Lip fillers are a popular cosmetic procedure used to increase the size and volume of the lips. Most professionals use a filler based on collagen or hyaluronic acid (HA) that is injected into the lips to achieve the desired effect. Collagen works by simply filling the lips, while HA fillers not only fill the lips directly, but also trap water inside for a natural, plump look. Once injected, the filler gel supports and shapes the tissues of the lips.
HA is beneficial because it not only fills the lips, but it also traps water from the inside for a healthy, natural-looking pout. Our doctors use hyaluronic acid-based fillers to improve the appearance of lips that might otherwise appear too thin. Most lip fillers contain the numbing medication lidocaine and the filler itself, thus creating a painless process. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are currently the most popular injectable filler products used in the United States today.
The injection process is relatively simple. While the doctor injects the fillers with a very thin cannula, an assistant will apply acupressure to various points on the face to help lessen the feel of the filler as it is applied. On average, your healthcare provider will insert 1 milliliter (ml) of lip filler into your lips, which is about one-fifth of a teaspoon. After the procedure is finished, your healthcare provider may gently massage your lips to absorb the filler.
The ouch factor will vary from person to person, but to put it bluntly, lips are sensitive and without anesthesia, lip injections will feel like a very sharp pinch. Schedule a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider two weeks after the lip filling procedure. Lip fillers are very safe when performed by an experienced healthcare professional, including a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or cosmetic surgeon. Fillers also provide longer lasting results than store-bought products that promise to give volume to the lips but only provide temporary swelling. While lip fillers have become synonymous with increasing volume (Kylie Jenner style), they have a number of other benefits.
Some lip fillers may also contain an anesthetic agent such as lidocaine, which makes the procedure less painful. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of lip fillers in people under the age of 21. It's a quick procedure with little downtime, but you'll need to properly care for your lips before and after receiving the filler. Overall, lip fillers are an effective way to achieve fuller lips without surgery or other invasive procedures. When done correctly by an experienced professional, they can provide beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.
