New Beauty wrote an article about why some dermatologists say lip filler needs a PR agency, as many people incorrectly assume that filling the lips always results in overfilled duck lips.
For tips on achieving a natural appearance with lip filler, I reached out to Roberta Del Campo, MD, a dermatologist in North Miami, Fla. Dr. Del Campo will be presenting, “A Deep Dive into the World of Injectables & Non-Surgical Rejuvenation” at the ODAC Dermatology, Aesthetic & Surgical Conference, taking place January 14-17 2022 at the Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, FL.
Do you agree with the dermatologists quoted in the article that lip filler needs more PR?
I absolutely agree. I discuss at length with my patients that when the lips are injected in a natural way it can enhance the facial features and add balance to the face.
Have you had to convince some of your aesthetic patients to try lip filler and, if so, what messages resonated most with your patients?
I think it is n easy conversation when you trust your professional eye to balance a patient’s features and feel this is a good option for them. The message that most resonates is the ability to not change their appearance, but rather enhance their natural lip shape and add hydration to give them a more youthful appearance. I also explain that often an unnatural appearance is due to a less experienced injector or using the wrong product to inject. When the right product is selected and is in the hands of an experienced injector, the results can be phenomenal.
What are some of your top tips in lip filler technique?
Start with assessing the patient’s goals. Some may like a little more shaping, others may like a little more volume, and some may want a combination of both. Understanding your patient’s preferences is the most important step. Also understand the different products on the market and select the one the best fits your patient’s goals. Finally, go slow. You can always add more.
What should dermatologists consider when choosing a lip filler product? Which patients benefit the most from each product?
The most important aspect of a lip filler is the thickness of the product. A finer, softer product will give a more natural, subtle result while a product that is thicker and more firm will give more fullness and shaping.
How do you navigate patient desires with realistic outcomes? How do you convince a patient not to ask for an overdone look?
Be honest. Explain that this is your area of expertise and you recommend what will best fit their facial features. Explain that enhancing the natural beauty rather than changing it will give the most aesthetically pleasing results. And finally, it can always be helpful to describe the youthful appearance of a baby’s lips, focusing on the beautiful shape and hydration rather than an overdone look.
How do you handle poor outcomes? What are your tips for ensuring patients are satisfied with the results?
The beauty of the current lip fillers is they are all made of hyaluronic acid, which can be reversed if there is a poor outcome. We know as dermatologists that we cannot please every patient, but obviously our goal is to make as many happy as possible. If I find a patient who I’ve treated is not happy with their results, I listen more closely and try to understand how to adjust my treatment to ensure a satisfied outcome.
What are your tips for adjusting or dissolving filler?
Explain that this may be a process. Let them know you are by their side to ensure that they will be happy with the final outcome but that it may take a few steps to get there.
How can a dermatologist become an expert injector?
Practice. Practice. Practice. The more you inject the more confident you will become. Further, try different techniques and see what best fits your patients and what you feel most comfortable with.
Is there anything else related to lip fillers that is helpful for dermatologists to know?
Inject slowly to decrease the risk of bruising or swelling. I also recommend my patients take an antihistamine prior to the injection to minimize swelling. Further, small low doses of prednisone can be given before or after the treatment to also minimize swelling for those who are extra sensitive.
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