Lip Enhancements
What is Lip Fillers?
If we want killer, sexy fuller pouts then we must consider getting lip fillers. These are the leading treatment for boosting lip volume and augment lip definition. Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure of injecting dermal fillers into the lips. These kinds of fillers are often called “hyaluronic acid fillers”. Hyaluronic acid fillers can improve the appearance of our lips by adding structure, volume and shape.
How Long Does it Last?
Lip fillers are of two types, one is temporary, which needs to be re-done every 6-9 months. And one is semi-permanent, which can last up to 2 years. However, the durability of our lip fillers will depend on the product we selected and factors unique to the individual getting the treatment done.
How Much Does Lip Filler Cost?
The usual amount of filler per session is one syringe and each syringe consists of 1 ml of the substance. The cost of lip augmentation can vary depending on the type of procedure that’s performed. It also depends on the doctor’s experience and the geographic location of the doctor’s office. The cost per syringe can vary from $400-$1000 and most people won’t require more than 2 syringes costing a total of $500-$2000.
Benefits of Lip Filler
The amount of filler injected can be controlled, therefore the lip volume created can also be controlled. It can be used to define the lip line and minimize the lines above and below the lips. The injections can be given gradually in different sessions until the desired results are achieved. There are less bruising and swelling compared to other dermal fillers. Any bumps and lumps are dissolved easily. The results are reasonably long-lasting, but not permanent. Allergic reaction are mostly unlikely because hyaluronic acid fillers are made from substances similar to those found in the body. It is a much safer procedure and it also lasts longer than using collagen to enhance the lips.
What you should consider before booking.
We must conduct a proper research, before booking an appointment, and make sure we get the treatment done by a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. It is important that the physician understands how much of the filler needs to be injected per session, where to inject it in order to achieve the desired effect, and also discusses which technique and product is best suited to ensure our smile remains in balance and we look authentic. We must take the filler in relatively smaller amounts over 2-3 sessions, not all at once, to maintain and enhance their shape avoid having overly filled lips that might cause regret.
Also, before we make an appointment, we must decide realistically how big we want our lips to be, do we want to use the filler only on one lip, or both of them? This is essential because sometimes people feel that they’ve wasted their money as their lips may not have changed much or have changed too dramatically.
We must also tell our doctor about our health condition and whether or not we have medical conditions such as an active infection, blood clotting problems, diabetes etc. The treatment is not recommended if we are taking antibiotics.
Importance of aftercare.
There are some thing we must stay away from after the treatment and one such thing is aspirin. We can use ice packs on our lips if it feels sore. We must avoid touching the treated area or applying make-up for at least 12 hours after the treatment. Also alcohol consumption should be avoided for 12 hours. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for a day. In addition to that extreme sun exposure, UV light, freezing temperatures, steam rooms and saunas must be avoided for 2 weeks.
Product selection.
There are loads of variations of the filler. For example, Restylane, Belotero, Volbella, Voluma, Juvederm and they’re all hyaluronic-acid-based. The most common type is the hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane. Juvederm is used when we want a voluminous plump pout, and Restylane may be used for a more natural look.
The lip fillers can be made up of different substances each may last for different time lengths. For example:
Collagen: It is a type of protein found in the body and its effects may be 3-4 months.
Hyaluronic acid: The effects of using Hyaluronic acid injections can last 4-6 months.
Calcium hydroxyapatite: If we want a filler to last long-term but not permanent than If you’re looking for something long-term but not permanently then Calcium hydroxyapatite injections are the best option as the effects may last up to 18 months.
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA): These injections are given over the course of several months and may last up to 2 years.
Polymethylmethacrylate beads (PMMA): This filler is for the one who want to permanently plump their lips, but it is also the most risky.
Technique/ process.
A week before the appointment we can’t take any, anti-inflammatories, aspirin, multivitamins, fish oil, or vitamin E. These medications will thin our blood and can cause major bruising post-appointment. It is also best to avoid alcohol or caffeine 24-hours before and after the appointment as this will help reduce swelling.
Since the fillers are painful, most people are given a numbing cream before the filler is inserted to help reduce discomfort.
Lip augmentation injection are given in the doctor’s office. It is a quick procedure and requires little to no downtime. After the areas to be injected are marked, very fine needles are used to inject the filler into the lips. It takes around 15-20 minutes in total for the procedure. For a juicier lip, the filler is usually inserted directly into the lips. For a more natural look, the fillers are inserted on the rim of our lips. After the injection, ice may be given to control swelling and ease discomfort. Also no firm pressure should be put on the treatment area. Immediately after the procedure lipstick or other lip products should not be put on the treatment area.
Although the procedure is super quick and the results are almost instant, we can expect some bruising. The lips won’t be snap-ready immediately, the good news is any swelling should go down within three days.
Things you should know.
Although the lip fillers are mostly risk-free, the most common side effects are bruising and tenderness. However, there is a slight possibility of an allergic reaction which could lead to an infection. If we aren’t satisfied with the effects of lip fillers, it can be reversed. If we use a hyaluronic acid-based fillers the effects can be dissolved with hyaluronidase, which is an enzyme that speeds up the degradation of hyaluronic acid, quickly and safely.
Initially lips will feel swollen and numb, however the feeling eases off after a week. After the treatment we should try to keep the lips safe and avoid getting hit on them, as it may cause permanent scarring or disfigurement. Repeated treatments may be necessary to achieve your desired outcome or to lengthen the effects of the fillers.