Smoker's Lines

Q: How to Choose the Right Filler?

Avoid Permanent Fillers Permanent fillers can lead to complications such as hard lumps, abscesses, and inflammation. In some cases, they cannot be removed, making them risky. Opt for Temporary Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our skin that contributes to elasticity and hydration. The effect of these temporary fillers can last from 6 to 24 months, as the body naturally breaks down the substance. Cost of Filler Treatment An average filler treatment costs between €280 and €400 for 1 ml. This price depends on factors such as the products used, consultation and treatment time, and your specific goals. Be Cautious with Permanent and Cheap Fillers Extremely low prices may indicate uncertified products. Often, these fillers come from Asia and carry serious risks.

Q: The 3 Essential C's of Post-Treatment Care

Cool Cool the treated area with ice packs. Alternate packs every 10 minutes but never place them directly on the skin. Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours and stay away from heat sources like tanning beds and saunas. Calm Try to avoid putting pressure on the treated areas during the first few nights. If possible, sleep on your back. For pain relief, you can take paracetamol, following your doctor’s advice. Clear Avoid alcohol for 24 hours. Refrain from using AHA, retinol/Vitamin C treatments, or oil-based makeup during this time. Avoid facials, chemical peels, IPL or energy-based treatments, and microdermabrasion for a week unless your doctor advises otherwise. Do not massage the treated area unless specifically instructed to do so. Ideally, do not apply makeup until the day after the treatment. Additional Lip Filler Advice Avoid smoking for at least 24 hours post-treatment—it’s a great opportunity to consider quitting altogether. Do not apply lipstick during this 24-hour period. Additional Nose Filler Advice Avoid wearing glasses for 24 hours following injections.

Are you bothered by the fine lines around your mouth, also known as “smoker’s lines”? This problem doesn’t just affect smokers; it’s a common sign of aging.

What does this wrinkle around the mouth mean?

These lines, sometimes referred to as “barcode” or perioral lines, are caused by various factors, including natural aging.

As we age, the production of collagen and elastin in our skin decreases. This causes the skin to lose its firmness and elasticity. Furthermore, the skin becomes thinner and loses its ability to retain moisture. Overuse of the orbicularis oris muscle around the mouth, for example, through smoking or talking, can also contribute to these lines.

The Treatments: What are the Options?

✓ Hyaluronic Acid Filler Fan Technique:

Use of hyaluronic acid fillers, which are known to be safe and effective for reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
During the procedure, the filler is injected into the perioral lines (lines around the mouth) using the fan technique.
This method allows for precise placement of the filler, ensuring even distribution.
The result is a plumping of the lines and a rejuvenating effect on the skin around the mouth.

✓ Botox (BTX):

BTX can be used to reduce smoker’s lines or perioral lines.
Small injections are administered into the muscle around the mouth.
These injections temporarily relax the muscle.
The end result is a smoother and more youthful appearance of the area around the mouth, without the presence of unwanted lines.

What Does a Typical Treatment Proceed?

One of the advantages of filler treatment is that it is minimally invasive, allowing you to resume your normal activities almost immediately.

The process is simple:

Discuss your wishes in detail with the doctor.
Together with the doctor, you will choose the most appropriate treatment.
Photos will be taken for reference purposes before the treatment.
The area to be treated will be thoroughly disinfected.
The filler or BTX will be injected with a fine needle.
After the filler treatment, the results are immediately visible.

What Can I Expect in Terms of Results?

This treatment focuses on reducing fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth. The result is a more youthful appearance and a more harmonious facial expression, lasting 9 to 12 months.

Guidelines Before and After Treatment for Smoker's Lines

Precautions

Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications 24 hours before the treatment
Make sure you are not pregnant or breastfeeding before a Botox treatment

Aftercare

Avoid tanning beds and saunas for 2 weeks after the treatment
Limit exercise and smoking for 48 hours after the treatment
Do not wear makeup for the first 24 hours after the treatment

Prijzen Fillers

FAQ

How to Choose the Right Filler?

Avoid Permanent Fillers
Permanent fillers can lead to complications such as hard lumps, abscesses, and inflammation. In some cases, they cannot be removed, making them risky.
Opt for Temporary Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our skin that contributes to elasticity and hydration. The effect of these temporary fillers can last from 6 to 24 months, as the body naturally breaks down the substance.
Cost of Filler Treatment
An average filler treatment costs between €280 and €400 for 1 ml. This price depends on factors such as the products used, consultation and treatment time, and your specific goals.
Be Cautious with Permanent and Cheap Fillers
Extremely low prices may indicate uncertified products. Often, these fillers come from Asia and carry serious risks.

Who May Perform a Filler Treatment?

It is essential that a filler treatment is performed by a qualified and competent physician. The professional must have thorough knowledge of the products used, facial anatomy, injection techniques, and potential risks.

In Belgium and the Netherlands, it is legally mandated that only licensed doctors may administer filler treatments. This law protects patient safety, as serious complications can arise when the procedure is performed by someone without adequate medical training.

Unfortunately, some beauticians or non-medical individuals illegally offer these treatments. This can result in devastating outcomes such as blindness and necrosis (tissue death). Always verify your practitioner’s qualifications and certification before undergoing a cosmetic procedure.

What Happens During a Filler Treatment?

During a filler treatment, you will first have a thorough consultation. Your wishes and expectations are discussed, and the feasibility of achieving them is evaluated.

Most fillers contain a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Injections are administered using very fine needles or flexible microcannulas.

After the injections, pressure is applied to the treated area with gauze.

The session duration varies but is generally short and depends on how many injections are needed.

You can usually resume your normal activities right after the treatment.

It’s normal to experience redness, bruising, and swelling. These side effects are temporary and typically disappear within 24 to 48 hours.

Cold packs can help reduce swelling and are available at the clinic.

Aftercare Following the Injection

Swelling may persist longer when treating the lips, nose, or tear trough area compared to other regions. If symptoms don’t subside or if you notice other reactions, contact Doctor Contour Clinic.

The 3 Essential C's of Post-Treatment Care

Cool
Cool the treated area with ice packs. Alternate packs every 10 minutes but never place them directly on the skin. Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours and stay away from heat sources like tanning beds and saunas.

Calm
Try to avoid putting pressure on the treated areas during the first few nights. If possible, sleep on your back. For pain relief, you can take paracetamol, following your doctor’s advice.

Clear
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours. Refrain from using AHA, retinol/Vitamin C treatments, or oil-based makeup during this time.

Avoid facials, chemical peels, IPL or energy-based treatments, and microdermabrasion for a week unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Do not massage the treated area unless specifically instructed to do so.

Ideally, do not apply makeup until the day after the treatment.

Additional Lip Filler Advice
Avoid smoking for at least 24 hours post-treatment—it’s a great opportunity to consider quitting altogether.

Do not apply lipstick during this 24-hour period.

Additional Nose Filler Advice
Avoid wearing glasses for 24 hours following injections.