Lip Fillers

A lip filler procedure, which is also known as lip augmentation, is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures both men and women get to attain a plumper or fuller lip(s). Because of the newer, more modern, and easy methods, many people are opting for it when they want both top and bottom lips filled out or just one of the two.

It is commonly done using an injectable dermal filler, as one of the most widely-used methods.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Out of the many types of dermal fillers injected into the lips and around the area of the mouth as well, the most recommended one is Hyaluronic acid. This is a natural substance that is already found in the body and is used to help increase the volume of your lips.

In the past, Collagen, fat injections, and implants were all used, but the newer options of Hyaluronic acid are a more safe and long-lasting solution. This solution has fewer side effects and fewer risks in comparison to the others.

Uses of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers and Popular Brands

There are various uses of hyaluronic acid fillers, which are used to help towards improving the appearance of your lips. This is because they add three main things to them:

• Structure
• Shape
• Volume

In most cases, the three effects above last up to 6 months, after which you can choose to get it re-done to keep the volume. In other similar cosmetic procedures, the acid is used to treat other cosmetic issues such as wrinkles and aging skin and is injected into facial lines and wrinkles to smooth things out. 

Medical fields also use it to help with Osteoarthritis and injecting hyaluronic acid into the joints of patients, helps to lessen any stiffness and pain. As an FDA-approved method, some patients are also given the natural substance via an oral format but need to be prescribed by a healthcare provider.

There are a few different hyaluronic acid fillers available in most suppliers and beauty clinics on the market. The popular ones include:

• Belotero Balance
• Restylane-L, Restylane, Restylane Silk
• HylaForm
• Juvederm Ultra Plus, Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Volbella XC
• Prevelle Silk
• Elevess

These are all used in the same way, via an injection, and will give similar results as well. Some of these will also contain a local anesthetic known as ‘lidocaine.’ When deciding on getting this cosmetic procedure, there are a few benefits to using the Hyaluronic Acid. Some of which have been discussed below.

Are There Any Benefits of Using Hyaluronic Acid Fillers?

Once the Hyaluronic Acid gel injections are introduced to the lips, they shape and support the tissue of your lips. The simple answer to this question above is – yes. there are several benefits which range from:

The Treatment is Done at a Gradual Pace: These fillers or injections can be introduced gradually over a few different appointments a few weeks apart until the desired results are achieved.

Minimal Amount of Bruising: there is less of a risk of bruising using this method and the swelling is also much less in comparison to other types of dermal fillers.

Longer-lasting results: the results are reasonably long-lasting with hyaluronic acid than most other fillers. However, it is not a permanent cosmetic procedure.

There is Control Over Lip Volume: When you go to a beautician to get the fillers done, you can decide how much of it you want. They are usually done in a different range of mm (milliliters) for example 0.5mm to 1ml or more. In some cases, some patients want a more pronounced look, in which case no more than 2ml is used. The amount of substance injected can be controlled, so both you and your doctor can control how much lip volume needs to be created.

Minimal Allergic Reaction: because the substance is made from what’s found in our own body, there is a very unlikely risk of having an allergic reaction to it. However, if your doctor uses the filler with lidocaine (an anesthetic) in it, then this must be discussed before treatment starts to see if you are allergic to it not.

The Bumps Dissolve: It is inevitable for there to be a few minute bumps inside the lip once the gel is inserted. These tend to dissolve a lot easier than other fillers, giving your lips a smoother and more natural curvature and look.

If all of the above ticks the boxes for you and you are considering getting a dermal or lip filler done, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to what to expect during the procedure itself. We fill you in on the basics below.

What to Expect During a Dermal Lip Filler Procedure

As one of those least invasive and quick procedures that doctors can do at their offices within a few minutes, getting a lip filler is no different than giving a sample of your blood to the nurse during a routine check-up. All that’s needed is an injection. These can be performed quickly and do not require any downtime in most cases. 

Although, if you opt for the ‘fat injection’ or ‘fat grafting’ where fat is taken from one area of the body and after purification, is injected into the lips, then there is some downtime required for the patient. This is mainly because of the liposuction typically being done on the stomach region. Two steps involved in the procedure include:

Step 1: Just before the actual dermal filler injection is inserted, the doctor will apply either a local numbing agent via injection also known as a ‘nerve block injection’, or a topical numbing cream applied to the lip area to help with discomfort.

Some suggestions to help with the swelling or bruising is to hold ice against the lips, without pressing too hard.

Step 2: Once the area is numb, the doctor will carefully mark the areas where the filler needs to be injected. The injection uses very fine needle points barely visible to the naked eye. The gel is injected into the suggested areas, and this takes about 20 to 30 minutes depending on how much needs to be filled.

Step 3: It’s all done! Things to avoid once you get the filler are lipsticks, creams, or any type of lip products, smoking, and touching, pressing, or fiddling with your lips until they are fully healed. A noticeable difference is noticed after the lips have healed and your lips should start to feel more natural.

How Much Do Lip Fillers Cost?

Depending on which country you are getting the lip fillers, the cost may differ, but should not differ too drastically. The common contenders on which the cost will depend include:

• The doctor’s experience and qualification
• The country you live in
• The type of procedure (dermal filler) used
• The cost will also depend on the units i.e. price per syringe, so if you need 0.5ml or 2ml, it will be charged according to the amount needed.

The majority of those who have gotten the treatment done need no more than 2 syringes, which costs on average between USD 500 – USD 2000. 

Deciding If You Should Get a Lip Filler?

Deciding on whether or not you should get a lip filler done, for some people, maybe a difficult decision. The simplest way to go about deciding is to ask yourself – why do you want to change the look of your lips? Unless you want to do it, then go for it, but if you are not sure then perhaps you need to wait till you are sure. 

Although it is not a permanent procedure, sometimes there may be certain risks or the issue of having to deal with it for 6 months before it fades away. Never do any type of cosmetic or another type of surgery or cosmetic procedure to make other people happy. The look of plumper and fuller lips may make you look better but it’s also important to have a realistic approach towards it.

The good news is, that the doctor will be there to discuss it with you, and those who are nonsmokers and in good health have a better chance of being accepted for it than those who may suffer from underlying conditions which we will look at below. 

If you are someone who is considering lip fillers but have any of the below conditions:

• Oral herpes or any type of active infection
• Lupus
• Diabetes
• Blood-clotting problems
• Allergies of any kind or allergic to Lidocaine

Or even if you have ever had a cold sore in the past or reoccurring ones during seasonal periods, you should inform your doctor. It is also important to tell your doctor about any medications or drugs you have been taking including any that have been prescribed, including any types of herbal supplements.

Who Can Perform A Lip Filler or Lip Augmentation?

Another crucial thing in your decision-making process is to choose the right specialist for the job. Do not ever go to a doctor who may or may not offer the procedure as a side-line. Always go to specialists in the field who are qualified and experienced and have testimonials and before/after images of their previous patients. Read about them in reviews on their website as well as on Google.

Those who are licensed to practice this cosmetic procedure include:

• Dermatologists
• Plastic surgeons
• Cosmetic facial surgeons

The most significant thing is to find a specialist who is competent and qualified in giving injections and one whom you can trust. Because procedures such as these lip augmentations can pose a risk, in cases where the person administering the injection is inexperienced, it can cause a lot of serious issues.

Questions to Ask When finding the Right Doctor for You

Always do your homework by checking all the important information and looking at their images. Ask them the right questions such as:

• Are they board-certified members?
• What are their training and educational background?
• How many patients have they done the procedure on?
• Are they part of any medical association or specialty medical association?
• How many years have they been doing it?
• Which of the fillers do they recommend is the best and safest?
• Ask to see photographs of before and after images.

Only once you are happy with the results should you book a procedure and have your first consultation with them.