Out of all the facial enhancement procedures available today, lip injections or fillers are one of the most sought-after cosmetic treatments.
If you want something more permanent than lip plumping oil or gloss, it’s worth looking into lip augmentation treatment. While the end result of this enhancement is voluptuous and plump lips, be sure to do your due diligence before making a decision.
Ask the right questions like
How does the procedure work? What are the possible side effects? How long does it last and how much does it cost?
Let’s take a detailed look at how lip injections work!
Who Can Get Lip Injections?
Lip injections will be ideal if you wish to improve your facial appearance through lip augmentation. Lip fillers can be effective if you want plump and shapely lips, restore hydration or correct the asymmetry in your features!
Some reasons why people choose to get lip injections include:
- Damaged/discoloured lips due to smoking/medical conditions
- Naturally very thin or uneven lips
- Loss of lip shape or volume due to ageing
If you have any active lip infections or sores, it is best to treat these conditions before going for the procedure.
Types of Lip Injections
Lip injections are filled with a gel-like substance which is then injected into the lips to add volume, achieve symmetry or improve the shape of your lips. The most preferred lip fillers are either hyaluronic acid (Juvederm and Restylane) or collagen-stimulating fillers (Sculptra). These are considered to be the safest and top choices for the procedure as they rarely cause any allergies or adverse reactions once injected
What is The Procedure for Lip Injections?
Before the Procedure
The initial consultation with the cosmetic surgeon helps them understand the reason and motivation behind your decision along with your expectations.
Doctors also take into account your facial structure and shape, to determine the ideal size and appearance of your new lips. You will be informed about potential pain or risks during and after the procedure.
This is the most important stage where you should give the doctor an honest idea of your expectations while clearing all your doubts about the process and next steps. This initial consultation forms the foundation for the procedure’s success or failure.
The Actual Procedure
Once you’ve covered all the bases and made your decision, it’s time to go get a new look! For the procedure, the lips are cleaned with alcohol and an anaesthetic cream is applied to numb the area. You may feel a slight but bearable discomfort as the needle is inserted but beyond that, there is no pain.
The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes. There can be slight swelling afterwards, which subsides after applying ice compress. Your doctor will advise you to avoid strenuous activities, touching or massaging the lips and applying balm or lipstick for 24 hours after the procedure.
With proper after-care, you’ll be ready to show off your new look in no time! However, for the product to completely settle in assimilate, it takes about 2-3 weeks.
Do Lip Injections Really Work?
Now, we’ve come to the crux of the matter. Yes, lip fillers, if injected correctly and safely by an expert, do work. You can achieve the desired look usually within a few days after the procedure, once the filler has properly set in. Lip fillers are not a permanent solution, however. They last anywhere between 6-12 months, and you will need to re-inject the filler to maintain the desired look and effect.
Before choosing lip injections, ensure that your expectations are realistic. Every face has a different shape, structure and features. The new lips should blend in with your face. It makes no sense to have very full or large lips on a face which has small eyes and bone structure for instance. You should take into consideration your entire appearance rather than focusing solely on your lips.
The Benefits of Lip Injections
There are several advantages of lip augmentation.
- Natural-looking, fuller lips with the use of safe fillers like hyaluronic acid
- Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles around the lips
- The procedure is reversible, and if you are not happy with your look, they can have the filler removed
- Higher confidence and self-esteem with an enhanced appearance
What Could Go Wrong with Lip Injections?
Whether the lip augmentation is successful or not is determined by how the filler is injected. If the procedure is performed by a highly qualified and experienced doctor, the results should be as expected. The doctor should be able to determine and advise you on the type of filler to use, and the ideal shape and fullness to expect after the procedure.
That said, there have been instances of lip augmentation procedures going wrong. This could be due to the doctor not having the necessary expertise and experience or due to the unrealistic expectations and demands of the person undergoing the procedure.
Some examples of this include:
- ‘Duck lips’ as a result of injecting an excess amount of filler
- A lumpy or bruised look if the filler is not injected properly
- Long-term damage if the filler is injected in the wrong spot
- Vascular occlusion; when the filler obstructs the blood flow in an important artery
Be sure to consult the right doctor with the necessary experience and accreditations for the best results.
To Sum Up
Lip injections, when administered carefully and expertly, can truly enhance your appearance. Although it is a safe and minimal-risk procedure, it is important to keep in mind certain aspects. You should seek the services of an experienced and reputed doctor to get the desired, voluptuousness you are seeking in your lips.
