Lips are probably the most important complementary elements that contribute to overall facial aesthetics.

They are also accepted to be sexual figures, which have an ability to attract the opposite sex for both genders. This social role of the lips arises the desire to make them more attractive or striking.

Volume, shape and harmony with the overall facial look are the three main factors that are of key importance about lip aesthetics. No matter how thick or prominent it is, if the lips do not fit well to the general architecture of the face, they will look definitely unnatural. For this reason, lip alterations should be planned very carefully and modestly.

Lip shaping is usually done with synthetic injectibles today. These injectible fillers are made up of “hyaluronic acid”, which is one of the natural components of the human connective tissue. As hyaluronic acid has a natural turnover cycle within the body, the injected extra volume slightly fades away within time and totally vanishes by the end of one year. The injection needs to be repeated afterwards.

Another popular way of lip augmentation is fat injection. Since the lips have a very rich blood supply, the grafted fat almost totally survives in this area. It has a longer lasting effect, but the application is a little bit more traumatic.

If one seeks a permanent solution for lip augmentation, then permanent lip implants should be considered as an option. Lip implants are made of silicone, and have their own shape. They are inserted to the lip through almost invisible incisions and stay there for a lifetime. If the patient has any complaint about the implant, it can be removed within minutes.

Non-Invasive Lip Enhancements

Over the past years, lip enhancement treatments became very popular. Through a minimal intervention, having fuller looking lips is possible. This non-invasive approach helps patients achieve plump looking lips in no time, of course this is a temporary solution, but it generally lasts around 6 to 8 months. This treatment takes around 15-20 minutes.

The content of lip fillers consist of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural material which is found in our bodies. That is why, it is completely safe.

Benefits of Lip Augmentation with Fillers

-It has a minimal downtime.

-It doesn’t involve much risks as it is a temporary solution.

-It’s not an expensive treatment.

-It can be dissolved if the patient doesn’t like the results.

The Step by Step Procedure

First, the surgeon will have a detailed consultation with the patient. The surgeon will analyze the patient’s anatomical features and what shape would go for that specific face. The patient should openly discuss their desires with the surgeon and the surgeon should inform the patient transparently about what to expect.

Once the surgeon and the patient comes to an agreement about the outcome, the preparation comes in play. The lip area will be sterilized and the numbing cream will be applied in order to minimize discomfort.

The hyaluronic acid will be injected to lips according to patient’s anatomical features and the patient’s desired outcome. The hyaluronic acid will be injected via a fine needle. Once the filler is applied, the surgeon will massage the lips gently to create the desired look.

Immediate Post Treatment Care

It is important to apply ice because the lips will get swelled, sometimes they can get bruised as well. This is a temporary situation. It is recommended not to do any hardcore physical activities and to keep the head elevated as much as possible within the first 12 hours. If needed, the patient should plan a follow up appointment with their surgeon.

Common Side Effects Post Lip Fillers

As mentioned above, swelling and bruising is expected with the first 24 hours after the treatment. The swelling will take around a few more days to wear off. The bruising generally disappears within the next day or so.

The lip area can feel tender, stiff and red after the treatment, this is also temporary and disappears within a few days.

Some patients experience bumps around the lips as the filler settles, this can be massaged out during the follow up appointment.

To ensure safety, the patient should take these into consideration:

-Choose a board certified qualified plastic surgeon. Make sure your practitioner is someone who is experienced and qualified enough to know about facial anatomy. It is recommended to avoid visiting dermatologists or dentists for such treatments as well.

-Choose a clinic whose first priority is hygiene. Use of sterile proceducts is everything. The materials used in the clinic should be FDA approved.

-Inform your surgeon about your medical background properly (for example if you have allergies) in order to avoid any complications.

FAQ About Lip Fillers

How long do lip fillers last?

The lip enhancement treatment generally lasts around 6 to 8 months depending from patient to patient. The anatomical factors, metobolism and the patient’s lifestyle effect the longevity of the results.

Is lip augmentation painful?

Patients feel a mild to moderate pain during the treatment when the injection needle penetrates the skin. However, before the treatment, anesthetic cream is applied to the lips which helps reducing the level of pain.

Can I return to my daily routine or work?

Yes, right after the treatment, you can return back to work. You might only experience swelling and/or bruising around the lips. It will be best to avoid strenuous activities for the first 24 hours.

What if I don’t like my lip filler results?

Fillers are dissolvable, that is why they can easily be reversed.

How often can I repeat the lip fillers treatment?

Fillers generally last around 6 to 12 months depending on the patient. It would be recommended to wait for 1 year until having fillers again.

How old do I have to be to have lip fillers?

Practitioners generally perform lip fillers on patients who are older than 18 years old. By the time a patient is 18 years old, their facial features will be mature enough, if performed earlier it might cause issues.

Can lip fillers permanently change my lip shape?

This is a temporary treatment however if performed regularly, it can lead to a longer lasting effect and it has been seen that in some cases when performed regularly, fillers stimulate collagen production.

What risks are involved with lip fillers?

This is generally a safe treatment. Eventhough it will be temporary, patients can experience bruising or swelling post lip filler treatment. Rarely patients can encounter asymmetry issues or sometimes infection. That is why, it is important to consult an experienced board certified plastic surgeon.