Lip Augmentation

Plump lips are every woman’s dream. Indeed, the lips are the most vulnerable part of the human face. They are the first thing people notice when talking and interacting. Hyaluronic acid is used for lip augmentation procedures. It is injected into the lips via injections into the target areas, after which the lips take on a seductively plump appearance. During the procedure, the volume of the lips can be adjusted according to the client’s wishes. Today, hyaluronic acid is one of the safest and most sought-after substances used for a variety of aesthetic procedures, including lip augmentation.

The filler injection procedure itself takes between 15 minutes and an hour. Since the lips are a sensitive area, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia using a topical anesthetic cream. The only discomfort after the augmentation may be slight redness and swelling, which subside within 1–2 hours. The final results of the procedure will be visible after 48 hours. During this time, the acid will distribute evenly throughout the lip area and bind a sufficient amount of water molecules around itself.

How does the procedure work?

Before the procedure begins, the cosmetic doctor applies topical anesthesia. Then, using the finest needles, the gel is injected into the skin of the lips.

The first results are visible immediately after the injection, and maximum effectiveness can be assessed after just one week. For example, after Juvederm, the lips become soft and plump, and small wrinkles in the corners and around the lips are smoothed out.

Lip commissures

1. Mona Lisa
2. Cupid’s bow
3. Philtrum columns
4. Philtrum
5. Vermilion
6. Red border of the lips
7. Marionette lines
8. Smile lines

Classic lips have the following parameters:

1. The average mouth width is 50.9 mm
2. The filtrum columns, Cupid’s bow, and lip curves are clearly visible
3. The area and volume of the vermilion border of the lower lip exceed those of the upper lip by a ratio of 1:2

Recovery

Recovery after the procedure is quite favorable and does not require adherence to any strict regimen. The main restriction is to avoid heat-generating procedures for one week. After the gel is injected, slight swelling may occur, but it is so minor that many patients return for a follow-up appointment asking to have their lips enlarged a little more to achieve the same result as when they were swollen. Finally, it should be noted that small bruises may form immediately after the procedure, but they subside fairly quickly.

Results

The initial results are visible within minutes of the lip augmentation procedure. You will see the final results in 1–2 weeks. Depending on individual characteristics, age, and the volume of the injected product, the duration of the results may vary. As a rule, modern products are capable of maintaining lip volume and a youthful appearance for up to a year. And that’s wonderful, considering that we use the safest products. Sometimes it’s necessary to perform a repeat augmentation procedure sooner than a year later. This usually happens in cases where the first procedure was “trial-and-error”: the doctor injected a smaller amount of the product so the patient could assess how comfortable she would feel, and whether the result looked natural. In such cases, a repeat procedure can be performed after 1–3–6 months.

Lip augmentation is a simple and relatively quick procedure, but it does have some contraindications:

• infections around the lips or on any part of the skin;
• chronic diseases (in the acute phase);
• cases of anaphylaxis (anaphylactic shock);
• any blood clotting disorders;
• intolerance to specific components of the product used for augmentation;
• history of the body rejecting foreign bodies;
• history of using permanent fillers;
• inflammatory processes in the body;
• connective tissue diseases;
• tendency to form scars (hypertrophic and keloid);
• pregnancy (including early stages) and breastfeeding—in these cases, the procedure may harm both the patient and the baby.

Experts highlight a number of advantages characteristic of hyaluronic acid-based injections:

• immediately visible results;
• no scars, keloids, or damaged blood vessels;
• minimal risk of complications;
• hypoallergenic;
• visually natural-looking enhanced lips;
• complete biocompatibility with human tissues;
• shorter procedure time; quick recovery.

Experts always warn that complications and side effects are possible in rare cases:

• itching and redness;
• allergic reactions;
• swelling at the injection sites;
• bruising, nodules under the skin;
• increased sensitivity or numbness of the skin at the injection sites.

How to choose a lip augmentation product?

It is best to consult your doctor when choosing a product, depending on your specific goals. For example, a denser gel is used for contouring, while a softer one is used specifically for volume.

Possible techniques for correcting lip shape and volume