Lip Enhancement (Lip Filler)

Pre-Care, Post-Care & Treatment Expectations

Lip enhancement is a physician-directed treatment designed to improve lip shape, structure, and balance while maintaining a natural appearance.

At Arawan MedSpa + Wellness, we do not treat the lips in isolation. We evaluate the entire perioral region including the surrounding support structures of the mouth, such as the corners of the lips, lip border, and adjacent facial anatomy. This ensures the lips are properly supported and proportioned, avoiding an overfilled or unnatural appearance.

Our goal is not simply to make the lips bigger, but to create balanced, well-supported lips that harmonize with your overall facial structure.

What to Expect with Our Process

• Begin with a lip filler consultation with Dr. Eric de la Cruz, MD, FACS, including a full assessment and discussion of risks, expectations, and treatment planning
• Followed by a procedure appointment with Nurse Sunshine
• 24-hour photo follow-up to monitor early healing
• Two-week in-person follow-up to assess results and ensure balance

Treatment Expectations

• Results are customized and buildable
• Subtle enhancement is prioritized over overcorrection
• Swelling and mild asymmetry may occur initially and resolve as the lips settle
• Final results typically develop over 1–2 weeks

Important:
Overfilling without proper structural support can lead to an unnatural or disproportionate appearance. A full-area assessment helps prevent this and ensures a more refined result.

Starting with a Fresh Foundation (When Appropriate)

In select cases, particularly when there is pre-existing filler that is overfilled, migrated, or not well-supported, we may recommend dissolving with hyaluronidase to create a clean foundation before further treatment.

This approach allows for:

• Improved structure and support
• More precise placement of new filler
• A more natural, balanced result

This is not required for all patients, but when indicated, it can significantly improve overall outcomes as part of a physician-directed treatment plan.

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Filler Dissolving (Correction & Safety)

Hyaluronic acid–based fillers can be adjusted or dissolved using hyaluronidase, an enzyme used when correction is needed.

In select cases, this may be recommended for concerns such as excess volume, asymmetry, or filler that does not appear optimally supported.

Hyaluronidase is also the same medication used in rare, urgent situations requiring rapid correction, making it an important part of a comprehensive safety protocol.

At Arawan MedSpa + Wellness, this reflects our commitment to precision, safety, and natural results. While not commonly required, the ability to dissolve filler allows for refinement when appropriate as part of a physician-directed approach.

If dissolving is recommended to create a fresh foundation prior to treatment, this is considered a separate procedure and may be performed at an additional cost.

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Pre-Care Instructions

To reduce bruising and optimize results:

Eat Before Your Appointment

• Have a light meal prior to your visit to help prevent lightheadedness

Stay Hydrated

• Drink water before your appointment to support circulation and overall comfort

Skin Preparation

• Arrive with a clean face and no lipstick or lip tints
• Avoid makeup 

Avoid Blood-Thinning Medications (7–10 Days Prior)

• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen
• Other NSAIDs

Avoid Certain Supplements

• Fish oil
• Vitamin E
• Garlic
• Ginseng
• Ginkgo biloba

Avoid Alcohol

• Avoid for 24–48 hours prior

Consider Arnica Support (Optional)

Arnica may help minimize bruising and swelling:

• Oral arnica may be started prior to treatment
• Topical arnica (Silagen Arnica 20%) may be applied after treatment

Silagen Arnica contains a higher concentration of arnica than many over-the-counter formulations.
Optional and available at an additional cost.

Notify Your Provider

Inform us if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have allergies or medical conditions
• Have had recent illness or dental work

Post-Care Instructions

Immediate Aftercare

• Swelling is expected, especially within the first 24–48 hours
• Bruising may occur and typically resolves within several days
• Mild tenderness or firmness may be present

Avoid Pressure & Manipulation

• Do not massage or press the lips for 48 hours unless instructed
• Avoid excessive movement or pressure to the area

Sleep Position

• Sleep on your back for the first 1–2 nights
• Use an airplane or travel pillow for support and to reduce pressure

Avoid Exercise

• Avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours

Avoid Heat Exposure

• No saunas, hot tubs, or excessive sun exposure for 48 hours

Avoid Alcohol & Blood Thinners

• For 48 hours post-treatment to reduce bruising risk

Skin Care

• Resume gentle skincare after 48 hours
• Avoid retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs around the lips for 48 hours

Treatment Planning

• Follow-up at 2 weeks to assess results and ensure balance
• Additional refinement may be performed between 4–6 weeks if needed (additional cost may apply)
• Lip enhancement may be performed gradually over time depending on desired outcome
• Return in 12-24 months for maintenance

Important Considerations

• Lip enhancement is physician-directed and individualized
• Overcorrection is avoided to maintain a natural appearance
• Results vary based on anatomy and treatment plan

Our Approach

At Arawan MedSpa + Wellness, lip enhancement is performed with a focus on structure, support, and balance. Our goal is a natural, refined result that enhances your features without appearing overdone.