Bolstered by their celebrity endorsements and ever-advancing procedure technology, lip augmentation procedures have increased by about 5% every year since 2016. And, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, “the type of filler commonly used for lips, hyaluronic acid, was injected into more than 2.6 million people [in 2020].”
While lip augmentation procedures have swept across America in recent years, the allure of a full pout is often described as biological. In fact, scientists theorize that fuller lips have been a perceived cue of health and fertility in women throughout human history. This long-standing perception is likely thanks to the tie between youthful collagen production and plumper lips. To put it simply, fuller lips can make people appear younger.
If you’re reading this, you probably agree with the experts and are considering a lip augmentation treatment. When it comes to minimally invasive procedures, dermal fillers (injectible substances used to fill, plump, and enhance the skin) are widely accepted as the best option. So, which types of lip fillers are available, and which one is best for you? Read on to find out:
What lip fillers are made of and how they’re used
Which type of lip filler might be your best option
What to expect during and after your lip augmentation treatment
What are lip fillers?
Lip augmentation has become one of the country’s most popular facial rejuvenation treatments and injectable fillers are the most common way to create a fuller and smoother lip look. With the rising demand for lip augmentation treatments, several types of lip injections have become available. Options vary from location to location and by the desired results.
Most lip fillers today are made from hyaluronic acid. The various brands and types differ in their composition and lasting ability. So, why does hyaluronic acid work so well as a lip filler? Because it acts as the body’s natural plumping agent. The substance is produced in the body to hydrate eyes, joints, and skin. Hyaluronic acid binds to water molecules and can hold up to one thousand times its own weight, lending itself wonderfully to plumping and rejuvenating.
Most experts agree that hyaluronic acid offers the following benefits
Binds to water molecules for a natural-looking effect
Malleable, making it best suited to desired placement and distribution
Can be reversed via an enzyme, called hyaluronidase if results are not as desired
Glosshouz Aesthetic Bar and Spa Retreat offers nationally-renowned dermal filler brands, JuvedermⓇ and RestylaneⓇ, which use hyaluronic acid for naturally beautiful results. Both brands include lidocaine in their formulations, making the injections more comfortable.
Still curious? Read about one client’s detailed lip filler experience here.
Types of lip fillers - which hyaluronic acid option is right for you?
Within the hyaluronic acid family, there are several types of lip fillers. Each can be used to achieve different results. Of course, you’ll want to discuss your desired aesthetic goals with your treatment specialist, but there are a couple of general results categories to understand before making your selection.
To plump lips- For those seeking a pouty look, much like today’s celebrities, Juvederm Ultra XC and Juvederm Ultra Plus XC can offer the desired results. Moderately thick in texture, these types of lip fillers can provide visible augmentation while maintaining the pillowy texture expected of lips. These lip injectables also maintain your full range of motion in the treated areas. Both can last for one year, with optimal treatment.
To smooth aging lips - If your lips have begun to wrinkle and lose their hydrated appearance, Restylane Kysse or Juvederm Volbella XC may be the best options for you. They offer subtle plumping while smoothing vertical lines on the lips. With a slightly lower hyaluronic acid concentration than other types of lip fillers, these varieties are more malleable than their counterparts. Restylane Silk and Juvederm Volbella XC lip injectables also maintain your full range of motion in the treated areas. Juvederm Volbella XC for lip filler can last up to two years.
What to expect during and after your treatment
Before booking your lip filler appointment, consider researching your desired look. Having clarity around your preferred results will help inform your practitioner and guide your conversation with them. Pictures can be helpful too. You might want to book a consultation before the real deal so that you can be sure you and your technician are on the same page.
Glosshouz Aesthetic Bar and Spa Retreat offers complimentary consultations. Book yours today!
Once you feel confident in your filler selection and desired look, your nurse technician will sanitize your skin and carefully place your dermal filler injections on your lips. You might experience some minor bruising, swelling, or tenderness, but these symptoms should subside within several days. In order to minimize facial swelling and bruising, many experts suggest the following precautions.
Avoid blood thinning medication in the days leading up to – and following – your lip augmentation treatment. This includes ibuprofen, aspirin, turmeric supplements, and more.
Avoid alcoholic beverages for the first 24 hours after your treatment.
Avoid excessive sweating and exercise for the first 24 hours after your treatment.
Keep your head raised above your shoulders for as long as possible (8-12 hours should do the trick). In other words, try not to lie down until it’s time to go to sleep that night.
Postpone massages and facials until several days after your lip augmentation treatment.
You should experience fuller lips for 9 months to 2 years, depending on your body’s metabolism speed and which product you choose. Since hyaluronic acid dissolves naturally, your lips should look beautifully natural the entire time.
Lip Fillers Before & After Photos
While the anatomy of everyone's lips can differ greatly, which determines how your lip swill look aesthetically, here a few before and after photos of actual lips filled at Glosshouz!
Most lip augmentation clients see their desired results with 1 to 2 syringes of filler, the cost of which can range from $450-$1100. When in doubt, start with one syringe and add from there. Check our current pricing for Juvederm and other lip fillers here.
Are you interested in lip augmentation? Schedule your complimentary consultation at Glosshouz today.
