? – There should be no issue when combining lip fillers and facial surgery. Doctors generally recommend that patients who are seeking to undergo these two treatments consecutively should start with facial surgery. This allows the doctor to perform the more complicated procedure (facial surgery) without avoiding contact with the lips.

PRP Injections

What is it? – PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a substance that is created by removing a patient’s blood and putting it through a centrifuge. The centrifuge separates the components of the blood, creating a concentrated platelet-rich plasma, or PRP.

The PRP is then injected back into the patient to promote general protein growth, healing, and collagen creation. Collagen improves the skin’s general condition, making it brighter, smoother, and fuller.

How does it interact with lip fillers? – Dermal fillers and PRP work very well together. One study found that dermal fillers and PRP injected simultaneously can produce statistically significant changes in wrinkled and thin skin (source).

Fillers work to volumize the skin and the lips, filling in areas that have become thin, wrinkled, or shrunken. PRP stimulates even more collagen regeneration, creating tightness and firmness in the lips.

Botox

What is it? – Botox is a safe neurotoxin that paralyzes and relaxes muscles in the body. When injected in the lips and the face, Botox can minimize lip lines, wrinkles, and create a plumper look.

How does it interact with lip fillers? – Botox is actually commonly paired with dermal fillers for issues such as smoker’s lines, in which there are vertical wrinkles above the upper lips (which are caused by aging, or by puckering the lips from smoking).

While the dermal filler adds volume and plumps up the upper lip and the skin above it, the Botox simultaneously relaxes the muscles, helping to remove the lines. Together, Botox and dermal fillers create a more complete cosmetic treatment for aging lips.

Laser Treatment

What is it? – Laser treatment or laser resurfacing involves collagen remodeling and tightening of the facial skin, through the use of high-intensity beams of light, or lasers.

How does it interact with lip fillers? – Laser resurfacing and lip fillers can be safely combined, as the lasers penetrate at a superficial level on the skin, meaning the lip fillers should be completely unaffected.

However, some doctors recommend spacing at least a week between these two treatments, and beginning with laser resurfacing first. This is because there is possibility that a laser resurfacing performed after a lip filler procedure may cause the placement of the lip filler to change, although the risk is slight.

Chemical Peels

What is it? – A chemical peel procedure involves using a chemical solution to force damaged skin into a state of exfoliation and peeling, leaving behind smoother and cleaner skin with fewer wrinkles and discolorations. This technique is commonly performed on the hands, neck and face.

How does it interact with lip fillers? –  Combining chemical peels and dermal fillers can be safe, however, it must be done with care. As chemical peels lead to inflammation of the skin, there is a possibility that chemical peel near the lips may lead to lip filler degradation (source).

For patients considering combining dermal fillers and chemical peels, it is advised to choose a superficial peel rather than a medium or deep peel.

Ethos Spa – Lip Fillers and More

Whether you’re looking for the “Kylie look” or looking to combat signs of aging, Ethos Spa, Skin and Laser Center is the place for you. We specialize in various cosmetic facial procedures, including lip fillers and dermal fillers.

Contact us and set an appointment for your consultation at Ethos Spa. Learn more about lip fillers and our other facial services, and exactly how you can change your look today.

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Lip Injections Anesthesia Options for Reducing Pain

Lip injections are one of the hottest trends amongst women both young and old today. Patients as young as 19 are coming in for fillers asking for Kylie lips, and it’s no surprise that one of their major concerns is pain and anesthesia.

So what are the anesthesia options for reducing pain in lip injections? There are quite a few, ranging from topical medication (numbing cream) to vibration anesthesia and dental blocks. The type of anesthesia best for you depends on your comfort, pain levels, and the expertise of your doctor.

Do I Need Anesthesia for Lip Injections?

The primary function of anesthesia is pain control. Many patients who undergo lip injections may not be accustomed to the sharp injections, which can range anywhere from four to twenty pricks for a single session.

As the mouth and lip area is very sensitive, it can be extremely discomforting to opt for a lip filler procedure without the use of some kind of anesthetic. The type of injection method used will help determine your choice for anesthetic. Lip fillers can be injected with the traditional needle or with the blunt tipped cannula.

Needle VS Cannula

The needle penetrates into the lip and is pushed into the injection area for the filler. However, the cannula is blunt tipped instead of sharp, meaning a needle is used to first create an entry point in the skin, which the cannula can exit and enter several times, saving the patient the pain of additional punctures.

Needles can also be more damaging to the lips, with a higher possibility of swelling and bruising (if it passes through a vein). A cannula will instead push the vein aside rather than passing through it, reducing the possibility of swelling and bruising.

Finally, the cannula is generally more flexible and longer than the needle, meaning it can deliver the filler more smoothly. The advantage of the needle is its added precision and control over the cannula. In many cases, the choice of a cannula or a needle for a lip filler depends on the personal preference of the doctor and the patient.

Read more: Lip Fillers and Your Smile

What Does Anesthesia Do?

The body has natural, autonomous ways of reacting when it experiences trauma or pain. Even if you are in the safe hands of a medical professional, the body will still react as if it is in danger. Some of the ways your body reacts to pain includes:

• Shorter breaths
• Swollen tissue
• White blood cells are sent to the injury to begin repairing it
• Increased heart rate

Aside from dulling the pain from an injection or incision, the purpose of an anesthetic is to suppress the body’s natural reactions, as they may interfere with the procedure and recovery.

How Does Anesthesia Work?

While the exact mechanics of anesthesia are not completely understood, the effects of anesthesia are dependent on certain individual factors, including the weight and the body fat of the patient.

When injected into or applied to the body, anesthesia can work in several ways:

• Creating pain relief
• Making a patient unconscious
• Creating memory loss
• Rendering the body immobile
• Eliminating the body’s natural responses to pain

In the case of lip filler injections, anesthesia is used simply as a pain relief mechanism. The type of anesthesia determines the way this pain relief is produced.

Different Types of Lip Injection Anesthesia

Anesthesia	What is it?	How is it applied?	How does it work?	Other information
Topical Medication	Topical medication, also known as numbing cream, is perhaps the most popular form of anesthesia for lip injections.	The cream is applied to the lips prior to the injections. This reduces the pain and reduces the possibility of swelling or bruising. The cream is removed before the lip filler procedure begins, after the lips have become numbed.	Numbing cream products generally contain an active ingredient known as lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic that numbs nerve pain receptors upon application. This works by blocking the pain signal pathways on the nerves by preventing the movement of sodium along the nerve endings, which leads to the pain signals.	The numbing cream can take up to 45 minutes before patients experience the full numbness.
Local Injection	A local injection is an injection of local anesthesia directly or around the area, in this case the lips.	The needle is filled with the chosen local anesthesia for the procedure, and it is injected directly into the lips. The injection site for a local injection is usually around the upper part of the lip, as this can block the fibers while doing minimal effect to the anatomy.	The drug given in a local injection will depend on any allergic reactions you may have, other medications that you are currently on, as well as your weight, height, and more (although these factors are less important in simple lip filler procedures). The drugs in the injection influence the pain receptors in the lips.	Local injections can be problematic for lip filler procedures as they can distort the anatomy of the lips, which will make it harder to properly apply the lip fillers in the designated areas.
Regional Nerve Block	Regional nerve block (regional anesthesia) is a type of anesthesia that works by blocking sensation in an entire region of the body; in this case, the lips. It offers faster recovery and fewer side effects for patients than other kinds of anesthesia.	Regional nerve block involves an injection, in which the numbing medication for the regional anesthesia is injected into the part of the lips that contains the nerves responsible for pain signals.	The nerves become blocked by the regional anesthesia, stopping the patient from feeling pain during and after the lip filler procedure.	Patients who take regional nerve block for their lip fillers can experience little to no side effects. However, some patients are still reluctant for this type of anesthetic as it involves the use of an injection.
Ice and Pressure	An ice pack that is firmly applied during and after the procedure.	After the lips have been injected with the lip filler, the doctor may apply an ice pack firmly against the lips for a few minutes. This helps to reduce swelling and bruising in the area.	Ice packs are well-known to minimize swelling around areas of injury or trauma, such as injection sites. They reduce pain-related swelling and inflammation, and reduce the possibility of bruise development.	Ice packs are also helpful for providing a distraction from the pain after the procedure.
Dental Block	A dental block is an injection of an anesthetic (generally lidocaine) to the mental nerve or infraorbital nerve, which is done directly through the mouth.	The injection of lidocaine or another anesthetic agent is done through the mouth, similar to a dentist’s dental block. For lip fillers, both the mental nerve and the infraorbital nerve need to be injected with anesthesia.	The mental nerve and the infraorbital nerve are responsible for providing sensation to the lips and other parts of the face (such as the nose and lower eyelid). By injecting lidocaine (which can work within 5 minutes and lasts up to 2 hours) into these two areas through the mouth, the upper lip can become numbed, although the numbing sensation is not always completely successful.	Many patients who are sensitive to pain opt for a dental block, as it can be one of the most effective ways to completely numb both the lower and upper lip. However, the act of getting the dental block can be painful in itself.
Vibration Anesthesia	Vibration anesthesia is comfort created by vibration devices that can reduce the pain of lip filler procedures with vibrations.	Vibration anesthesia can be applied with other types of anesthesia, and works by applying the vibration device to the face while the anesthetic or the lip fillers are injected into the lips.	The vibration device works in accordance to the Gate Control Theory of Pain, which theorizes that when the spinal cord is stimulated by somatic sensation, the pain “gate” can be suppressed, preventing pain signals from reaching the brain.	This method of anesthetic is preferred when there is a risk of dermatitis or allergy in the patient from other types of anesthetic, such as injections and creams.
Mucosal Block	The mucosal block is a type of nerve block similar to a dental block that involves blocking the infraorbital nerve by injecting near the oral mucosa, or the mouth’s inside mucous membrane lining.	A topical anesthetic is first applied to the inner linings of the mouth. The anesthetic is the injected at various points in the mouth – along the maxilla, around the mucosa, and then repeated on the opposite side. The final step involves applying topical anesthetic on the oral mucosa.	The mucosal block technique works in a similar way as the dental block technique, in that it involves blocking the infraorbital nerve. It can be more effective in most patients, numbing the lips as quickly as 15 seconds after the injection.	Like the dental block, this technique involves several injections in the mouth, which may be uncomfortable for some patients.
Laughing Gas	Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is a sedative agent that is made up of oxygen and other gases. It is used to help patients relax and feel more comfortable during certain procedures, such as lip filler procedures.	Laughing gas is given to patients through inhalation. Patients are fitted with a small mask over their nose, and the nitrous oxide is given to the patient through the mask. This sedative agent is completely safe to inhale, and patients will remain conscious but light-headed during the procedure.	Nitrous oxide creates a sense of euphoria in the brain, reducing the sensation of pain and the feelings of anxiety and fear. Nitrous oxide works by preventing the brain and the blood from inhaling its normal level of oxygen. This safe state of oxygen deprivation leads to the lack of anxiety and pain.	Laughing gas is not commonly used for lip filler procedures, however for patients with higher levels of anxiety and fear of the procedure, it can be requested.

Possible Anesthesia Complications

Patients undergoing lip filler procedures have little to worry about regarding possible anesthesia complications, as most common side effects of anesthesia are related to general anesthesia, not the type of anesthesia used to numb lips for lip filler procedures. Some of these complications may include:

• Intubation injury
• Respiratory arrest
• Bronchospasm
• Laryngospasm
• Aspiration
• Myocardial infarction
• Cardiac arrest
• Myocardial ischemia
• Hypotension

If you have undergone anesthesia with lidocaine in the past, you may want to consult your doctor about the possibility of lidocaine toxicity, in which a patient has been injected with too much lidocaine. However, this should not be an issue with any experienced and trusted doctor.

Ethos Spa, Your Home for Safe Lip Fillers

Safety and pain are major concerns for many people considering lip fillers for the first time, and at Ethos Spa, Skin and Laser Center, we understand the importance of those concerns. A lip filler procedure should be exciting, and patients shouldn’t worry about the discomfort and pain of the procedure and recovery.

With an experienced and knowledgeable team of trusted doctors by your side, Ethos Spa truly provides an ideal home for lip fillers and more.

To learn more about lip filler anesthetic options and the lip filler procedure itself, contact us at Ethos Spa and schedule your consultation today.

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Can I Fly After Lip Injections?

Lip Fillers and Your Smile: The Good and the Bad

Lips have always been a popular area of interest, for both men and women. While some of us may remember the obsession with Angeline Jolie and her plump, luscious lips, the younger generation is now more concerned with recreating the perfect Kylie Jenner lips. And lip fillers are a popular way to alter one’s lips to their preference.

But while we concern ourselves with the appearance of our lips, we often fail to consider the effect lip fillers will have on our smiles. So can lip fillers affect the smile? Yes, in both good and bad ways. In this article we will go into understanding lip fillers, all the ways they can affect the smile, and how you can protect your lips and smile moving forward.

Understanding Lip Fillers

The lip filler procedure involves the injection of hyaluronic acid or collagen into a patient’s lips, with the goal of increasing the volume of the lips.

Both hyaluronic acid and collagen are natural substances that are normally found in the body, and the type of substance in your lip filler changes the way it works: hyaluronic acid creates a natural fullness by filling the lips with water, while collagen fills the lips in on its own. It is never recommended to inject silicone in the lips, as this can often fail and lead to strange results.

Lip Filler Basics

Who Can Get It

Almost anyone who wants fuller lips is a good candidate for lip fillers. As the procedure is safe, quick, and all-natural, there are very few to no reasons that would prohibit a person from getting it.

Good candidates for lip fillers should do their research and understand their options. Some of the popular options include:

• Juvederm Ultra XC: For those looking for plumper, plusher lips
• Juvederm Volbella XC: For those looking for fewer wrinkles in the mouth area
• Restylane Silk: For those looking for more subtle changes
• Restylane: For those looking for a basic volumizing of the lips

Good candidates should also work on their expectations, and discuss with their injector what they will look like after the procedure.

What’s the Procedure

The lip filler procedure is done in four steps:

• Assessment: The patient is first given a facial assessment, in which the injector or nurse will assess the face. In some cases, they will photograph the lips and map the injection sites on the lips.
• Cleaning: The patient is asked to lie or sit down as the nurse or injector cleans the injection sites on the lips, killing any bacteria to avoid infection. An anesthetic ointment can be used on the lips to help numb the pain of the injection.
• Injection: The injections themselves are quick and simple. After each injection, the lips will be massaged, allowing the lip filler to spread around the area. The process should take no longer than 15 minutes.
• Recovery: After the injections, the lips are massaged and the patient may be offered a cold pack to minimize swelling on the lips.

Possible Side Effects

A vast majority of lip filler patients experience no complications or problems, but like all cosmetic and medical procedures, there are some possible side effects involved. These include:

• Bleeding
• Bruising, swelling lasting up to 10 days
• Tenderness, redness
• Lip asymmetry
• Infection
• Scarring
• Lip stiffening

The most important factor in determining the success rate of a lip filler procedure is the experience and skill of the injector. To ensure the minimum possible risk for complications, make sure to have your lip filler done by professionals you can trust.

Cost

Three factors determine the cost of a lip filler procedure: the experience of the doctor, the area of the procedure, and the types of fillers or amount of fillers used. Lip filler costs can range anywhere from $500 to $2000.

Lip Fillers: Myth VS Fact

Lip fillers are an increasingly common procedure, and with more people experimenting with various lip fillers, there are many rumors and myths regarding their effects on your lips and smile that actually aren’t true.

Myth	Fact
You are not allowed to smile for a few days after a lip filler.	Facial expressions such as smiling, laughing, or frowning should have zero impact on your lip filler. It is actually better for you to smile and gently massage your lips, to help spread the product and produce a more natural end-result.
If your smile looks bad after a lip filler, you have to live with it.	This depends on your type of lip filler. Some lip fillers like calcium hydroxylapatite are typically not recommended as they have been known to have a breakdown time of 1-2 years. However, the more popular hyaluronic acid type of lip filler can be forcefully dissolved with another substance that melts it, known as a hyaluronidase. After the swelling, your lips and smile will look exactly the way they once did.
Lip fillers make people with round faces look even fatter.	While this does sound like it makes sense, it simply isn’t the case. The shape of your lips and your smile has little to do with the shape of your face, and by creating more distinctive lips, you can give round faces more depth and texture.
People can’t smile naturally when they have lip fillers.	There is a huge fear of no longer looking “natural” whenever first-timers get any cosmetic work done. But a major factor that leads to unnatural-looking lips or smiles is the expertise of the injector. Find an injector or a doctor you can trust to apply your lip filler, and you can rest assured that your lips will still look natural.
Lip injections can only help you if you have thin lips.	While volume is the most significant change that lip fillers can bring about, there are also many other ways lip fillers can change your lips and give you a better smile. They help to fix asymmetrical smiles, cracked lips, disproportionate lips, undefined Cupid’s bows, and more.

Lip Fillers and Your Smile: Good VS Bad

For all your concerns regarding lip fillers and your smile, including all the good and the bad that can occur.

Weird Smiles

The Good: Yes, lip fillers will change the shape of your smile. For a truly significant change to your smile, ask your doctor to inject the lip filler into the parentheses lines that can be found on either side of the mouth. This can help to fill in thinner smiles, and reduce the lines around the mouth.

The Bad: It is crucial that you choose an injector or doctor with experience with lip fillers, as expertise can be the difference between having a good smile or a weird smile after a lip injection. Some patients experience upper lips that look too thick, because too much product was used in the wrong place.

Gummy Smiles

The Good: Some patients ask if lip injections can help with gummy smiles, or smiles in which a notable part of the gum in the upper jaw is revealed. Thankfully, lip fillers can definitely help with gummy smile correction. This is done by increasing volume in the upper lip, to help block the sight of the gummy smile.

The Bad: Be sure that your doctor balances your upper lip with your lower lip. If lip fillers are only injected into the upper lip, this will typically leave the lower lip disproportional to the rest of the smile.

Excess Fillers

The Good: The desire for luscious, juicy lips makes some patients ask for excess fillers during their treatment, in which more lip filler is injected into the lip than recommended by most injectors or doctors. There is no major side effect or risk that comes along with having excess lip filler in your lips, meaning patients are free to try this option if they wish.

The Bad: There is the problem with lips becoming too big, that it negatively affects your smile. Some patients with excess fillers in their lips experience teeth disappearance, in which the lips have become so thick that the teeth are completely hidden even while they smile.

If you want to experiment with excess fillers, try not to have it all injected in a single session, so you can see the effect on your smile.

Thin Smiles

The Good: For patients who are unhappy with their thin smiles, a lip filler injection is a great option to consider. When done successfully, patients with even the thinnest smiles can walk away with fuller, thicker smiles, on both their upper and lower lips.

The Bad: Unfortunately, lip filler injection won’t work for every individual with a thin smile. This is because of the way a person’s smile is thin: some of us have thin smiles because our lips are simply thin and lack volume; others have thin smiles because they naturally pull their upper lip inward when they smile. For individuals who pull or bend their upper lip into their mouth during smiles, lip fillers cannot help.

Joker Smile

The Good: Patients who experience strange side effects such as having a weird smile or a “Joker” smile after lip injections can rest assured knowing that this is a common side effect, as a result of swelling after the procedure. Wait up to a week before worrying about your weird smile.

The Bad: If a week has passed and you still experience a swollen “Joker” smile, you may have been injected with too much product. Try massaging the area to breakdown the product naturally, or talk to your doctor or injector about dissolving the product.

Protect Your Lips and Your Smile: 5 Tips Before Your Lip Filler Procedure

1. Pick a clinic or doctor you can trust. – Your choice of the injector is the most important factor in the success of your lip filler procedure. The experience of the injector can make or break your lip filler experience. Read reviews, ask for before and after pictures, and ask all the necessary questions to see if they understand the ins and outs of the lip filler procedure.
2. Choose the filler you want. – These days, the lip filler market is more crowded than ever. Think of the kind of lips you want and find the product that provides that look. Restylane is great for the natural-but-plump look, and Juvéderm can help patients achieve the pouty look.
3. Ask yourself: “How much?” – How much lip filler do you need? Do you simply want to give your lips a bit of a boost, or are you trying to achieve the true Kylie Jenner look?
4. Prepare properly. – There are a number of things you can do before your procedure to maximize your success. For a few days before the procedure, avoid all anti-inflammatory medications and multivitamins, as these can thin the blood, making the treated site more susceptible to bruising.
5. Don’t do it all at once. – It can be tempting to try to get as much out of a single appointment as possible, but lip fillers should never be treated as a one-off case. We all react differently to lip fillers, and you would be better off starting with a smaller dose, and topping it off later if you think you want more.

Ethos Spa: The Lip Filler Home for Thousands

Choosing the right clinic is the first step towards loving your new lips, and at Ethos Spa, Skin and Laser Center, thousands in the New Jersey area have made the right choice. Our doctors and nurses have helped thousands of patients achieve the lips of their dreams, with many returning for maintenance, top-ups, and to experiment with different fillers.

We understand the nuances of the lips and can help you with all your lip and smile-related concerns. For more information on lip fillers or to schedule your consultation, contact us today at Ethos Spa.

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Can I Have Facial Laser Hair Removal After Rhinoplasty?

Laser Hair Removal for the Face

Laser hair removal is the hot trend these days for semi-permanent hair removal solutions. With recent advancements in laser hair removal technology, the laser solution is growing increasingly accessible and convenient. But while laser hair removal has proven its effectiveness for leg hair, arm hair, and general body hair, some people ask if it provides similarly positive results for facial hair.

So does laser hair removal work on facial hair? Yes, the face can be safely treated with laser hair removal, despite the softer skin and the increased density of hair follicles in the face.

This article will discuss everything there is to know about laser hair removal on the face, from its advantages and disadvantages to its side effects and aftercare.

Facial Hair – Why It Matters

Facial hair can be a sensitive topic for some people. While body positivity helps to empower both men and women, it is also important to be comfortable in your own skin. For many people, this includes dealing with their facial hair.

For women, it’s usually a matter of removing the “peach fuzz” or light moustache on the upper lip; in other cases, the focus is directed on long facial hair on the cheeks, as well as the neck, chin, and sideburns.

Laser Hair Removal on the face… for men?

Yes, men are also increasingly opting for laser hair removal for their facial hair, but perhaps not for the exact same results as women. Some clinics and laser centers find that 1 out of every 5 facial hair patients are men, for several reasons:

• Laser hair removal is an easy way to permanently say goodbye to ingrown hairs and shaving cuts

• Laser hair removal doesn’t necessarily have to be for full removal; instead, it can also be used for reduction, which many men choose to do. Men who are uncomfortable with the thickness or density of their beards can experience up to an 85% reduction if desired

• The process can help to shape your facial hair semi-permanently. Instead of touching up your own beard every week (shaving the neck, cheeks, and other areas where the beard generally shouldn’t grow), laser hair removal can keep those areas clean

Facial Hair Removal Alternatives: Better Than Lasers?

For those searching for facial hair removal alternatives before choosing to undergo laser treatments, there are few options available, however none as efficient as laser hair removal.

These include:

• Traditional hair removal techniques: Waxing, shaving, plucking, and other traditional hair removal methods. While these are inexpensive and can be done on your own or in any salon, results are temporary and the process can sometimes be painful.

• Electrolysis: Electrolysis is the only other serious alternative for semi-permanent hair reduction or hair removal. This method involves higher levels of pain, significantly more treatment time, and higher costs.

	Laser Hair Removal	Electrolysis
How It Works	High-energy beams of light are zapped into the skin, causing damage to the hair follicles, stunting future hair growth for up to several months or years	Electricity is sent into the face’s hair follicles one at a time with the use of the electrolysis device (a thin metal rod); the electricity damages the hair follicle
Ideal Patient	Best works on patients with fair skin and dark hair, but recent advancements in laser tech have opened up laser hair removal to all skin and hair types	Applicable to any patient, as it relies on electricity, not hair and skin pigmentation
Treatment Pain	Little to no pain, with many patients describing it as a soft snap from a rubber band	Mild levels of pain, with high levels of heat and pinching against the skin
Number of Sessions (Full-Face)	Up to 10-12 sessions, or 6 hours of treatment within a year	Up to 400 hours of treatments within 4 years
Average Cost	Depending on the area of the face that is treated, cost can range from $50 to $300	$1.40 / minute
Results	While patients may experience some hair growth, results can be up to a 90% reduction in hair growth over several years	Effective removal of targeted hair
Potential Side Effects	Acne, redness, itching, mild skin pigmentation alteration	Dry skin, swelling, skin redness

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal devices have been around since the early 90s, and are FDA-approved for various forms of treatment, including facial hair removal.

Understanding the Basics

Does it work, and how? – Yes, laser hair removal works for various body parts, including the face. This process works by burning the hair follicles in the skin with high-intensity beams of light.

Is it permanent? – It’s better to think of it as a semi-permanent solution, depending on the patient. If given the right aftercare and performed with enough treatments, laser hair removal for the face can leave some patients without facial hair for years. In other cases, you might expect to see results lasting up to six months before needing another treatment.

Does it work on all hair types and colors? – Laser hair removal is best for coarse, thick hair. Since most facial hair is fine and thin, more treatments are needed for facial hair than for other parts of the body (10 – 12 treatments). It also works best for darker hair against fair skin, however recent advancements in laser technology have made it possible to treat all hair and skin colors with lasers.

Does it hurt? – There is a very low level of discomfort during the treatment, with some patients comparing the feeling to a rubber band snapping against the skin.

Are there side effects? – While there are some mild and temporary side effects, there are no serious side effects with laser hair removal if administered by a trusted and experienced provider. Temporary side effects include redness, itching, and mild skin pigmentation for those with darker skin.

Is it safe? – Yes, laser hair removal is absolutely safe. Just be sure that you can trust your chosen provider, as laser hair removal devices in the wrong hands can be potentially dangerous (with consequences of burned hair or skin).

How much does it cost? – This process can cost up to $300 per treatment, although the price will depend on your location, the experience of your provider, and the size of the treatment area.

Laser Hair Removal for the Face: The Treatment

Preparation

Choose the Right Provider – The first step towards ensuring you have a successful treatment is choosing the right provider. Some areas have strict regulations as to who can provider laser hair removal treatments, but other areas have little to no regulations at all, allowing anyone who has bought the equipment the chance to treat patients.

Do your research. Look at reviews, talk with former patients if possible, and talk to the provider themselves, to see if they have the experience and professionalism to prove their worth. If you end up getting your laser hair removal done by someone untrained, you might end up with skin burns, scars, or worse.

Consultation – Before signing up for any laser hair removal treatment, you should expect a consultation with your chosen laser hair removal provider. During the consultation, your laser hair removal specialist will assess your hair and skin, help you understand the laser hair removal process in terms of preparation, treatment, and aftercare, and help you shape your expectations.

Shave – Shaving is essential. A day before your laser hair removal session, be sure to shave the part of your face that will be treated. The patient must shave so that the laser can burn their hair at its root, at the hair follicle, rather than wasting its energy on the hair strand.

And remember: don’t wax or pluck your hair, as this will remove the hair from the hair follicle, making it impossible to treat.

Manage Expectations – It’s important to remember that laser hair removal doesn’t work perfectly for everyone. While you may have ideal results – up to a 90% reduction in hair growth, with no need to shave for years after your treatments – you may also end up on the less successful end of the spectrum.

Either way, you are guaranteed to have some level of reduction to your facial hair growth.

During Treatment

The laser hair removal is simple and painless, especially when dealing with the face. While patients might be asked to strip naked for full-body laser hair removal sessions, facial hair treatment requires no stripping.

The patient is asked to lie on a raised table. The first step is to section off the face into grids, so the laser hair technician can divide the treatment properly. The area to be treated is then shaved again (even if the patient has already shaved) before the laser is applied.

A gel is applied to the face, which will act as the buffer between the skin and the laser device. Depending on the type of device used by the laser hair specialist, there will be no burning or heat sensation at all, as some devices now use “ice cube tips” to counteract the heat.

The treatment itself will feel like a massage, with the device rubbing back and forth over the face as the laser beams energy into the hair follicles. Treatments for the upper lip can take just a few minutes, while a full facial treatment can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.

Aftercare and Next Sessions

Side Effects

The full list of possible side effects from laser hair removal for facial hair includes:

• Facial redness

• Eye injury

• Treatment area blistering

• Scarring

• Infection

• Pigmentation issues

• Minor pain

Many of these side effects can only occur if the laser hair removal provider is inexperienced, using bad practices, or is equipped with older laser technology. For the safest experience, it is essential to choose a provider you can trust.

Aftercare

• Do not apply too much product or makeup to your face; keep it minimal. You can wear light makeup after the treatment to lessen the facial redness, however if you see crusting or blistering on your face, do not apply any make up, or you might end up with an allergic reaction

• Use SPF50+ sunblock whenever you have to go outside

• Use lukewarm water only when washing your face or showering. No, you shouldn’t wash your face immediately after the laser hair removal treatment. Try to avoid washing it for up to a day, or at most 6-8 hours

• Avoid touching the area too much; it will feel sensitive and there might be some redness. Definitely don’t scratch your face; if you must, apply an ointment or cream to help the swelling

In preparation for your next sessions, make sure to:

• Avoid tanning

• Don’t start taking any new medications; inform your provider if you do

• Exfoliate your face a week after every treatment

• If hair regrows between your treatments, do not wax or pluck; just shave

• Do not postpone your next treatments, as it is essential that they are done on schedule. If you do not attend your treatments on time, you might end up missing the vulnerable growth stage of your hair follicles.

Why Is Laser Hair Removal Not Working On My Face?

If you have undergone laser hair removal but aren’t experiencing significant or even minimal results, there might be a few reasons behind this. Laser hair removal might not be working on your face because:

You or your provider rushed the treatments: Laser hair removal cannot be rushed. The other hair follicles must be given enough time to enter the vulnerable growth stage between sessions. Rushed treatments often lead to patchiness because of entire areas that were missed.

The lasers weren’t medical grade: It is best to search for a laser hair removal provider who uses medical grade lasers, as these are the ideal lasers for penetrating deep into the hair follicle.

You didn’t have enough treatment sessions: The face requires more treatments than other parts of the body, up to 10-12 treatments. If you have fewer than 10 treatments for the face, your results might not be great.

Inexperienced providers: Inexperienced providers is the most common reason for failed laser hair removal experiences for facial hair. Find a provider who removes hair with laser technology daily, with proven results and expertise.

Hair color: If your provider is using the wrong kind of laser for your hair color, there will be difficulty in penetrating the hair follicle.

You: For some patients, laser hair removal just doesn’t work. This could be due to a number of factors, including genetics, hereditary, or hormonal issues. Discuss with your doctor the possibilities if you believe this to be the case.

FAQ: Everything Else About Laser Hair Removal for Facial Hair

Will my hair grow thicker from shaving before I undergo laser hair removal treatments?

No. Hair growing thicker due to shaving is a myth.

What does a full face laser hair removal include?

A full face laser hair removal treatment can include the jawline, forehead, sideburns, cheeks, between the eyebrows, nose, and upper lip. Patients can customize this package to avoid certain areas if they so wish.

Does laser hair removal help acne?

There are cases where laser hair removal has been shown to help with acne. Acne can sometimes be caused by traditional hair removal methods, such as waxing or shaving. This occurs when bacteria infects the opening in the skin after the face has been waxed or shaved, thus leading to acne.

Laser hair removal stops people from shaving or waxing their face, leading to less acne.

Can you do laser hair removal while pregnant?

Many doctors and clinics recommend against undergoing laser hair removal while pregnant. While there are no major side effects for the woman, the effects (if any at all) on the fetus are largely unknown.

Is it okay to wear makeup after a laser hair removal treatment?

As stated above, make up should be fine if the only side effect experienced is facial redness. However, if you notice any crusting or blistering on the treated area, avoid make up until the crusting or blistering clears up. There is a risk of infection if you apply make up on the broken skin.

Laser Hair Removal for Your Face at Ethos Spa

The most important step in ensuring a successful laser hair removal experience is choosing a trusted and experienced laser hair removal provider, and there are few providers more equipped for facial laser hair removal than Ethos Spa, Skin and Laser Center.

Ethos Spa has served countless patients with laser hair removal treatments all over the body, and facial hair is one of our most popular requests. Our experienced team of skin and laser specialists can help guide you through the process, one step at a time.

To learn more or inquire about laser hair removal, contact us at Ethos Spa today. We are more than happy to provide you with a laser hair removal experience you will enjoy.

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