Lip fillers have set a requisite standard in improving the lips’ size, shape, and symmetry. Keep reading to learn more about lip fillers, how long they take to settle, their benefits, and their possible side effects.
More patients are embracing lip fillers. However, if you feel uncomfortable with the size or shape of your lips, trying out lip fillers may be the best option. The cosmetic procedure is simple, although the fillers are not permanent. Lip fillers are dermal fillers, although it’s difficult to determine how long they can last. Lip fillers are popular due to their versatility, and they are minimally invasive. The procedure can be reversed to suit a patient’s needs since the substance injected can be dissolved. The longevity of the lip fillers depends on the quality of the filler used, the type used, and the patient’s anatomy.
What Are Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers are injectable substances that increase the volume of the lips. They improve lip hydration and provide lip shape and facial symmetry. The filler substances injected include hyaluronic acid, an organic acid in the human skin. Calcium hydroxyapatite and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) can also be used for lip filler procedures.
Lip fillers are popular because the procedure is painless and quick. Ghasemi & Akbari (2022) suggested that a lip filler procedure takes about 30 minutes, and the injections can be administered in a healthcare clinic. It is vital to ensure the filler substances used are of higher quality. For example, Funt & Pavicic (2013) revealed that silicone should not be used for lip or dermal fillers since it is harmful, especially under higher pressure.
How Long for Lip Fillers to Settle?
Lip fillers are not permanent. Czumbel et al. (2021) showed that most lip fillers could last for 12 months, although some last for 18 months. The type of filler used and its quality play a huge role in determining its longevity. In addition, a patient’s anatomy determines how long the lip filler will last.
Once the filler substances are injected under the skin of the lips, they are absorbed. They bind with water molecules in the dermal tissues, increasing the lips’ volume. They ensure the lips are hydrated and well-shaped.
Snozzi et al. (2018) suggested that it is common for patients with lip fillers to experience swelling and pain after the treatment. Symptoms may last a week or two before the lip filler is fully absorbed. Therefore, it is advisable not to fly during this period since the increased air pressure may affect the healing process.
Lip fillers should be maintained to guarantee desired results. It is important to use a good lip balm that has moisturizing properties and protects the lips from excessive sun rays. After getting lip fillers, a patient should avoid drinking excessively or smoking since these activities dehydrate the lips. Excessive consumption of salt, or salty foods, may also cause pain and inflammation.
The Benefits of Lip Fillers
According to Luthra & Amit (2019), lip fillers can improve hydration around the lips.
Linkov et al. (2019) suggested that lip fillers plump the lips and improve their shape.
Ramesh et al. (2019) suggested avoiding strenuous exercises for 48 hours after getting dermal fillers. Strenuous exercises increase blood pressure, which might worsen inflammation and pain.
How to Take Care of Your Lips After Lip Filler Injections
Ensure to consume hydrating vegetables and fruits to reduce the formation of sodium on your lips, which may worsen the swelling.
Do not use other cosmetic products on your lips after the lip filler procedure. These include makeup, lip gloss, and balms.
Avoid blood thinning medications since they may cause blood clotting, making it harder for lips to recover from the procedure.
Avoid sleeping while facing downwards (on your stomach) since this may increase blood flow and blood pressure, increasing inflammation and redness on the lips.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Lip Fillers?
According to Grippaudo et al. (2020), lip fillers may cause inflammation, rashes, pain, and tenderness. They may also cause itching and bruising. Most patients report successful lip filler procedures, although it is important to consult a cosmetic doctor concerning the possible benefits and risks.
When to Consult Your Doctor
Several complications may occur after getting lip filler injections. Although the mentioned side effects subside after a few days, a patient should visit a cosmetic doctor if they experience the following health complications
Vascular Occlusion
Vascular occlusion occurs when the injection is carried out inaccurately. Therefore, an artery is injected and filled with lip filler substances, causing the surrounding tissues to fail. In addition, blood flow may stop completely around the lips. Vascular occlusion can be noticed through a change in skin color and severe pain.
Bumps and Lumps
Lip filler injections can also cause lumps and bumps on the lips. Hyaluronic acid, a common lip filer substance, often causes lumps and bumps that subside naturally. The lumps can be dissolved using hyaluronidase, and if they are caused by inflammation, corticosteroid injections can also be used to alleviate them.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lip Fillers
Do Lip Fillers Alleviate Wrinkles?
Lip fillers reduce the appearance of static wrinkles on the sides of the mouth. They also improve the shape of your lips while restoring their size of the lips.
What Causes the Lips to Reduce in Volume?
Harmful UV sun rays can potentially cause a reduction in the volume of the lips. They cause dehydration, sunburn, and immune system suppression.
What Is The Difference Between Lip Fillers and Lip Augmentation?
Lip augmentation is a procedure that plums lips and improves their shape. It involves a surgical incision using filler materials like silicone or fat tissue removed from other body parts.
Lip augmentation has longer-lasting effects than lip filler procedures. However, it is more expensive and requires more time to perform the procedure. Lip augmentation is riskier since it may easily cause various complications.
Are Lip Fillers for Everyone?
Some patients with various health conditions are discouraged from undergoing lip filler procedures. This includes patients with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or bleeding problems.
Is the Procedure Reversible?
Lip fillers can easily be removed. Enzymes like hyaluronidase can be injected to dissolve hyaluronic acid if a patient is unhappy with the procedure’s outcome.
Is the Procedure Painful?
Most patients are afraid of injections. Aesthetic practitioners often apply a suitable cream on the lips before the procedure to numb the skin surrounding the lips. Lip filler injections are less painful, although the lips have several blood vessels that aren’t comfortable with interference.
Summary
Lip filler injections have become more popular. More patients are embracing the procedure since it plumps the lips and improves their shape. Lip filler injections improve hydration around the lips. Hyaluronic acid is a common substance used for lip filler injections.
Lip filler injections are not permanent and can last 12-18 months. Ensure the aesthetic doctor is highly qualified to perform the procedure. Inaccurate injections could cause severe side effects, such as vascular occlusion. Lip filler injections are successful but have minimal side effects like pain, inflammation, bruising, and redness.
Lip fillers are reversible. Enzymes like hyaluronidase can be injected to dissolve hyaluronic acid in case a patient feels unsatisfied with the procedure. After getting a lip filler injection, avoid smoking and alcohol since they may increase dehydration and inflammation.
References
Czumbel, L. M., Farkasdi, S., Gede, N., Mikó, A., Csupor, D., Lukács, A., … & Varga, G. (2021). Hyaluronic Acid Is An Effective Dermal Filler For Lip Augmentation: A Meta-Analysis. Frontiers In Surgery, 8, 681028.
Funt, D., & Pavicic, T. (2013). Dermal Fillers In Aesthetics: An Overview Of Adverse Events And Treatment Approaches. Clinical, Cosmetic And Investigational Dermatology, 6, 295.
Ghasemi, S., & Akbari, Z. (2022). Lip Augmentation. Dental Clinics, 66(3), 431-442.
Grippaudo, F. R., Fino, P., Gomes, V. V., & Grippaudo, C. (2020). Actinomyces Infection After Permanent Fillers Lip Augmentation: Diagnosis And Treatment. The Open Dentistry Journal, 14(1).
Linkov, G., Wick, E., Kallogjeri, D., Chen, C. L., & Branham, G. H. (2019). Perception Of Upper Lip Augmentation Utilizing Simulated Photography. Archives Of Plastic Surgery, 46(03), 248-254.
Munavalli, G. G., Guthridge, R., Knutsen-Larson, S., Brodsky, A., Matthew, E., & Landau, M. (2021). COVID-19/SARS-Cov-2 Virus Spike Protein-Related Delayed Inflammatory Reaction To Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers: A Challenging Clinical Conundrum In Diagnosis And Treatment. Archives Of Dermatological Research, 1-15.
Ramesh, A., Vellayappan, R., Ravi, S., & Gurumoorthy, K. (2019). Esthetic Lip Repositioning: A Cosmetic Approach For Correcting Gummy Smile–A Case Series. Journal Of Indian Society Of Periodontology, 23(3), 290.
Sonone, T. P., Soni, V., Gupta, S., Shekatkar, Y. K., Thorat, A. S., & Pol, T. R. (2022). Botox And Dermal Fillers In Orthodontics–A Review. Journal Of Pharmacy And Bioallied Sciences, 14(5), 60.
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