GeneralLip Fillers: What to Expect, Types, Benefits & Side Effects

Lip fillers are popular among young and old alike. They are the most popular type of dermal filler. Lip enhancement is a cosmetic procedure that modifies the shape of the lips using fillers.

These lip fillers can include collagen or implants. Apart from increasing volume, this procedure also improves facial symmetry and enhances the size and shape of the lips.

What to Expect From Lip Augmentation Treatment? 

Getting lip fillers is a personal decision. However, in order to get it, one needs to have good physical health, realistic expectations, and not have oral infections like canker sores or cold sores. People above the age of 21 are only eligible to get lip fillers.

1. Before the Procedure

Before the procedure, the healthcare professional will try to assess and understand a number of factors. These include why the patient wants the filler, what are their expectations from the treatment, and more.

The main emphasis is laid on the overall physical health of the patient. It is important to inform the professional about any allergies or prescriptions you’re taking. The healthcare provider will then measure and take pictures of your face and lips before the procedure.

2. During the Procedure

The doctor will first apply a  topical anesthetic to the lips during the lip enhancement treatment. This cream often consists of benzocaine, lidocaine, and tetracaine (BLT). This helps in numbing any pain or discomfort during the procedure.

If the patient has BLT allergy, the doctor will give a nerve block injection to numb the lips. Once the lips feel numb, the doctor will use a thin needle to inject lip filler.

The areas where the lip filler is injected include the edges of your lips, curves in the center of your upper lip, and oral commissures. In general,  1 milliliter (mL) of lip filler is inserted into the lips.

The doctor continuously applies an ice pack to the lips in order to minimize swelling and bruising. The entire procedure lasts for around 30-40 minutes.

3. After the Procedure

The professional will monitor the condition of the lips to ensure that there are no side effects. The swelling after the treatment usually subsides within  24 to 48 hours. In some cases, it can also last for a week.

Follow-up appointments are scheduled to further monitor the results of the treatment. After the procedure, pictures are taken to document in the patient’s medical records.

It is always advised to avoid wearing lipstick, lip balm, or any other product for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Drinking plenty of water, brushing your teeth carefully, and avoiding doing exercise for at least 24 hours are also mandatory for a speedy recovery.

Types of Lip Filler Treatment 

There are different types of lip filler injections. Some of these are:

1. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers

These injections contain Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers. Hyaluronic is a substance that is naturally produced in our bodies. HA fillers help in adding volume to the lips.

It also helps in enhancing the shape and structure of the lips. The most common HA fillers are Restylane and Juvederm. These last for six to twelve months.

2. Collagen Lip Fillers

In comparison to HA fillers, collagen lip fillers tend to last longer. It helps in making the lips look plumper. However, its popularity is significantly less than HA fillers.

This is because HA fillers not just plump the lips but also trap water inside, which gives a much more naturalistic and pouty appearance.

3. Permanent Silicone Lip Fillers

Permanent Silicone Lip Fillers are permanent. They also require low to no maintenance. These lip implants are inserted through two incisions on the lip. The recent implants are easily removable in case any problem arises.

Benefits of Lip Filler Procedure

The top four benefits offered by lip augmentation procedure include:

1. Natural Fullness 

The very first benefit of the lip filler treatment is the natural fullness that products like VOLIFT Juvederm provide. The results are visible right after the treatment is performed. These filters help in improving lip definition and width.

Juvederm, the Hyaluronic Acid Filler, is the most popular in the market. These are preferred cause they leave behind less bruising. The patient is expected to get re-filling sessions approximately every six months.

2. Enhanced Appearance

By providing a natural fullness to lips, these fillers also contribute to enhancing the overall appearance of the face. The enhanced appearance makes a face look and feels younger. This also helps the person feel confident and satisfied about their looks.

3. Versatile Procedure

Lip filler treatment can be used in multiple ways. It can be used to reduce marionette lines, add definition to the cupid’s bow, enhance the volume of the upper lip to the nose, and reduce the impact of perioral lines.

Side Effects of Lip Filler Treatment

Although the side effects experienced after lip filler treatment are minimal, some commonly experienced minute ones are as follows.

1. Bruising and Swelling

Bruising and swelling of the lips are common after the lip filler treatment. In some cases, the blood vessels in the lips may get punctured, leading to redness and bruising.

However, these are not severe and tend to heal soon. The lips can also feel hard after the procedure. The common remedy for curing these side effects sooner is applying ice packs regularly.

2. Numbness

Numbness is often caused by the anesthesia given before the treatment. This is done so that the patient does not experience any sort of discomfort when the treatment is being carried out. The numbness usually wears off within 24 hours and is not a cause of major concern.

3. Headache and Nausea

Some patients also experience mild and temporary headaches after the treatment. This mostly results because of the lip filler injection that causes over-contraction of certain facial muscles.

The administration of anesthesia also causes the feeling of nausea. Antiemetics such as Nauzene, Emetrol, and Pepto-Bismol can be taken to overcome the feeling of nausea.

Conclusion 

Getting lip filler is definitely a personal choice. However, it is always important to ponder whether or not it is a necessity. Getting expert advice will give strength and direction to the decision.

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