Luscious lips may be the envy of many women, and while some people are born with plump lips, others have had to resort to cosmetic treatments such as lip fillers to achieve and maintain them. Nowadays, a lip filler (also known as a lip injection or lip augmentation) is a frequent choice of treatment. While it is non-invasive with a brief recovery time, it’s crucial to realize that it is still a serious procedure with significant consequences if done incorrectly.
What Will Be Injected into Your Lips?
The most popular options of lip fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a skin-care component known for its anti-aging properties. Hyaluronic acid is created naturally in the body and helps to keep your tissues moisturized by holding water. Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular fillers because of its natural appearance and ability to disintegrate over a period or with the help of a laser. Other advantages of hyaluronic acid fillers include the fact that they are less likely to cause bruising, last a long time, and can be applied gradually.
Is it Painful?
This all boils down to your personal pain threshold. The lips are known to be a sensitive area of the body, so most doctors will apply a numbing cream and wait 10 – 20 minutes for it to absorb before injecting, which many patients find useful and reassuring. You may feel a prickling sensation, some faint pressure, and a dull throbbing sensation once you’re numbed, but it shouldn’t be too uncomfortable. The procedure only takes a few minutes. Your doctor will give you ice after the injection to deal with any swelling. Most people experience minor bruising and redness.
How Long Will It Last?
You should see benefits almost immediately, although much of what is seen initially might be swelling. When the edema has decreased and the chosen filler has blended into the skin, the true impact of the filler can be observed at four weeks. Most of the effects last between six and 18 months, with some varieties lasting up to three years. This depends on how much filler a patient receives, their personal metabolism and lifestyle, the targeted area and intended volume as well as the product utilized. Some people will need to have their fillers replaced every six months, while others will be good for longer.
Is It Costly?
Lip fillers vary quite substantially in price range. The cost is determined by the type of filler used, the amount used, the region in which you live, and the physician you visit. It is not worth the risk to scrimp on these costs by going for the most inexpensive treatment you can find. While lip fillers are certified safe, there is still a small chance of infection. Because hyaluronic acid is a chemical occurring naturally in the skin, it does not (often) cause allergic reactions. Using a board-certified physician, dermatologist or plastic surgeon with extensive experience is recommended.
What Should You Avoid Before Treatment?
Factors that can increase the likelihood of bruising, like blood thinners (ibuprofen or aspirin included), some herbal supplements, and alcohol should be avoided in the days leading up to your appointment. Because a lip filler can cause cold sores (in those patients who are susceptible), antiviral medicine is often administered a few days before the procedure to prevent a flare–up. For the best results, on the day of the procedure, it is advisable to drink plenty of water and eat something healthy to avoid fainting or dizziness during the process.
Whatever your reason for choosing lip fillers, don’t be deceived into believing this is a simple procedure. Lip augmentation is one of the most difficult non-invasive facial modifications a person can get, especially given the growing number of people who want a natural-looking change. Remember to consider all the facts before making that appointment to achieve a plumper pout.
