Lip fillers can give you smooth, natural-looking volume and improve lip shape with a minimally invasive treatment. Small changes in proportion or definition can create a more balanced appearance. At the practice of Mimi Lee M.D. PA, we use JUVÉDERM® ULTRA PLUS to provide effective results with little to no discomfort.
What Are Lip Fillers?
Hyaluronic acid lip fillers add volume and definition by using a soft, gel-like substance that blends naturally into the lips. This material attracts water, which helps keep the lips hydrated and plump. Lip filler results are temporary but long-lasting, and you can return for touch-ups to maintain the shape and volume of your lips.
What We Treat With Lip Fillers
- Naturally Thin Lips: Some lips naturally have less volume, regardless of age. We use lip augmentation techniques to augment them while keeping the results soft and proportional.
- Thinning Lips Due to Aging: As collagen and fat decrease, the lips can lose shape and appear flatter. Filler helps restore a more youthful structure by replacing lost volume and smoothing wrinkles.
- Asymmetry: Uneven shape between the top and bottom lip, or side to side, can draw attention away from the rest of the face. We correct asymmetry by adding filler to balance the overall appearance.
- Vertical Lip Lines: Fine lines that extend from the upper lip can become more visible with movement or lipstick. ULTRA PLUS can smooth these lines by gently filling and hydrating the skin.
- Definition Along the Lip Border: Blurring of the vermilion border can make the lips look less structured. We can add filler along the edges to refine the shape and create a cleaner, more defined outline.
- Cupid’s Bow Enhancement: Enhancing the natural curve of the cupid’s bow can bring more character to the upper lip. Subtle filler placement helps emphasize this area while maintaining a soft, natural-looking result.
Why We Use JUVÉDERM ULTRA PLUS
We use JUVÉDERM ULTRA PLUS because it gives the lips a smooth, natural texture and holds its shape well in a mobile area like the mouth. It is a hyaluronic acid-based filler with a slightly thicker consistency than other types of lip fillers, which allows us to build volume. Because of its flexibility, we can use it to define the lip border, enhance lip shape, or restore volume. ULTRA PLUS blends well into the surrounding tissue and retains moisture, helping the lips stay soft and hydrated. We choose it when we want a reliable filler that provides both structure and softness.
The Benefits of Lip Fillers
Instant Improvement in Lip Volume and Shape
Filler begins working right away, so you will see immediate enhancement in lip volume and contour before you even leave the office. However, mild swelling can temporarily mask the final look. You do not need to wait through a long healing period to know what your results will look like, which makes this a good option for patients who want noticeable improvement without delay.
Minimal Downtime and No Surgery
Lip fillers do not require incisions, stitches, or general anesthesia, and the recovery process is quick and simple. You can return to your usual schedule the same day with only a few basic aftercare instructions. Swelling and bruising may occur, but they resolve quickly and do not usually interfere with daily activities.
Customizable for Each Patient
Lips vary widely in structure, fullness, and movement, so we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. We adjust the amount and placement of filler based on your anatomy and the specific changes you want to make. Whether you are looking to create subtle volume, correct uneven shape, or define the lip line, the treatment can be adapted to fit your goals.
Comfortable Procedure
We use several strategies to make lip filler treatments as comfortable as possible from start to finish. Our patients describe the experience as very tolerable and are surprised by how quick and easy the process feels.
Before Lip Fillers
Schedule a Consultation
Before we treat the lips, we always begin with a consultation to make sure filler is the right choice for you. We look at the natural shape and balance of your lips, talk through the changes you want to see, and build a plan that makes sense for your features. This visit also gives you a chance to ask questions and understand what to expect from the treatment.
Avoid Blood Thinners and Other Recommended Medications
To reduce your risk of bruising, we recommend pausing certain supplements and medications that thin the blood, if medically appropriate. That may include aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, and similar products. Always check with your prescribing provider before stopping any medication. If you are unsure about what to avoid, we are happy to go through your list with you.
Begin Taking Arnicare® Tablets
We recommend that all patients start Arnicare Tablets two days before treatment. Arnicare is a homeopathic supplement made from Arnica montana, a natural plant extract known to help reduce bruising and swelling. This simple step helps our patients recover faster with fewer side effects.
Arrive With Clean Skin
Please come to your appointment with clean skin and no makeup, lotion, or products on or around the lips. This helps reduce bacteria on the surface and allows us to keep the area as sterile as possible.
During Lip Fillers
We start every filler treatment by applying a strong topical numbing cream to keep you comfortable throughout the session. We also use a mini-dental block, which numbs the area more deeply and makes the injections painless. JUVÉDERM ULTRA PLUS also contains lidocaine, which continues to reduce discomfort as the filler settles in. We use a blunt-tip cannula for the injections because it allows for fewer entry points, less bruising, and more precise control. The entire treatment usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your goals and how much enhancement you want.
Aftercare Instructions and Tips
- Continue Taking Arnicare: Continue taking Arnicare tablets for at least two days after your treatment, or longer if any bruising remains. Keeping up with the tablets can help speed up the healing process and reduce how noticeable any discoloration looks in the days that follow.
- Apply Ice As Needed: Use a cold pack as needed during the first couple of days, especially if your lips feel swollen or tender. Wrap the ice in a clean cloth and apply it in short intervals to avoid irritating the skin. Make sure to never apply ice directly to your skin.
- Keep the Area Clean and Undisturbed: Try not to press or touch your lips after injections. Avoid makeup, lotions, and lip products for the rest of the day, and keep the area clean so nothing interferes with the filler placement. Letting the lips rest gives the product a chance to settle properly.
- Sleep With Your Head Elevated: Prop yourself up with an extra pillow and try to sleep on your back the first night. Staying slightly elevated can help reduce swelling and prevent fluid from collecting around the mouth. It is also a good idea to avoid sleeping with your face pressed into a pillow, since pressure can shift the filler before it fully settles.
How to Maintain Your Results
To keep your results looking fresh, plan to schedule touch-up appointments every 6 to 12 months, depending on how your body metabolizes the filler. Using lip balms with SPF helps protect the area and may extend how long the filler lasts. Because hyaluronic acid attracts and holds water, drinking plenty of liquids can keep your lips looking plump, full, and hydrated in the months after your treatment.
Try to avoid habits that involve extra movement or pressure on the lips, like smoking or frequent straw use, since repeated motion can cause the filler to break down faster. We can always adjust the timing of your visits based on how your lips are holding their shape.
FAQs About Lip Fillers in Little Rock
How Long Do Lip Fillers Last?
Most lip fillers last anywhere from 6 to 12 months. Some patients notice their filler holds longer, while others choose to schedule touch-ups a little sooner to keep the shape consistent. Your metabolism, activity level, and habits like smoking can all impact how long results last. We can adjust your treatment schedule based on how your lips respond over time.
Do Lip Fillers Look Natural?
Lip fillers can look very natural when injected by an experienced provider. We respect your natural shape and proportions as we inject, so the result enhances your features without changing how you look. Small amounts of filler often create the most balanced outcome. We use lip injections to improve structure, volume, or symmetry without overfilling or creating an artificial look.
How Soon Will I See Lip Filler Results?
You will see immediate changes right after the treatment, although the final result takes a few days to settle as swelling goes down. The lips usually look a little fuller at first, then refine into a softer, more natural shape.
Can I Go Back to Work After My Appointment?
Yes, you can return to work the same day in most cases. The treatment itself only takes a short time, and there is no need for recovery or downtime. If your schedule allows, consider avoiding strenuous activity for the rest of the day.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Lip Fillers?
The best candidates are those who want to enhance or restore volume in the lips without surgery. Good candidates for lip fillers generally meet these criteria:
- Adults in good health looking to enhance or restore lip volume
- Non-smokers or willing to avoid smoking around the time of treatment
- Realistic expectations for improvement, not looking for perfection
- No active cold sores or infections in the treatment area
We will always review your health history and goals during your consultation to make sure filler is a safe and appropriate option for you.
Why Choose Us for Lip Fillers
Dr. Mimi Lee brings over two decades of experience in cosmetic injections and takes a thoughtful, hands-on approach to every treatment. She performs all filler injections herself and uses advanced techniques, including blunt cannulas and dental blocks, to make the experience more precise and comfortable.
With a background in both cosmetic medicine and microinjection work, she knows how to enhance each patient’s natural features without overcorrecting the area. Our patients trust her because she listens carefully, treats conservatively, and never recommends anything they do not need. At her Little Rock practice, care is personal, and results are subtle, balanced, and based on sound medical judgment.
Schedule a Consultation to Learn More About Our Lip Fillers
Lip fillers can enhance shape, restore volume, and bring better balance to the lower face with a quick, minimally invasive treatment. At Mimi Lee M.D. PA, every patient receives expert care directly from Dr. Lee, using proven techniques for precise and natural-looking results. We offer lip filler treatments in a comfortable setting with little to no discomfort or downtime. We serve Little Rock, AR, and the surrounding areas.
To schedule an appointment or ask a question, call (501) 588-7824 or contact us through our online form.