What you should know about lip fillers

Sometimes referred to as lip augmentation or plumping using lip fillers has become an increasingly popular means of keeping the pout  perfect. Most commonly a doctor or trained aesthetic clinician will inject hyaluronic acid into the lip at strategic points in order to achieve an even plumpness.

What is hyaluronic acid? 

Hyaluronic Acid is a compound which occurs naturally in the body. This makes it a safer alternative to synthetics and allows it to be assimilated and expelled from the body in due course.

Some things to bear in mind when considering lip augmentation

If properly managed, the effects can be long lasting and indeed enhance once appearance though plumping and supporting existing tissue within the lips.  The bad press lip plumping has received is mostly because of injudicious use of the procedure by a small number of celebrities and pop stars, the average person does not want lips that dominate their face.  A reputable clinician will dissuade any extreme augmentation.

Hyaluronic acid injected into the lips is not permanent, it will, with time dissipate, creating the need for a follow up procedure. Depending on the formula used it can be anything from six to eighteen months before a maintenance procedure becomes necessary.

What to expect

The doctor will explore your reasons for wanting lip augmentation and what the options are, this will enable the doctor to help you decide on the type and degree of treatment you should receive.

Certain ailments and medications my have an impact on the lip augmentation procedure, it is important that you inform your doctor of any medication you are on and advise him if you are suffering from any illness. You will need to inform them if you have had any type of sores or fever blisters on your lips recently, the stage of healing will impact the results of your procedure.

The area will be marked and a topical anaesthetic will be applied to numb the sensation of the injections. very fine needles will be used to administer the filler to the key areas. The filler will be distributed to ensure an even, attractive finish.

What are the benefits of a hyaluronic filler?

Besides the expected outcome of plumper fuller lips there are a few other characteristics that make this procedure preferable.

• Hyaluronic Acid occurs naturally in the body, so while they are long lasting the results are not permanent
• It is easier to control quantities being injected into the lip, thus preventing excess filler or an uneven finish
• The needles are extremely fine so any bruising to the lip will be minimal 
• Because of the natural origin of the hyaluronic filler the chances of an allergic reaction are virtually zero

 Are there any side effects to the lip plumping procedure?

• An unavoidable side effect of the lip filling procedure is the the tenderness which will be present immediately after and last for a day or two.  This differs from person to person but is unavoidable.
• Patients may occasionally bleed where they have been injected. It should not be severe and last an extremely short time, it should have stopped before you are ready to leave the practitioners rooms.
• Filler may settle in larger quantities in one place, causing unevenness, this can be rectified.
• Itching. This may be part of the injection sites healing. DO NOT scratch. If the itching persists you should contact your practitioner.

Side effects to be concerned about:

The general side effects that can be expected to last no more than a day or two. If you find that swelling and bruising are not healing or if the injection sites are bleeding or looking infected you need to contact your practitioner immediately.  If you feel feverish or ill you will also need to get in touch with your doctor in case you have started displaying a rare allergy to the hyaluronic filler. 

What is the cost of lip augmentation?

• Lip augmentation is an elective procedure, this may impact the cost.  
• You will also need to consider the type and brand of filler being used on your lips.
• The scale of the procedure will also impact the cost as time and quantity of filler need to be taken into account.
• Doctors expertise. An experienced doctor or a doctor who specialises in this type of procedure will be more costly.
• Upmarket surroundings or practitioners with a celebrity clientèle will also impact cost.