The lips are one of our most noticeable facial features that others see upon first impression. Whether we are talking, smiling, or kissing, we can be sure that our lips will be front and center. Because lips are getting so much attention, it’s not surprising that lip injections or fillers are one of the most common facial procedures today. Whether you are self-conscious about the appearance of your lips or just wanting a fuller look, lip injections may be worth considering. In this article, we will review some interesting facts about lip injections so that you can make an informed decision prior to opting for this cosmetic procedure.
Lip enhancements have improved over the years
The first recorded lip augmentations were done with fat during the early 19th century—that’s roughly 200 years ago! Lip injections were originally done to reconstruct the lips from deformities caused by tuberculosis and other diseases. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that lip enhancements become a beauty fad. Several different substances were used as lip fillers in the past, including paraffin wax, silicone, and bovine collagen. However, many of these substances in the early days were potentially harmful and results were questionable. The lip fillers of today have been approved by the FDA and are made with Restylane, a hyaluronic acid that occurs naturally in the human body. Brands such as Restylane Silk and Juvederm Volbella are designed specifically for lip injections, are safe, and yield more consistent results than fillers used in the past.
Results can take a few weeks
When going in for a lip enhancement procedure, it’s important to have realistic expectations and not hope for instantaneous results. In many cases, your final post-op look won’t actualize until after a few weeks. There may be some initial swelling immediately after your procedure and improvements will take place every day for the next several weeks. This is because Restylane works by binding to water molecules in the body, a slow process that takes time to finalize.
Post-procedure recovery
Lips enhancements are minimally invasive procedures, so you won’t have any down time after getting them. However, there are some rules to follow to speed up the recovery process and ensure the best results. Firstly, you will want to limit or completely avoid alcohol and smoking for a few days after your filler appointment can help reduce excess bruising and swelling from the injections. Intense workouts immediately after your procedure are also recommended against, as you want your body in a relaxed state to focus on localized healing of the lips. The last rule to observe is to avoid excessive sun exposure, as UV rays can interfere with the hyaluronic acid in the lip fillers.
How long do fillers last?
There isn’t one single answer for how long lip fillers will last after your procedure, as every patient is different. However, the average lifespan of a lip enhancement is typically around 6-12 months before the hyaluronic acid becomes fully absorbed by your body. The reason for such a difference in lifespan is that everyone’s body metabolizes the filler at a different pace. In some cases, hyaluronic acid-based fillers can stimulate collagen production in the lips, leading to longer-lasting results. Although lip enhancements aren’t permanent, you can schedule routine booster injections to make sure your lips always stay luscious and full. If for any reason you want the fillers removed to return to your natural lips, your aesthetician can dissolve them with an enzyme called hyaluronidase.
Biodermis is an innovative market leader with 30 years of expertise in the medical silicone industry. Visit Biodermis.com today to explore a complete range of scar management and post-operative care solutions.
Biodermis offers custom tailored referral programs designed to simplify and reduce the cost of your patients' post-op care. Additionally, we offer professional pricing if you opt to retail our products. Give us a call at 800.322.3729, and we will be happy to provide additional details on these programs.