In recent years, social trends and a desire for fuller, defined lips have spurred an increased demand for lip injections. Even with a relatively speedy, no-maintenance procedure with astounding results, having lip injections isn’t a decision one takes lightly. Familiarity with the process, complications, and post-care is key to a natural, long-term result and fewer complications.
Lip injections utilize dermal fillers in an attempt to add bulk, shape, and/or symmetry to your mouth’s outer and inner borders. Hyaluronic acid (HA)-based fillers, including Juvederm and Restylane, are most commonly utilized. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally produced compound in your body, one that absorbs moisture, creating a puffing sensation. Hyaluronic acid fillers, not a long-term presence, will last six to twelve months and have been approved for use and effectiveness through the FDA approval process. Others include less-used but sometimes utilized, collagen fillers and semi-permanent compounds such as poly-L-lactic acid. Yet, HA fillers are gold-standard options, even with a high reversion level and a low allergy reaction chance. Surgical implants, on the other hand, include a surgically inserted, long-lasting implant, and do not represent a quick fix via lip injection.
People seek out augmentation for a variety of reasons. Some have loss of fullness with age, and then have a desire to correct an asymmetrical shape, redefine the edge of the upper and/or lower lip for a sharp, defined cupid’s bow. For many, it’s about confidence and having one’s outer and inner selves harmonize with each other. It’s important, however, to make a decision for lip injections not simply through outer motivation, but out of one’s inner motivation. Analyzing your motivation and assuring that it harmonizes with your desire is an important part of the process.
The most important part of a successful outcome is choosing the proper practitioner. Always use a board-certified dermatologist, a board-certified surgeon, or a trained, licensed practitioner with specific training in dermal fillers. Never go to a nonmedical location with no medical supervision present. In searching for a practitioner, view their before-and-after portfolio to evaluate their aesthetics and review feedback or request referrals. Trust your gut: providers with deep discounts and a hesitation to answer questions about risks, can both indicate a problem.
The consultation is a critical portion of preparing for lip injections. In consultation, your practitioner will sit with you show you comparison photos and discuss your desired outcome. Medical background, including allergy, autoimmune disease, and cold sore, will be discussed, for these can affect your candidacy for having the procedure done. Some practitioners model your result with 3D technology, providing you with a truer picture of what will happen. Have realistic expectations—not all lips can have an equivalent shape, and overfill will yield an unnatural “duck face” shape. An experienced practitioner will work to have harmony and proportion with your face in order to produce a natural result.
Like any cosmetic therapy, lip injections have complications and repercussions involved. Common and temporary complications include bruising, puffiness, soreness, and redness at site of injection. Lumps and asymmetry can arise but will sometimes stop when puffiness is resolved. Vascular occlusion, blood vessel occlusion, and tissue loss can arise but is a rare complication, and symptoms include extreme soreness, blanching, and discoloration, and immediate intervention with a compound that will break down HA, hyaluronidase, is critical. Infections can occur with poor post-care and unclean practice, and allergic reaction with fillers is a rare, but not impossible. To have a lesser chance for complications, follow through with all pre- and post-care.
There are a variety of dermal fillers, but the most utilized ones have a hyaluronic acid base, including Juvederm and Restylane, which are known for their safety record and natural appearances. Collagen fillers, including Zyplast, have gone out of use in current times, with a shorter duration and a greater opportunity for allergic reaction. Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers, including Radiesse, have a thicker viscosity and can correct deeper folds but are not for volumizing lips. Poly-L-lactic acid fillers, including Sculptra, stimulate long-term collagen but must have several sessions performed. HA fillers are preferred for being reversible and for allowing shaping to one’s personalized preferences.
The actual lip injection is quick and simple, lasting between 15 and 45 minutes in administration. First, a topical anesthetic or a nerve block is inserted to eliminate any pain. Next, a thin needle or a cannula is inserted to deliver the filler. After injecting, a massage of the lips is performed in an attempt to shape and even out the filler. Most have minor aches during, describing it as a sensation of a pressure, a mere pinch, and then nothing at all afterward.
Aftercare is important for best results and fewer side effects. Apply an ice pack immediately following your procedure to minimize puffiness and refrain from touching your lips, exercising, having alcoholic drinks, and taking blood thinners such as aspirin for 24 to 48 hours. Sleeping on your back can also stop putting strain on your lips. In terms of long-term, use SPF lip balm to guard your lips against sunlight and moisturize in order to preserve puffiness of your lips with use of hyaluronic acid. In cases of extreme pain, discoloration, and infection symptoms, contact your practitioner at once.
Lip injection results will have immediate puffiness, but in most cases, two to three days will have elapsed before it will go down. Optimum results will become apparent in two week’s time. Duration for HA fillers will have a six to twelve-month duration, and duration will vary with such factors such as your individual metabolism, your activity level, and your filler selection. Refinements will most probably require follow-up appointments in an attempt to preserve your desired fullness and shape.
Cost is a significant consideration when having your lip injections completed. Cost will vary between $600 and $1,200 per syringe, and a few can sometimes be required for considerable fullness. Cost will vary with factors such as your practitioner’s level of expertise, geographical location, and filler selection. As much as discounts and Groupon deals will sound most desirable, prioritize your concern for expertise and value over the price tag.
There are a lot of misconceptions regarding lip injections. One of them is that fillers will forever look unnatural. In fact, experienced practitioners can make subtle enhancements to your face a reality for you. Another one is that your results will last forever, but that HA fillers have an endpoint and can even be removed and replaced, when one wants them to. Others believe that fillers will stretch your mouth out for life, but your mouth and lips will go back to their original shape when your filler is completely absorbed.
For anyone with concerns about getting a lip injection, alternatives can be considered. There are topical lip plumpers, full of irritants such as cinnamon, and cause puffiness temporarily for a very short time. There’s even make-up techniques such as over lining with a pencil for your mouth, that can make your mouth fuller. There’s fat transfer, a surgical alternative that utilizes your fat for augmentation, but with a long healing period and sometimes unpredictable consequences.
Lastly, one must tune in to ethics and mental concerns when deciding to have a lip injection. Augments must boost your confidence, not displace your confidence. In case of motivation through body dysmorphia, and/or social coercion, it can be a smart move to have a chat with a therapist first, before deciding. Trends in beauty have a beginning and an end, and therefore, choosing a style that will make your heart happy and real, is most important.
Lip injections can safely and effectively make your face and life a little brighter when considered in a thoughtful and careful manner. By researching potential practitioners, having realistic expectations, and caring for yourself post-procedure, you can realistically experience the best possible outcomes. Whatever your dream of refinement or transformation, an educated part in your care will work best for a positive, empowered experience. After all, your intention is to become your best, most radiant inner and outer version of yourself.
