Everything You Need to Know About Lip Fillers

Volume loss is the primary reason why many men and women start to look older. Your facial tissue becomes thinner with age, and there is no topical treatment to reverse the effects. Volume loss can affect both your mouth and lips.

A 2019 research study shows that unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking, can also lead to volume loss. Lip fillers have become popular in recent years, and when used correctly, can give you a fuller, plumper, and younger-looking mouth. 

Millions of men and women enhance their lips every year. Because the fillers used in lip augmentation are medical procedures, it is crucial to understand this treatment option. So, what can you expect? Let us delve deeply into the details.

lip fillers

How Do Lip Fillers Work? 

Lip fillers contain a gel-like substance injected underneath the skin surface to increase volume in that area. Although plastic surgeons and cosmetic doctors use different fillers, most prefer hyaluronic acid-based fillers for lip augmentation.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body. Not only do hyaluronic acid-based fillers provide instantaneous enhancement, but they also stimulate collagen production, leading to better and longer-lasting results.

Other types of dermal fillers have more complex ingredients. Some even include artificial ingredients, meaning they may last longer than the traditional hyaluronic acid filler. In addition, fillers attract water molecules and increase hydration in the area, leading to an improved tone, texture, and appearance.

Many patients undergo lip augmentation procedures to increase their lips’ size and enhance their shape. Common brands or products used for lip enhancement are Restylane, Radiesse, Juvederm, Bio-Alcamid, Aquamid, Porcine Collagen, Human Collagen, and Bovine Collagen.

The increase in volume has excellent smoothing effects on the mouth area, ironing out fine lines formed around your upper or lower lips. You can also undergo a lip augmentation procedure to define your lips’ borders, achieve plumper lips, lip flip, or fuller lips.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIP FILLERS

Procedure: Lip Fillers

The average lip filler session takes between 15 and 20 minutes. Your health provider will discuss your medical history and expectations with you and apply a topical agent to numb the area. That way, you will feel more comfortable during the procedure. If you use blood thinners like Warfarin or Apixaban, you can undergo the treatment without any problems.

At ShineMD Medspa & Liposuction Center in Houston, TX, our goal is to create the best outcome by ensuring an increase in volume that suits the rest of your facial features. Our board-certified plastic surgeon will ensure your lips are not overfilled. As a result, you will have more attractive and natural-looking lips.

Moreover, the downtime is related to bruising and swelling. Most patients experience swelling during the first weeks after the procedure. Bruising can occur, too, but it resolves within seven days.

Although most patients don’t need to take anti-inflammatory medications post-injection, our experts recommend eating anti-inflammatory foods such as apples and pineapples, to reduce bruising and inflammation.

Your lips may feel a little hard or tender after the lip injections. However, because hyaluronic acid absorbs water, you will quickly notice that your lips are soft and normal. Remember, collagen works by plumping your lips, and hyaluronic acid retains water content within the area for a more natural effect.

lip fillers

Side Effects

There is a risk every time a needle crosses the skin. Bruising, swelling, inflammation, and pain can last for up to a few days. There is also a risk of infection, but it occurs in rare cases. That’s why it is crucial to check in with your plastic surgeon or health provider post-treatment, especially if you feel nervous about adverse reactions.

Lumps and bumps are common side effects after getting lip injections. Although hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in your body, you may experience an allergic reaction to injectable fillers.

The reason is that dermal fillers often have inactive pain-reducing ingredients, such as lidocaine. People prone to an allergic reaction should do a patch test on their arms before the procedure to see whether they have an adverse reaction.

Lip injections can lead to cold sores for people prone to them. That’s why a qualified professional will always give these patients anti-viral medication like Valaciclovir. Lip fillers injected into a blood vessel can cause complications, such as vision problems, skin tissue damage, and even stroke.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIP FILLERS

Recovery Process 

You can go home following your lip filler session. However, it is crucial to avoid specific activities, such as strenuous exercise, to prevent pressure on your face. Lip fillers need 1-2 days to settle.

Therefore, avoid touching your lips too often to prevent the fillers’ material from migrating to other areas of your face. Likewise, sleep on your back for a few days to prevent the filler from migrating.

You may experience bruising and swelling following injections like Restylane Silk. However, these side effects subside in 10 to 14 days. You can also wear makeup to cover it up. If you are not happy with the results, your doctor will use a dissolving agent to reverse the effects.

ShineMD Medspa & Liposuction Center wants you to get the best result. That’s why our professional will see you two weeks following your procedure. At your follow-up appointment, you may decide to have an additional filler added.

Before and after galleries

Results of Lip Fillers

You will see the results immediately after your lip filler sessions. However, we recommend waiting for any swelling to subside before deciding whether you are satisfied with the results. In some cases, patients need a second treatment to achieve their desired results.

You may also need ongoing sessions to maintain your lips’ size and shape. However, you can stop filling your lips at any point. The results of your hyaluronic acid fillers can last up to six months, but this depends on your body’s ability to metabolise the ingredients.

Moreover, if you want to keep your lips looking natural and attractive, use a high-quality lip balm and stay hydrated once the healing process is complete. Consult your health provider if you experience any complications.

lip fillers

Final Words 

Injectable fillers used in a cosmetic procedure lead to a naturally fuller lip and help tighten the skin around the area. As a result, your mouth looks firmer and younger due to fewer fine lines and wrinkles. At ShineMD Medspa & Liposuction Center, our team uses FDA-approved fillers to ensure our patients achieve their desired results. Contact us today.

Make an appointment at ShineMD Medspa & Liposuction Center to get started. It’s time to take a step in the right direction with Lip Filler Treatment. Contact us today to book your consultation at our office in Houston!