Recently, celebrity and makeup mogul Kylie Jenner shocked the world when she debuted a more natural, less makeup-heavy look. Most notably, the 21-year-old revealed that she was letting her lip fillers dissolve, saying goodbye to the full lip trend that she helped to kickstart.
Although Jenner might be over her fillers, that doesn’t mean that the rest of the world is. Lip augmentation remains one of the most popular cosmetic procedures out there, and injectable fillers are the top choice for adding volume to the lips. If you’re thinking of plumping up your pout, here’s what you need to know.
Different Fillers Are Available for Lip Augmentation
In the early days of lip fillers, collagen was the most common type of filler used for this procedure. These days, surgeons favor fillers made of hyaluronic acid for lip augmentation. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that naturally occurs in the body and that’s known for its plumping abilities. A type of sugar found in the skin, it attracts water, which can help to add fullness to the lips.
Some fillers are specially formulated for use in the lips. One example is Juvederm Volbella. The gel found in Volbella is designed to flow smoothly, eliminating the lumps and bumps that can occasionally develop in the lips when other types of filler are used.
Restylane Silk is another hyaluronic acid filler designed specifically for use in the lips. It contains tiny hyaluronic acid particles. The small size of the hyaluronic acid means the filler provides smooth results.
Fillers Are Temporary
It’s worth noting that lip augmentation with fillers provides only temporary results. How long the results last depends on a few things, primarily the type of filler used. Restylane Silk typically lasts for about six months, while Juvederm Volbella often lasts for a full year.
Results can vary, based on how quickly a person’s body metabolizes the hyaluronic acid. Some people will metabolize it quickly, meaning their results won’t last as long as they anticipated. Patients often repeat the injections at regular intervals to keep up the look of fuller, plumper lips.
Downtime is Minimal
Treatment with lip fillers is quick, usually taking less than 30 minutes. Downtime or recovery time after the injections is usually non-existent. Many people can go right back to work or their other scheduled activities without any issues. You might have some swelling in the area around your mouth, but that usually fades within a few days. Patients can use a cold compress or ice pack to help the swelling go down.
You Can Work With a Surgeon to Get the Results You Want
One question people often have about lip augmentation is: how much do I need? It all depends on the results you want. Although plump, full lips are still trendy, not everyone wants such a dramatic look. If you’re going for something much more subtle, you might only need a single syringe of filler. People who want fuller lips might need two or three syringes.
It’s crucial to sit down with a plastic surgeon before you schedule your lip augmentation treatment. The consultation allows you to get personalized recommendations, learn more about your options, and find out what you can expect. Your surgeon can give you an idea of how many syringes you might need to reach your goals. He or she will also recommend a particular filler to you based on your goals.
One thing that might be worth asking is if you can space out your injections over a period of a couple of weeks. Some surgeons will inject a conservative amount into a patient’s lips at first. If the patient decides that they would like a fuller look, they can return for a follow-up to get a bit more filler injected. It’s usually easier to under-inject and top off if a patient wants more dramatic results than it is to over-inject and attempt to reverse the filler.
About Dr. Ran Rubinstein
Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein is a board-certified plastic surgeon. He offers patients a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatment options at his practice in New York and can work with you to help you choose the right lip filler that will help you reach your goals. Dr. Rubinstein offers patients a variety of procedures, from fillers to rhinoplasty, at Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists, PC in Newburgh, New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Rubinstein, call 845-863-1772 today.
