Lip fillers are injectable gels, usually hyaluronic acid, fat, or implants that are designed to give fullness, plumping volume, and contour to the lips. Lip fillers provide people with thin shallow lips a desirable sultry pout. The goal of lip injections is to give an aesthetic, symmetric, and healthy look for the patient.
Lip augmentation has become an increasingly popular procedure. In the past, patient’s options were limited to only a few filler substances and relatively few surgical options. Today new filler products continue to evolve rapidly and become available to surgeons and patients alike.[1] The ideal perioral (the area around the mouth) and lip rejuvenation technique provide the longest period of efficacy, lowest complication rate, and best esthetic results.[2]
Continue reading to find out if you would benefit from lip filler treatments. Reach out to Dr. Justin Booth for a consultation to see if you are an ideal candidate, or call 512-755-8478, and a member of Dr. Booth’s staff will help guide you through the process. Dr. Booth brings years of extensive training in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic and general surgery to Austin and the surrounding communities. His practice gives clients the highest quality experience and beautiful results, leaving them looking and feeling their best.
Stay up to date by following Dr. Booth on social media. You can find him on Instagram and Facebook.
We look forward to helping you pout it out loud to the world.
Types of Lip Fillers
Lip fillers come in three different forms: hyaluronic acid, fat transfer, and implants. Each come with their own unique strengths. You will figure out which path suits you best during your initial consultation with Dr. Booth.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient in most dermal fillers. It is a sugar found in our skin that retains water and helps the skin stay hydrated and plump. Injectable HA fillers create volume by drawing in water, which creates the ‘filled in’ effect. Multiple studies have confirmed that hyaluronic acid represents a safe and effective tool for lip augmentation.[3]
Fat Transfer
Fat transfers utilize fat harvested from the patient’s own body, where it is purified, then reinjected into the lips. Because the fat comes from the patient, their body is less likely to reject the materials.
Implants
Implants are a more permanent lip augmentation solution that uses either silicone or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene inserts to give the lip more fullness and volume.
Benefits of Lip Fillers
- Produces immediate results
- It helps improve lip definition and width
- Added volume creates a fuller pout
- Extra definition
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth
- Quick, easy, and relatively painless
- Fast recovery
- Increased feelings of attractiveness
Candidates For Lip Fillers
The ideal candidate for lip filler treatments is somebody who is physically healthy, does not smoke, has realistic goals and expectations for their lips, is committed to maintaining a proper skincare routine. Dr. Booth will be able to determine if you are the right candidate during your initial consultation.
Lip injections are an excellent option for people who want to:
- Perfect the shape of their lips
- Boost the volume on their thin, small, flat, underdeveloped, drooping, or loose lips
- Improve the signs of aging in the lips
- Correct any sagging or drooping lips as the result of smoking, gravity, the environment, and age
- Restore a youthful shape, definition, fullness, and smoothness to the lips
Personal Consultation
During a lip injection consultation, Dr. Booth will listen as you explain what you wish to achieve in your lip’s appearance. He will then determine if you are a suitable candidate by taking a thorough medical history and examining your lips and mouth. Dr. Booth will answer all your questions and discuss the benefits and risks associated with the procedure.
Preparation
To reduce the amount of bruising and swelling at the injection site, Dr. Booth makes the following recommendations about how to prepare for lip fillers:
One week prior to injection
- Avoid blood-thinning medications
- Avoid herbal supplements
Two days prior to injection
- Avoid retinoid and anti-aging products
- Avoid waxing, bleaching, plucking or treating hairs around the lips
Twenty-four hours prior to injection
- Avoid alcohol
Procedure
Injectable lip augmentation can be performed quickly in Dr. Booth’s office with little to no downtime. Fat injection is the exception since the procedure requires liposuction to harvest the fat from another part of the body before the injection can take place.
Prior to injections, a topical agent may be applied to ease discomfort. After carefully marking the areas to be injected, very fine needles are used to inject the substance into your lips.
Recovery
Following your injection, ice may be given to ease discomfort and control swelling. Do not put any firm pressure on the treatment area. Lipstick or other lip products are best avoided immediately after the procedure.
You should be able to notice a difference immediately. After you have healed, your lips should feel natural. Healing takes about twenty-four hours with some lingering swelling, bruising, and soreness lasting up to a week.
There are a few essential aftercare instructions:
- No makeup or lip products for at least twelve hours.
- Regular icing on and off throughout the rest of the evening.
- Sleep with your head elevated on two pillows to decrease swelling.
- Avoid alcohol and blood thinners for the next twenty-four hours.
Results
With lip fillers, results are immediately noticeable, but once the swelling goes down, the results will not look quite as conspicuous. It usually takes about four weeks for the fillers to settle and achieve the final, desired look. The results will typically last around six months.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances a patient’s breasts to achieve a stunning appearance based on their desired outcome.
Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a cosmetic remedy that addresses the loss or diminishment of one or both breasts.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a classic fat reduction method that utilizes a hollowed-out needle attached to a vacuum device called a cannula which is used to suction out stubborn areas of fat that will not go away through diet and exercise alone.
Mommy Makeover
Mommy Makeover is a term that encompasses several aesthetic procedures that add up to a comprehensive enhancement for new moms.
Facial Rejuvenation
Facial rejuvenation is another package of procedures designed to bring youth and luster to the face. To address asymmetry, lax skin, or lack of volume, anything from a neck lift, nose job, fillers, fat transfers, and eyelid surgery can provide solutions to your issues. Schedule your consultation now to find out which treatment combination is right for you.
Cost
The cost of a cosmetic procedure depends on the nature of the surgery and the level of treatment needed. Dr. Booth provides transparent pricing during your comprehensive consultation. Contact our office in Austin, Texas, or call 512-755-8478 to discuss your aesthetic expectations with a medical professional. We will provide transparent pricing as part of your comprehensive consultation. Prepare to get the best care at the right price.
If you enjoyed learning about the benefits of lip injections, we recommend you check out Vista Plastic Surgery’s social media to stay informed on the latest updates and procedures in the Austin area. You can find us on Instagram and Facebook.
We look forward to meeting you soon.
FAQ
Lip fillers are injectable gels that are designed to give plumping volume and contours to the lips.
A lip filling session usually takes between fifteen and twenty minutes to complete.
Lip injections, on average last anywhere between six months to a year, depending on the level of treatment received.
Yes, patients can opt to have just one of their lips treated.
One syringe distributed evenly is typically the right amount for most people because you get all-over enhancement while maintaining a natural appearance. Two syringes is too much for most people in one sitting if you are going for a more organic look and feel.
The lip injection process can be relatively pain-free. Most practitioners will use a topical cream before injecting begins, which numbs the lips and prevents the injections from being felt.
It’s best to avoid strenuous activity for at least twenty-four hours after your procedure. Any increased blood flow to your face will make the swelling worse, so let your lips heal for a little while before hitting the gym.
References
- Clymer, M. A. (2007). Evolution in Techniques: Lip Augmentation. Facial Plastic Surgery, 23(1), 21-26. doi:10.1055/s-2007-970129
- Michele Pascali, Davide Quarato, and Francesco Carinci.Rejuvenation Research.Dec 2018.553-559. http://doi.org/10.1089/rej.2017.1941
- Scarano, A., Puglia, F., Cassese, R., Mordente, I., Amore, R., Ferraro, G., . . . Amuso, D. (2019). Hyaluronic acid fillers in lip augmentation procedure: A clinical and histological study. Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents, 33(6), 103-108. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32425030/