Injection of the lips with filling materials to enhance fullness and refine shape is a very popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedure. It is typically performed in the office with either no anesthetic, or just topical or local anesthetic to decrease the pain with injection. After injections it is typical to experience swelling that is noticeable for between 3-5 days, and a little puffiness that may take as long as 2 weeks to completely resolve. After that the appearance stays stable until the product begins to be metabolized by the body. Depending on the type of filler utilized this is usually 4 months to as long as a year after injection. If the changes achieved by the injections are what you are looking for, then reinjection periodically when it is wearing off can maintain this appearance long-term.
Usually after injection the treated areas are a bit numb for a few days (depending on swelling and the type of product injected). Some products contain lidocaine in them that keeps things numb to reduce pain for the first couple of days. That anesthetic should be completely worn off by 2-3 after injection. If numbness or an irregular feeling persists more than 2 weeks it would be a good idea to go back into your provider’s office to be re-evaluated. Long term loss of sensation or tingling would be a very unlikely consequence of filler injections.
Lip enhancement has been a desired cosmetic intervention for many years, but it has become much safer and less expensive since the introduction of injectable fillers. When planning injections please take into consideration the credentials of your provider. A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will be the most Qualified to provide you with a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment recommendation to get you the results that you desire!