Getting lip filler enhancement is, by far, the most popular procedure performed with fillers. Intended to provide overall improvements to the perceived appearance of the lips, in terms of volume, shape and contour, they’ve been used as a facial enhancement method for more than 3.4 million people in 2020, alone. So, if you’re considering undergoing the procedure – you are far from alone.
Below, we’ll do a quick overview of important information, facts and considerations once should be aware of prior to getting lip filler treatment. These include:
- What type of beauty product lip fillers are and what are they used for.
- What types of lip fillers are the market and what sets them apart.
- A closed look of the procedure and the post-procedure recovery.
- Some basic lip filler fact: cost, duration of the effect, touch-up procedures and more.
- And (fundementally) – are lip fillers right for you?
Overall, skin fillers come in many forms, differing from purpose to composition, molecular structure and so on. Each type targets a different part of the face or body. In that sense, lip fillers are not an exception. Since the early 2000s Hyaluronic acid-based fillers, like Juvederm and Restylane (probably the two most premium filler brands, globally), have taken over the market, as they offer a quick, convenient and non-permanent solution for lip enhancement. Additionally, special skinboosters, usually promoting collagen synthesis, are used in the area around the mouth (smile lines, marionette lines) to generate a rejuvenating and filling effect.
Note: A more in-depth explanation and overview of the different types of dermal fillers can be read in this informative guide, giving more insight to what properties each type of skin filler possess, based on structure and composition.
Note: If you’re interested in a different type of filler, which works based on promoting collagen production in the extracellular matrix, you can check out the Gouri PCL Collagen Booster or the Revofil brand. There is an extensive selection of volumizing products on the website, that restore dermal volume by stimulating the fibroblasts or boosting the strength of the ECM supportive structures.
Hopefully, by the end of the article, you’ll have a more complete understanding about the topic of lip fillers and can make an informed decision whether they are right for you.
Understanding Lip Fillers: What They Are and How They Work
As a subsection of filling solutions for the dermis, lip fillers, as the name would suggest it, are intended for the rapid volumization of the lips. They can be used to make the upper and lower lip fuller, but also to fine tune the lip contour and improve the overall lip symmetry.
Definition and Purpose of Lip Fillers
Lip fillers are an injectable solution, usually based on Hyaluronic acid, intended to:
- Add lip volume – from a touch-up to a more dramatic effect.
- Fix potential asymmetry and and improve the overall shape of the mouth.
- Correct superficial skin lines at the side of the mouth (most often – smile lines).
Dermal Fillers: Focus on Hyaluronic Acid
Fillers have existed for decades and various compounds have been used as a basis for them – PLLA, PCL, Calcium, Silicone. However, the real resolution of their usage, particularly in regard to lip augmentation came with the invention of Hyaluronic acid fillers. Finally, brands like Restylane and HyalDew offered a safe alternative to traditional plastic surgery, that could be easily reversed if need be, as HA molecules and gel based on them are easy to dissolve.
Key Considerations
There are to most common reasons that make a person get lip enhancement. Most people want:
- Fuller lips – an almost universally appealing facial feature, throughout the ages, full lips are a desired physical trait.
- Improved contour – the shape of the lip contour is just as important as their volume, according to the generally perceived beauty standard.
In more general terms, having an idea of what you want from your looks is the basis for choosing the right filler. So, if you want to get rid of the smile lines at the corner of your mouth, a solution like Restylane Refyne – 1 x 1ml will be a great fit. At My Lip Filler we offer customers an extensive range of options to choose from, offering both premium quality and competitive prices.
Different Types of Lip Fillers
Overview of the Main Categories
Lip fillers, or in broader terms – fillers used in the mouth area, are usually in one of two categories:
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers
- Biostimulating fillers, more commonly referred to as skinboosters
HA fillers are the predominant form of lip enhancement product. They are preferred for their safety and ease of application. Overall, results from Hyaluronic lip fillers are substantially more naturally looking. Skin boosters, on the other hand, are mostly used for skin depressions around the mouth (nasolabial folds, marionette lines, smile lines), as they often boost collagen production and offer a longer lasting filling effect.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Popular Brands and Benefits
It’s difficult to single out the most popular brands of HA fillers (bar Juvederm, perhaps), but, perhaps the most recognizable names among fillers, both on the European and Northa American markets are:
Juvederm
The benchmark for quality in the world of dermal fillers, the Juvederm brand offers instant improvement in facial features and lost lasting results. Their lip fillers include:
- Juvederm Ultra Smile – based on the Ultra 3, which itself is a great lip filler.
- Juvederm Volbella – part of the premium Vycross line, it utilizes advanced crosslinking technology for the HA gel, which uses less Hyaluronic acid, but offers longer lasting results.
Restylane
One of the more expansive lines of fillers on the market, Restylane, as far as lip augmentation goes, can offer:
- Restylane / Restylane Lidocaine – sometimes also referred to as “Restylane Classic” this is a medium thickness filler for the mid face.
- Restylane Kysse – the dedicated lip filler of the Restylane brand, this is one of the most premium solutions for lip volumization on the market.
Teosyal RHA Collection
Teosyal is, possibly, the filler brand with the most entries in their product line. RHA is their newest and most premium product line with the following lip filler entries:
- RHA 2 / RHA 3 – depending on the preference of the person, in regard to the firmness of the lip, post procedure both are great options.
- RHA Kiss – as the name suggests, this is a dedicated lip filler, which stands out being 0.7ml per syringe and allowing for more convenient touch-up treatments.
HA fillers are also used to correct various problems related to loss of skin volume, lice superficial or deep wrinkles. Denser solutions, like the Nexfill Volume can help to restore volume in areas with severe loss, provide skin lifting effect or contour and augment various facial features. Korean brands like A-Jax Keen usually have three entries (soft, medium and thick), while European brands like Stylage tend to be much more saturated.
Skinboosters do some in various forms, including Hyaluronic acid-based solutions, which, unlike regular fillers, normally use non-crosslinked Hyaluronic acid. Polynucleotide based (usually PDRN or PN) fillers products are also popular, as they have an overall rejuvenating effect on the skin.
Having a deeper knowledge of the various types of filler and brands, can be very helpful in picking the correct product. Whether aiming for full lips, battling facial asymmetry or looking to get an enhanced facial contour, there is a proper filler solution that can be used to achieve that result.
What to Expect: The Lip Filler Procedure and Recovery Journey
Essential Steps to Prepare for Your Lip Filler Appointment
Being properly prepared is paramount for a successful and safe lip filer procedure. And while your licensed practitioner will guide you through the process, below are listed several basic tips:
- Avoid certain medications – in order to lower the risk of post procedure bruising, it’s recommended to avoid the usage of blood thinning products like aspirin, ibuprofen or supplements like Vitamin E and fish oil, for a full week before the procedure.
- Stay hydrated – a good idea in general, to begin with, getting properly hydrated before and especially AFTER the lip augmentation is a must.
- No cigarettes or alcohol – the bare minimum is 24 hours prior to the procedure or after it, but aim for 72 hours.
- Have a healthy diet – another thing you should be doing regardless, getting enough vitamins and minerals will help to minimize post procedure discomfort and any adverse reactions.
The Consultation Process
A key part of the whole process is getting a consultation from a licensed specialist, usually in the form of a preliminary interview where certain things are discussed and established:
- Potential Risks and Side Effects – although lip fillers are by far a much less invasive and safer alternative to plastic surgery, any beauty procedure has the risk of adverse reactions like swelling, bruising, the gel forming bumps, etc.
- Desired outcome – every person deciding on undergoing a lip enhancement procedure has an image in their heir, of how they want to look after. Your practitioner will evaluate how feasible that is.
- Medical history – this is the most important part, as here any preexisting conditions, like allergies or intolerances are determined. Probably the most important step in planning the procedure.
The Injection Process
The process of applying the lip filler involves multiple key steps:
- Numbing the area – normally done via a topical solution like numbing cream, although a lot of contemporary fillers on the market already contain 0.3% Lidocaine.
- Injection points – the practitioner will determine the points of application on the lips. These normally include the vermillion border, cupid’s bow and the body of the lips, themselves. Various techniques exist for effectively applying the lip filler, chosen based on the product and the specific procedure.
- Adding the filler – most fillers come with a set of needles, but cannulas are a common substitute, as the allow for better control of the whole process.
On average, a lip enhancement procedure lasts between 20 and 30 minutes.
Key Tips for Smooth Recovery
Downtime after lip procedures is normally between minimal and none, however post procedure discomfort can be alleviated:
- Manage the swelling – sporadically use clean ice packs on the treated area during the first 24 hours following the procedure.
- Avoid strenuous activities – allow for two full days to pass before you undertake any heavily physical activities.
- Drink water and vitamins – maintain proper hydration once the procedure is over and increase the amount of Vitamin A and C in your diet.
- Lip care products – your practitioner, might recommend certain lip products, like hydrating balm to keep them moisturized.
- No makeup – keeping the treated area clean is an absolute must. Use no makeup to avoid complications.
Potential Side Effects
As with any form of beauty treatment, adverse effects and reactions are possible:
- Common side effect – swelling, bruising, extra sensitivity, redness. These normally subside within 2-3 days.
- Rare side effects – very uncommon and any skilled and licensed practitioner, like a dermatologist or a professional cosmetician will be able to avoid them.
Take the above points under consideration when planning your lip fillers procedure and you should be well prepared for your appointment.
Longevity, Maintenance, and Costs
Duration of Results
How long the filler will volumize the lips is a very relative issue. This is effected by the filler quality and density, as well as the used amount. However, factors like speed of metabolism and overall lifestyle and diet are also a major consideration. In general, good hyaluronic acid-based fillers can last between 6 and 12 months. More premium brands like Juvederm and Restylane can easily reach the year mark, in terms of durability.
Touch-up procedures are a common practice. The enzymes of the body will slowly dissolve the Hyaluronic gel, so adding a small amount of lip filler every three to six months is a common practice and part of the overall follow-up of the initial procedure.
Financial Considerations
The cost of the whole procedure will be determined by many factors, but the main ones are:
- The filler itself – premium prices fillers command a premium price. Getting Juvederm or Teosyal is bound to set you back more than a lesser known brand like Genephyrs. The good news is that there a competitively priced solutions, primarily from Korea, which don’t require a compromise with product quality.
- The skill and experience of the practitioner – the more “renowned” the specialist doing the procedure, the most expensive their services are likely to be.
- Location – as with most services, your country or even locality can greatly affect the rate at which lip enhancement services are provided.
The more premium solutions at higher end establishments can easily fall in the $700 to $1000 range. Make sure you discuss costs with your dermatologist / licensed practitioner when doing the initial interview. Talk with them about the product which will be used – fillers tailored for small lips range a lot in types and price and high-quality budget options are available on the beauty market.
Consider all of the above, when making your decision. Balancing between costs and durability could seem difficult, but with the knowledge of these tips and some help from your practitioner, you should be able to make the right choice.
Making an Informed Decision About Lip Fillers
For one – keep your expectations in check. Also consider the possible downsides and what could be perceived as a negative aspect of lip fillers. While, in general, fillers are very safe and Hyaluronic acid gel s completely biocompatible, be mindful of side effects, no matter how minimal they generally are.
There are two main things to do, prior to booking an appointment:
- Educate yourself about the procedure and try to have at least basic understanding about filler and what types and brand there are. Try to understand why a brand like Juvederm is as popular as it is and why it can command the premium price that it does.
- Be sure to chose skilled and reputable and license practitioner to take care of the procedure. This must be a person that prioritizes safety and does not succumb to trends, particularly in regard to product choice.
Follow all of the advice listed in this article and you will minimize the chances of being dissatisfied with your lip augmentation procedure. We cannot stress enough, how important discussing every aspect with your service provider is. If you have concerns or something is unclear – talk to them, ask them questions.
Don’t forget to read-up online, from reputable information sources, expanding your knowledge of different types of fillers. Articles like this comparison can be invaluable in giving you insight and understanding of the topic of dermal fillers.
Making an informed decision is only possible if you take under consideration not only the advantages and enhancement to the appearance that lip fillers provide, but also evaluating the downsides and risks, however minimal they might be. Only finding the balance between the two win ensure you are sufficiently happy with the end result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lip fillers, typically are a gel like product, used to add volume and contour to the upper and lower lip. Most commonly based on Hyaluronic acid, they can be used for both very light touchups and very visible improvement to the lip volume.
At the moment, the predominant form of lip fillers are based on Hyaluronic acid. They are preferred as the results are simultaneously instantly visible and easily reversible if need be. There are many brands of HA fillers, including premium solutions like Juvederm and Restylane
Normally, this is a very quick and simple procedure, lasting up to half an hour. Some minor discomfort is to be expected, although topical usage of Lidocaine cream usually minimizes that. A skilled practitioner using a high-quality lip filler will help further, in that regard. Results are instantly visible, once the procedure is complete.
Both are very relative. The cost of the lip enhancement procedure will depend on the location, specialist handling it and the product itself (and the product amount). As for the duration of the augmentation effect, that is determined by the quality of the filler in combination with additional factors like the person’s lifestyle, diet and metabolism.
In general, lip fillers are completely biocompatible and biodegradeable. Normally, their adverse effects or caused reactions are minimal. However, be sure to discuss this matter at length with the licensed practitioner who will do the procedure.
First and foremost, talk to your dermatologist / professional cosmetician, which you’ve chosen to handle the lip enhancement procedure for you. It is also a good idea to read online resources and learn more about the procedure, as well as the products which are used.
