Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that can give you fuller, plumper lips. These days, an injectable dermal filler is the most commonly used method of lip augmentation. There are many types of dermal fillers that can be injected in your lips and around your mouth. But the most common fillers today are products that contain substances similar to hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body. It helps increase volume in your lips.
Hyaluronic acid fillers can improve the appearance of your lips by adding:
The effects typically last around six to twelve months. After that more injections are needed to keep the volume of your lips. There are several hyaluronic acid fillers on the market. Among them are these products:
All of these products are injected the same way and give you similar results. And some contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic. Because hyaluronic acid fillers are made from substances similar to those found in the body, they are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. But if you are allergic to lidocaine, tell your doctor before being treated.
Injectable lip augmentation techniques can be performed quickly in your doctor’s office with little to no downtime. Fat injection is the exception, since the procedure requires a small area of liposuction to remove the fat from another part of your body before the injection can take place.
Before the injections, a topical or local numbing agent may be applied to ease discomfort. Sometimes, nerve block injections can be given before the treatment to completely numb the lips. This is similar to the anesthetic injections that you get at the dentist to numb your mouth. Holding ice to the lips before injections also helps to numb the area and potentially help with bruising and swelling.
After carefully marking the areas to be injected, very fine needles are used to inject the substance into your lips.
Following injection, ice may be given to ease discomfort and control swelling. But no firm pressure should be put 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.
Side effects of hyaluronic acid fillers are temporary and should only last a few days. They may include:
More serious side effects or risks may include:
Call your doctor immediately if you experience extreme swelling or develop a fever.