Does having a dental block before getting filler distort your face or affect getting the filler in any way?

Question

Philip K. Robb Jr., MD, FACS · Answer

Hey JanniePooh and thanks for your question-

Great question! There are several things at play here and there are different approaches to it as well.

1. The amount of anesthesia to perform a dental block is small. The block is also performed from usually 4 small injections in the mouth (2 for upper lips and 2 for lower lips). The injection can make the lower cheek just lateral to the nose swell- that's where we're injecting--- but the lips themselves should remain normal.

2. many injectors mark the lips with pencils- the markings are done prior to injection so there is zero distortion.

Trust you lips to an experienced injector who you trust!

Hope this helps and God Bless!

Dr. Robb

Daniel J. Liebertz, MD · Answer

Having a dental bock performed before lip filling is used to decrease the lip's sensitivity to the multiple injections required to adequately contour the lip. Depending on the volume and type of anesthetic used during the dental block, you may notice a slight  asymmetry to your face after the 'numbing' kicks in. This is temporary, and a qualified injector will still be able to fill and sculpt the face appropriately. A 'crooked smile' after a dental block will usually subside in a couple of hours, and does not directly affect the volume of quality of filler. If the asymmetry persists beyond a day, you should return to your injector for follow up.

Jill C. Fichtel, MD · Answer

Because the lips contain a high number of nerves, injections to the lips can be uncomfortable for some patients.  Many patients are able to tolerate Restylane or Juvederm injections to the lips without a dental block.  However, Dermatologists can perform a dental block to make the procedure completely painless.  Physicians with lots of experience with these procedures should be able to provide treatment without any significant issues.

Jo Herzog, MD · Answer

Think of what your face loooks like after a visit to the dentist with a dental block. Sometimes  there is no change of movement of lower face or drooping but sometimes there is. I prefer injecting with topical numbing and use of ice as I want to see the patients mobile face when I am injecting them. Others have no preference and do use a dental block .

Lisa Vuich, MD · Answer

I haven't done a dental block before filler in more than a decade. That is, as we say, very "old school". There are newer, more advanced techniques available, using microcannulas to deliver filler to the lip and perioral region, that make dental blocks ENTIRELY unnecessary.

Best,

Lisa Vuich, MD

Does having a dental block before getting filler distort your face or affect getting the filler in any way?

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Does having a dental block before getting filler distort your face or affect getting the filler in any way?

Answers (6)

Answer: Dental Block and fillers

Answer: Dental Block and fillers

Answer: Dental block with filler

Answer: Dental block with filler

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Restylane

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.