Some people are blessed with full, voluptuous and perfectly shaped lips. Others can benefit from one of the most popular (and non-invasive) ways to temporarily augment lips - hyaluronic acid lip fillers.
But what are lip fillers? How long do they last? Will putting lip fillers hurt? Read on to find out.
What are hyaluronic acid lip fillers?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a thick, transparent sugar derivative that your body naturally produces to help lubricate your joints, eyes, and skin. Hyaluronic acid can attract and hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water, making it a powerful hydrating and volumizing agent.
Hyaluronic acid lip fillers are injectable products made from synthetic hyaluronic acid. Once injected into the lips, they support the oral tissue, contour the mouth and correct any asymmetries.
The procedure is safe, minimally invasive and among the most popular cosmetic procedures.
Lip fillers with hyaluronic acid can be dissolved using hyaluronidase injections if the patient is not satisfied with the results.
The patient can expect the following results from hyaluronic fillers:
- Fuller, sensual lips
- More lip definition
- Less wrinkles around the mouth
- Corrected lip asymmetry
It can take up to two weeks for lip fillers to fully settle and show their full effect.
The effects of hyaluronic acid lip fillers are individual, depending on the patient's goals and the amount of lip filler used.
How is the procedure of placing hyaluronic fillers in the lips?
Medical professionals first apply a numbing cream to the patient's lips. The filler is injected with a fine needle or thin cannula. Depending on the patient's goals, the injection will either be into the lips, their contour or just above to ensure symmetry. After removing the needle, the medical professional gently massages the area and observes the patient for several minutes. Many patients agree that there is little pain other than the sensation of pressure and slight pinching. The entire process takes about 30-45 minutes.
How long does a lip augmentation hyaluronic fillers result last?
All lip fillers are temporary, but some last longer than others. The longevity of lip fillers depends on a variety of factors that range from the brand of dermal filler and the amount of filler used to your metabolism and the way you move your lips every day.
Lip filler companies provide some estimates of the durability of their products based on clinical studies. Typically, the duration of FDA-approved fillers varies between a minimum of four to six months and a maximum of 12 months, depending on the product and the factors mentioned above.
What is the aftercare for a hyaluronic acid lip filler?
Bruising and swelling are common side effects of lip fillers that can be treated or minimized by following these aftercare tips:
Gently apply an ice pack to the lip area for short periods of time during the first 24-48 hours.
- Take arnica supplements to minimize bruising and swelling.
- Do not apply pressure to the treated area.
- Avoid dental procedures two weeks before and two weeks after treatment.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours.
- Abstain from alcohol for 24-48 hours.
- Avoid blood-thinning drugs for 48 hours
