“I want lips like (insert a celebrity name here),” you may have thought to yourself a time, or two, before. Whether you’re looking for rounder, plumper or fuller lips, there is a way you can achieve that famous voluminous look.
Collagen is no longer the only option on the market for lip fillers. A variety of safer dermal fillers are now available that use hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring substance in our bodies that is highly attracted to water and binds to moisture.
Choosing the right type of lip filler for you should be determined by a dermatologist, because there can be many risks involved if the selection is not made carefully.
Keep reading to learn more about hyaluronic acid, different types of fillers, side effects, risks and lasting effects.
HYALURONIC ACID FILLERS
Hyaluronic acid helps increase volume in the lips. These type of fillers can improve the appearance of your lips by adding:
- Shape (lip contours including the cupid’s bow of the upper lip)
- Structure (the form of the lips)
- Volume (fullness or plumpness)
Injectable lip fillers, like Hyaluronic acid fillers, are carefully injected into the lips to support facial structures and tissues that may have lost volume or elasticity due to the normal aging process. They also cause water to rise to the surface of the skin to keep it looking fresh and supple.
The most popular brands of hyaluronic acid fillers are:
- Restylane, Restylane-L, Restylane Silk
- Perlane, Perlane-L
- Juvederm Ultra XC, Juvederm Ultra XC Plus
- Voluma
- Belotero Balance
BENEFITS OF HYALURONIC LIP FILLERS
Other than the perfect pout, other benefits include:
- Control over lip volume. Dermatologists can control the amount of filler used to control the lip volume created.
- Gradual pace of treatment. Dermatologists can perform injections gradually during multiple appointments until the desired look is achieved.
- Minimal bruising. Compared to other types of lip fillers (collagen), there may be less bruising and swelling.
- Longer lasting results. Typically, these type of fillers last between six months and a year.
- Next to no allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are rare because hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the body.
- Animal free. Unlike some forms of collagen, hyaluronic acid is not derived from animal sources.
DURING THE PROCEDURE
These type of fillers can be injected at your dermatologist’s office with little to no downtime.
- Before the injections, your dermatologist will administer a numbing agent to ease discomfort.
- The dermatologist will mark the area(s) they are going to inject.
- The dermatologist will then use very fine needles to inject the substance into your lips.
Following the procedure, you should see a noticeable difference. If there is any pain, you may use ice to ease discomfort and reduce swelling. No firm pressure should be put on the treatment area, avoid using lipstick and other lip products immediately after injections, do not drink from a straw shortly after and stay away from hot liquids until you are no longer numb.
SIDE EFFECTS AND RISKS OF HYALURONIC ACID FILLERS
Side effects of hyaluronic acid fillers are temporary and should only last a couple of days:
- Swelling and bruising
- Redness and tenderness at the site of the injection
- Reactivation of cold sores or fever blisters
More serious risks may include:
- Severe and prolonged swelling or bruising lasting one week to 10 days
- Lumps or bumps in the lips
- Infection
- Ulceration, scarring or stiffening of the lip
- Allergic reaction causing redness, swelling or itching around the lips
If you are considering lip augmentation to make someone else happy, or to try to fit an ideal image, you may want to think twice about the procedure. It is important to have realistic expectations about the outcome. Enhanced lips will give you a fuller and more youthful look, but at the end of the day, you will still be you.
Your dermatologist can discuss the pros and cons of lip injections with you. If you ultimately decide to have a lip augmentation, your dermatologist will help you decide what product is best suited for your needs and wants.
Don’t let price be your deciding factor. Research, and find the best qualified dermatologist for the job. You don’t want to risk your appearance or health just to save a few dollars. With lower cost options, you may be compromising on the skill and quality of product being used.
A good candidate for lip injections includes:
- Someone who is in good overall health
- Has realistic expectations
- Has naturally thin lips or lips that have become thin due to aging
- Has uneven lips
You should not receive lip injections if you have:
- An active infection of oral herpes (cold sores)
- Diabetes
- Lupus
- Blood-clotting problems
FINDING THE RIGHT DERMATOLOGIST | DERMATOLOGY CENTER FOR SKIN HEALTH, PLLC
The most important thing to do is to find a qualified dermatologist who is experienced in lip injections.
At the Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC, our physicians perform all fillers. Drs. Maouad and Gharib have extensive experience with a variety of fillers. Their experience reduces the risk of side effects and increases patient satisfaction with proper product recommendations and placement.
If you’d like to book a consultation with the Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC, give us a call at (304) 598-3888. We can discuss your lip filler options in a completely confidential, no-obligation appointment.
For a more in-depth look at other cosmetic procedures we perform, download our Guide to Cosmetic Procedures. We discuss chemical peels, Botox, microdermabrasion and more.
