What Are Lip Fillers (The Best Lip Fillers and Treatment 2020)

What are lip fillers? You may be wondering, what are lip fillers? Fillers are used in lips to provide lip augmentation, a minimally invasive procedure to give you fuller or plumper lips and the second fastest growing cosmetic procedure in the US. The type of dermal filler most commonly used composed of hyaluronic acid, or HA, which is found in all living creatures in connective tissues and binds to water. In the past, collagen was used, as well as fat injections or implants. Because hyaluronic acid fillers are overall safer, with more predictable results and less risk of side effects, they are the filler of choice of most plastic surgeons and clinicians. Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane, are used to smooth lines and wrinkles on the face and to replace lost volume. They are also used to improve the appearance of your lips by adding shape, structure, and volume. We typically use Juvederm Ultra or Volbella, soft fillers in the Juvederm line that are FDA approved for lips, and that can last up to one year. Over time, as the filler is absorbed by your body, repeat treatments are needed to maintain volume. Hyaluronic acid lip fillers have many benefits. The amount injected will determine the final results, and so there is control over lip volume. One syringe of filler is 1 cc, which is 1/5 of a teaspoon. This is important to realize – one syringe properly injected is very unlikely to look unnatural, nor it will not provide the very pronounced volume you often see. More product can be gradually added until the desired results are achieved to provide structure, shape and plumpness. Juvederm Ultra and Volbella, like all HA products, can be dissolved. What should you expect if you decide to have lip filler treatment? Finding an experienced injector is key to a good outcome. Talk to your friends and do your research, then set up your consultation. You should avoid blood thinning medications if you will want treatment that day. Your clinician will discuss your goals and desired outcome and which product they prefer. Topical numbing is used for comfort. You may still feel a small stick or some pressure, but the majority of patients tolerate this very well. Treatment takes about 15 minutes, and because the fillers contain lidocaine for numbing, you will feel as if your lips are very fat. Ice is applied and recommended off and on for the remainder of the day, and you should avoid exercise or excess heat to minimize swelling and bruising, and should plan on swelling for 1 to 3 days. Ice and elevation can help the swelling subside faster. There may be some uneven areas of lumps, and these usually subside in the coming days. Follow-up is around 2 weeks, when any concerns can be addressed. You may decide you would like a fuller lip and more filler can be placed. Repeat treatment will depend on how quickly your body absorbs or metabolizes the filler, and will vary from 6 to 12 months for most.