Kylie Lipane
RN, Nurse Injector
Mesa, Arizona
Lip augmentation has become incredibly popular in Mesa over the past few years, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you want to add subtle volume or restore lips that have lost fullness over time, lip filler are an excellent non-surgical option to enhance your natural beauty.
Hi, I’m Kylie Lipane, a nurse injector. I’ve had the pleasure of helping countless clients achieve their ideal lips. My focus is always on making the experience as comfortable as possible while providing beautiful, natural-looking results that align with each person’s goals. In this article, I’ll walk you through why lip filler are so popular, the procedure itself, and how I customize each treatment for the best outcomes.
Why Clients Seek Lip Augmentation
Clients come to me for lip filler for many reasons, and it often depends on their age and aesthetic goals. My younger clients typically want more volume, inspired by current trends such as the Russian lip technique. This approach creates a structured, lifted look that’s popular on social media right now. For my more mature clients, the focus tends to be on restoring volume lost due to aging while maintaining a natural, youthful appearance. The goal is often subtle enhancement rather than a dramatic change.
Over the years, I’ve seen trends come and go. At one point, big lips were all the rage, and I had clients coming in wanting their lips to be as full as possible. Now, there’s a noticeable shift toward a more natural look. Many clients even come in to have their previous filler dissolved using Hylenex, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid-based filler like Juvéderm. This allows them to start fresh with a more subtle approach that better aligns with today’s beauty standards.
What Makes Mesa Lip Filler Clients Unique
In Mesa, I’ve noticed some differences in the type of clients I treat compared to other areas. In other cities, I see a lot of clients who come in specifically for lip filler alone.
In Mesa, the clientele is more diverse, and many clients are interested in full-face balancing, where we use lip filler as part of an overall facial balancing strategy.
Mesa clients want to ensure that their lips complement the rest of the face rather than overpowering it. They want to enhance their natural beauty without creating an exaggerated look. They tend to be more holistic, rather than trying to accentuate one specific feature. So I accommodate that.
Popular Types of Lip Filler
When it comes to lip filler, the three most common options I use at my practice at Alani are Juvéderm Ultra, Restylane Kysse, and Juvéderm Volbella. Each has its own unique properties, and I tailor my recommendations based on what the client wants to achieve.
- Juvéderm Ultra: This is the most hydrophilic filler, meaning it draws in the most water and creates the most dramatic plumping effect. It’s great for clients who already have some natural lip volume and want a fuller, more pronounced look. Because it attracts a lot of water, I’m careful about using it in clients with smaller lips, as it can lead to unwanted swelling or migration.
- Restylane Kysse: This filler is perfect for clients looking for a more natural enhancement. It’s versatile and works well on clients with smaller lips, providing a soft, subtle plumping effect without migrating.
- Juvéderm Volbella: I typically recommend this filler for clients with mature lips who are more focused on adding hydration and a slight lift rather than a significant increase in volume. Volbella is softer and less dramatic, making it ideal for clients who want a naturally refreshed look.
The Lip Filler Procedure: What to Expect
The lip filler procedure is straightforward, and I always aim to make it as comfortable as possible. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect when you come in for treatment:
- Numbing: As soon as you arrive, I’ll apply a strong numbing cream to your lips. This ensures that by the time we start the injections, you’ll be completely comfortable. Our numbing cream is one of the most effective on the market, and many clients tell me it makes the experience much more bearable than previous treatments they’ve had elsewhere.
- Injections: Once the numbing cream has taken effect, I’ll clean the area and begin the injections. The number of pokes can vary depending on the desired outcome, but most clients have about 30 or more. The entire process takes about 15-20 minutes, and because of the lidocaine in the filler itself, you’ll get more numb with each injection.
- Aftercare: After the injections, I apply Arnica cream to help minimize bruising and swelling, followed by Aquaphor to keep the lips moisturized. Swelling is normal, especially the day after the treatment, and I always tell my clients to expect this. It takes about two weeks for the filler to fully settle, but most clients look fairly normal after the first week.
Customizing Each Treatment for Natural Results
One of the most important aspects of my job is customizing each treatment based on the client’s natural lip structure and overall facial balance. Some clients come in wanting lips that are much fuller than what their facial proportions can support. In these cases, I always explain why it’s important not to overfill the lips. There are risks associated with too much filler, including migration, where the filler moves outside the natural lip line, and pressure occlusions, where too much product restricts blood flow.
I always start with one syringe of filler. While some clients have had two syringes injected in a single session at other clinics, I believe that’s too much at once and can lead to complications. If a client wants more volume after the initial injection, we can always add more in a follow-up appointment, once the first round has settled.
Recovery and Aftercare Tips
The recovery process is generally smooth, but it’s important to follow a few aftercare guidelines to ensure the best results. Here’s what I tell my clients:
- Swelling and bruising: Expect some swelling, especially the day after the procedure. It’s perfectly normal, and most swelling goes down within a few days. I recommend sleeping with your head elevated and using cold compresses to help reduce swelling.
- Avoid blood thinners: Stay away from aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oils, and herbal supplements that can thin the blood, as they increase the risk of bruising.
- Two-week healing: While you’ll likely look great within a week, it takes about two weeks for the filler to fully settle. If any lumps or bumps appear during this time, I can easily massage them out.
Candidacy: Who Makes a Good Candidate for Lip Filler?
In general, most people make good candidates for lip filler. However, it’s important to ensure that you don’t have any underlying medical conditions that could complicate the procedure. Here are some key factors I consider:
- Age and volume loss: Mature clients who have experienced a natural loss of lip volume with age are excellent candidates for lip filler. Lip filler can help restore that youthful fullness and give a subtle lift without looking overdone.
- First-timers: People who have never had lip filler but are looking for a subtle enhancement or plump are also great candidates. It’s always exciting to work with clients who are new to the process and help them achieve their beauty goals.
- Medical considerations: There are some situations where lip filler might not be appropriate. For example, individuals with active infections, autoimmune disorders, or those undergoing cancer treatments should avoid lip fillers until cleared by their doctor. Clients with previously overfilled lips or migrated filler may need to have their filler dissolved before receiving new injections.
Risk and Safety: What to Watch For
As with any cosmetic procedure, there are risks associated with lip fillers, but they are rare. The most important thing is to choose a qualified injector who can mitigate these risks. The biggest concern is an occlusion, which occurs when the filler is injected into a blood vessel, blocking blood flow to the surrounding tissue. This can cause necrosis, or tissue death, if not treated immediately. Fortunately, we always have Hylenex on hand, which is the enzyme that can dissolve the filler and reverse the occlusion.
Other risks include migration, which happens when the filler moves outside the lip line. This is more common when too much filler is used in a single session, which is why I always limit injections to one syringe per visit.
Clients with autoimmune disorders should also be cautious, as their bodies might react to the filler as a foreign object. For these clients, I always recommend consulting with their physician first.
How Long Does Lip Filler Last?
Lip filler typically last about 6-9 months, though individual results may vary. Clients with faster metabolisms or those who work out frequently might find that their filler don’t last as long. On the other hand, if the filler is placed in the wrong area, it might last longer than expected, which is why seeing an experienced injector is so important.
If you notice lumps, bumps, or any asymmetry after your treatment, don’t worry—it’s part of the healing process. However, if these issues persist after two weeks, it’s a good idea to come in for a follow-up so I can address them.
Pricing and Value
One of the things that set us apart at Alani Skin MD is our flat-rate pricing model. No matter which filler we use, the price is the same, giving both me and my clients the flexibility to choose the best option for their needs without worrying about cost. Many other clinics charge different rates based on the type of filler, but we believe in providing the best treatment based on what’s right for you, without the extra layer of cost concerns.
We also offer financing options through Cherry and Care Credit, so if you want to spread out the cost of your treatment, we can accommodate that. Additionally, our Alani Beauty Bank membership allows you to prepay for services and save on future treatments, which is great for clients who are committed to maintaining their results over time.
What Sets Our Practice, Alani, Apart
From the moment you walk through our doors, we strive to provide an exceptional experience. Our front desk staff is always welcoming, and I make it a priority to go above and beyond when it comes to patient education. I believe in empowering my clients with the knowledge they need to make the best decisions for their beauty goals, and I never recommend treatments that aren’t necessary.
Our pricing model, combined with our expertise in filler products, including Juvéderm and Restylane, ensures that you’re getting the best treatment available. We also stay updated on the latest techniques through extensive training ensuring that our clients always receive the highest standard of care.
I hope this article has given you a better understanding of what to expect from lip filler in Mesa. If you’re interested in enhancing your lips while maintaining a natural, balanced look, I’d love to work with you!
Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!
