Does hyaluronic filler have to be pressed right after filling the lips?

Most injectors are using so-called smooth fillers like one of the Juvederms, Belotero, or Restylane Silk. These products are called smooth because it is marketing speak for runny. These products are actually runny. They do not hold where they are placed.  Belotero is the most extreme of these products and has very limited tissue lift capacity. Shaping these products is useful to make sure the product is uniformly distributed but it does not hold where it is placed.  If you want a precise lip treatment, on has to use a nonrunny filler.  There are essentially only two products like this on the market: Restylane and Lyft. Lyft is too difficult to use in the lip and very prone to lumps. Restylane is also prone to lumps but it is sufficiently workable to make a smooth but precise lip treatment. That is my preferred lip edge filler.  Using the right product and placing it correctly is how we get a wonderful lip edge treatment that holds up.

Thank you for your question, in most cases there can be some swelling and/or lumps after lip injections which can last 1-2 weeks. I usually recommend my patients to apply firm pressure between two fingers on the lips for a few days, for 5 mins at a time, in order to help decrease swelling and even out the lumps. Best, Dr. Emer

Every injector has their own technique. During the injection procedure the filler can be molded. I do not recommend trying to manipulate the filler after the procedure with pressure yourself. After 2 weeks you should see the final result and the lips. I recommend having your physician reassess them for any necessary adjustments. Yes the shape and fullness of the lips can be changed based on the technique used. I hope this helps. Dr. Ardeshirpour

Immediately after injection of materials, we "massage" the material into the lips to prevent "bumpy" noduals of materials in one location.  If the injector is experienced, then the massaging is very soothing and methodical.  If you surgeon "pinches" the injection site and holds his fingers there instead of rolling and pulling on your lips, then not sure what he's trying to accomplish.  Now, if we encountered an injection site that bled a lot, then we may hold and pinch your lip with a piece of gauze or with our bare finger tips.  The motion of the massage after injections is usually tend to in a rolling motion, not a pinch motion.  Hope this helped.  

There is no need to press the filler after lip augmentation. I smooth the filler out to make sure there are no areas of fullness and that the filler is is not lumpy in anyway. I always use a linear threading technique so there are no bolus lumps. However, it always best to be safe and check. I always use Volbella for lips and since it has the consistency of agave it is always smooth.

All the best from Gig Harbor WA
Judith Rubin, MD

Hi and Thanks for the question.  Each injector has their own technique which works best for him or her.  Hyaluronic Acid fillers are moldable immediately after injection and I would recommend not pressing or trying to shape the material yourself unless directed to do so by your physician as you can alter the result.  Best of Luck!