How Can Volbella Improve the Appearance of Lips?

Do you wish you could enhance the appearance of your lips? If so, dermal filler injections may be right for you. Today, our cosmetic experts at Northstate Plastic Surgery Associates in Chico, CA share everything you need to know about VOLBELLA, an FDA-approved treatment that can help you enhance the natural beauty of your lips.

How Can VOLBELLA Improve the Appearance of Lips?

This crystal-clear gel can improve the appearance of your lips by volumizing them subtly, making them look fuller and more defined. VOLBELLA is usually injected directly into the lips but can also be administered around the lips. It can help you look younger by treating perioral lines around your lips.

How Quickly Does This Treatment Work? 

Dermal filler injections work very quickly. Hyaluronic acid, a polysaccharide your body produces naturally, is the active ingredient in VOLBELLA. As soon as the polysaccharide is injected into the targeted area, the area is volumized. Simultaneously, the hydrophilic nature of the hyaluronic acid draws water into the injection sites, plumping them up further. Fine lines around your mouth will be noticeably filled in immediately, and your lips will look better.

However, you should keep in mind that you won’t be able to enjoy your optimal treatment results right away. It may be 10 to 14 days before your skin has produced enough extra collagen in response to the treatment to give you the subtle lip enhancement you want.

How Long Will the Results Last? 

You can generally expect to enjoy your optimal results for a year. However, many factors affect the longevity of filler results. You may need more frequent follow-up treatments if you’re a smoker, you don’t wear highly protective sunscreen regularly, or you have an extremely high metabolism. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to maximize the longevity of your results.

How Can I Make My Results Last Longer? 

To extend the longevity of your VOLBELLA results, you need to maintain a relatively healthy lifestyle. Ideally, your diet should be rich in micronutrients and bioavailable protein. Sufficient collagen levels are required to keep your skin looking young, hydrated, and healthy, and collagen relies on several key amino acids from protein for fuel. Furthermore, lots of zinc, vitamin C, and water are required for collagen to keep your skin beautiful.

Minimizing UV exposure is another highly effective way to extend the longevity of your results. Keep an eye on the local UV index, and try to stay indoors when there is a high level of UV radiation. If you can’t stay out of the sun’s harmful rays, at a minimum, wear an SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen. Similarly, you should avoid tanning beds or tanning lamps to keep your skin healthy and young for as long as possible.

Am I a Good Candidate for This Treatment? 

You should qualify for VOLBELLA injections if you are looking for subtle changes to the look of your lips rather than dramatic volumization. You also will probably qualify if you’re worried about lines and wrinkles around your mouth. However, your health must be considered before a final determination can be made. We can’t treat anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffering from a serious medical condition, like hypertension or hemophilia.

What Are Common Signs That Someone Shouldn’t Get Treatment? 

Active skin irritation affecting the lips or mouth is one of the most common signs that someone shouldn’t get dermal filler injections in those areas. For instance, you’ll need to reschedule your appointment if you have a cold sore or severe sunburn on your lower face. You also may not be a great fit for treatment if you have a history of severe allergic reactions or keloid scarring.

Will I Need to Follow Any Preparation Guidelines?

Yes, there are preparation steps you must take in advance of your treatment. We’ll give you a complete list of rules to follow during your initial consultation. Among the most critical pre-treatment rules to follow is to avoid alcohol and tobacco consumption for at least 24 hours. It’s also crucial that you don’t take any blood thinners for at least a week before treatment.

What Can I Expect After My Treatment? 

Once we’ve administered your dermal filler injections, we’ll review your aftercare guidelines with you. If anything is unclear, we will gladly clarify the rules you need to follow. If you don’t have any questions, you are free to resume your day. Due to the non-invasive nature of treatment, there isn’t any downtime or observation period required.

One vital aftercare guideline to follow is to avoid applying makeup to the treated areas for 24 hours. You also need to avoid extreme temperature exposure during the first two days following your injection session. Moreover, you must avoid consuming alcohol or tobacco products for at least a day after your session.

Schedule an Evaluation Today

VOLBELLA enhances the appearance of the lips by volumizing them subtly. Your appearance can also be enhanced with the treatment of perioral lines. If you think you could benefit from treating your lips and mouth with an injectable dermal filler, schedule an evaluation with us at Northstate Plastic Surgery Associates in Chico, CA.