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The age of cosmetic beauty has seen the need for lip fillers become increasingly popular over the years. With different treatments and non-invasive procedures available, the lip filler industry is becoming a major contributor to the cosmetic procedure industry.
What are lip fillers?
Lip fillers often known as dermal fillers are cosmetic procedures designed to increase the lips to look fuller and plumper than their original state. This is usually done by injecting fillers like hyaluronic acid directly into the lips. This aims in creating the effect of fuller lips. Hyaluronic acid which is naturally found in the body acts as a cushioning agent for the eyes, lips, and face. Therefore, its effect on the lips aims to lock in moisture by attaching itself to water cells and bind them together resulting in fuller natural-looking lips.
How it works
Lip fillers are an in-office procedure done by a professional cosmetic surgeon or specialist. The procedure is minimally invasive and involves small injections done systematically around the target lip areas. As opposed to lip plumpers which are normally found over the counter in several drug stores, lip fillers create a longer-lasting effect and offer visible results to the user.
Lip fillers can be either temporary or permanent, depending on individual preference. Permanent lip filler augmentation requires surgery to graft fat from another area in the body and injecting it into the lips. This creates a permanent effect that does not fade away with time. The fat transfer procedure is invasive and requires downtime to heal.
Lip fillers last six months to about two years, depending on the individual. Different people react differently with the fillers, and some may have longevity with the treatment.
To begin with, scheduling an appointment with a trusted cosmetic surgeon is the step. The doctor with advice on the possible lip fillers to use, after examining the lips and reviewing the medical history. The number of injections needed per lip will also be addressed, based on the individual’s expectations and goals. The doctor will be able to advise on the best route to take and offer a list of things to avoid before the procedure.
Most practitioners insist on gradual plumping of the lips as opposed to a defined number of lip pumps to enable a natural and filling lip filling procedure. The practitioner will start with half a syringe and gradually progress to several additions during a span of two or three weeks. However, first-time patients may need more than one syringe as the treatment process progresses.
The lip numbing injections usually change the mode of interaction and the ultimate shape of the lips after treatment.
After the consultation, the lip-filling procedure takes about twenty minutes to complete. The lips are first cleaned and numbed by the doctor. Different patients have different thresholds for pain. For instance, some patients experience pinching or numbing pain, while others experience excruciating pain. This varies widely with most individuals opting for a topical numbing cream which significantly reduces the pain tolerance. After this, the patient gets the filler injected on the lips. The results should be observed immediately.
Aftercare sessions
After the treatment, it is important to not scratch the lips so as not to apply pressure on the lips. For discomfort, it is vital to have over-the-counter drugs to counter the pain effects. However, the effects of the numbing cream should last for around two or three days maximum. Most people do not get side effects after the procedure.
The effects of the filler are normally characterized by the following:
- Type of filler used
The type of filler used hugely affects the recovery process. For instance, a hyaluronic filler takes less time in recovery as it seeks to gel with the body’s moisture for quick and effective recovery.
- Filler’s consistency
Depending on the individual needs and wants, the consistency is hugely affected through regular filling after every six months.
- Lifestyle
Individual lifestyle plays a major role in filler development. For instance, individuals who continue smoking or drinking prevent faster development and healing. Patients should schedule a check-up after every six months to maintain the filler look and keep the results consistent.
The aftercare procedure for lip fillers includes not putting makeup for twelve hours after the procedure.
It is vital to place an ice cube on the lips to prevent abnormal swelling. Staying away from alcohol and smoking helps to enable consistent healing and development of the lip fillers.
Cost of lip fillers
The cost of lip fillers depends on the practitioner, the location, and the type of lip filler. This enables the patient’s become aware of the considerations in price and developments in technology and practice. For instance, lip fillers cost between $600 to $1600 depending on the above factors.
Benefits of lip fillers
Lip fillers come with several benefits that seek to satisfy the client and enable them to become comfortable with their aesthetic:
- Minimally invasive
Compared to lip augmentation, lip fillers using hyaluronic acid are minimally invasive and do not require maximum downtime for healing. There might be some swelling and redness which lasts a few hours, however, individuals can resume normal duties as soon as possible.
- Long-lasting results
To achieve long-lasting results, the patient should ensure a healthy lifestyle and maintain credible health standards.
Things to consider
It is extremely vital to conduct due research before opting for a lip-filling procedure. This research will enable you to find out a certified and credible practitioner who is well versed with the procedure. This prevents botched procedures and regrets on appearance later.
Lip fillers are not for use in DIY projects. Watching YouTube or promotional videos does more harm than good when it comes to lip fillers. Professional results are much rewarding and satisfying to the user.
It is best to avoid smoking, alcohol, and blood-thinning medications right before the procedure to enable fast recovery time and prevent possible complications.
Most clinics offer free lip filer consultation to enable the potential patient to discern the best possible treatments.
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This content is brought to you by Yahia Khan.
Photo: Shutterstock
