Lip Injections - Get Fuller Lips the Natural Way
Improve the volume and shape of your lips safely with hyaluronic acid lip injections. Many trusted names in the dermal filler industry, including Juvederm UP XC, Belotero and Restylane, offer hyaluronic acid fillers for lip augmentation in Los Angeles.
In the past, collagen, fat injections and lip implants were widely used to plump up thin or aging lips. Although these methods are still available, they have more side effects than newer and more natural dermal fillers. Surgical lip implants require anesthesia and recovery time. Fat injection treatments also require anesthesia, and some patients may have an adverse reaction to collagen for the lips.
A lip filler does more than increase volume. It can define the natural contours of the upper and lower lip for a more pronounced Cupid’s bow. If the demarcation between your lip and the normal skin surrounding it (called the vermillion border) is weak, treating the area with filler will clarify it. The HA treatment can elevate the corners of your mouth, eliminating an angry or sad look when your mouth is down turned.
Avoid “Trout Pout” and “Duck Lips” with Natural Lip Injections
The phenomenon known as “trout pout” or “duck lips” you see on some celebrities is caused by overfilling of the lips by the aesthetic provider. Our practitioners avoid this outcome, through extensive training, lots of experience and by administering only the absolute necessary amount. A competent practitioner adjusts the amount of product used and applies it in the right spots to give every patient an attractive, natural look. When properly administered, a lip injection does more than make the lips fuller and more voluptuous; it helps improve the symmetry and natural beauty of the patient’s face.
Are You a Good Candidate for Lip Augmentation?
The goal is to give you an even, attractive smile, one that adds to or complements your facial structure. Lip augmentation isn’t about having comically large lips, as the procedure is often portrayed in the media. It’s about adding symmetry and volume to the lips.
Most people unsatisfied with the appearance of their lips can benefit from a this treatment.
You’re probably a good candidate for lip augmentation if you:
- Want fuller, more attractive lips
- Have uneven lips (a thin upper or bottom lip)
- Have thin lips that disappear when you smile
- Need fuller or shapelier lips to balance your facial symmetry
The hyaluronic acid fillers used for lip treatment are so similar to the HA in your body tissues, there’s no need for a sensitivity or allergy test before the procedure.
What Happens During a Lip Injection Procedure?
Lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid takes between 30-45 minutes in our medi-spa. After a consultation to determine the amount of product needed, My Botox LA Med Spa's medical staff will put a numbing agent over the treatment area. (This step isn’t necessary for injectables with Lidocaine.) The practitioner then uses fine needles to inject the hyaluronic acid filler into lips.
If you have any swelling or bruising after treatment, use light pressure when applying ice pack to the lips. After the swelling disappears, your lips will look full and natural.
Your treatment time may vary depending on the number of syringes needed. There’s little to no downtime after treatment, however lip bruising, swelling and discomfort may occur for a few days following treatment.
What is Hyaluronic Acid and What Does It Do?
Hyaluronic acid keeps skin moist and stable. Your body loses its ability to produce this natural substance as you age, causing your lips and the skin on your face to dry out and become thinner. Products containing hyaluronic acid work on all skin types, and are used for lip augmentation and the softening of vertical lip lines. They replenish and moisturize the treatment area, and even guard against damage from environmental contaminants. You’ll see results immediately with hyaluronic acid fillers for lip injections.
A single treatment (or group of treatments) will last from six months to 18 months, depending on the patient. Volumizing filler won’t last as long as on the lips as they will on the cheeks, forehead or other parts of the face that aren’t constantly moving.
Since you’re always using your mouth and lips for talking, eating, drinking, smiling and other activities, the hyaluronic acid metabolizes into your body at a faster rate. How long it lasts also depends on the patient – some people may absorb the sugar molecules faster than others, necessitating follow-up treatment sooner. Since HA is a naturally occurring substance it harmlessly dissolves into your body anywhere from six to 18 months after treatment.
Hyaluronic Fillers for Lips
Here’s a list of the most popular fillers for volumizing thin lips (and smoothing vertical lines above the lips), with an overview of their features.
Juvederm Ultra XC adds volume and shape to lips for up to one year (may vary). Subsequent treatments require less product.
A study found Juvederm Volbella XC with lidocaine, one of the newest products for fuller lips, to be just as effective as Restylane L for lip enhancement and improvement of perioral lines.
Belotero Balance offers a smoother injection and integrates into fine lines above and below the lips. Belotero is also used for chin wrinkles, smile lines and downturned mouth corners.
To achieve the desired results, the product is applied gradually until lips look just the way you want. The treatment is administered over several sessions if needed.
If you don’t get maintenance injections after the results of you treatment fade (anywhere from six months to 18 months), your lips will return to their pre-treatment shape. The hyaluronic acid originally injected into your lips may cause more HA to form in your lips, making them slightly plumper naturally.
Side Effects and Allergic Reactions to Lip Injections
Lip injectables made from hyaluronic acid aren’t likely to cause an allergic reaction since they’re made from an all-natural substance found in your body. The numbing agent Lidocaine may cause reactions in some people.
Avoid exercising, facials or massages on the day of your treatment, as these activities increase blood flow to the face and increase the chance of bruising. Stop taking fish oil, aspirin and Vitamin E ten days before the procedure since they thin the blood, which many lead to bruising and bleeding.
Don’t take the following pain relievers or supplements a week before or 48 hours after treatment. They thin blood and increase the chance of bruising and bleeding.
- Aspirin
- Aleve
- Ibuprofen
- Excedrin
- Fish Oil
- Vitamin E
- St. John’s Wort
- Glucosamine
It’s okay to take Tylenol before or after treatment.
You may experience common side effects including redness, swelling, soreness, itching or bruising at the injection site after treatment. These side effects should clear up within a few hours or a few days.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women shouldn’t get lip fillers. If you have scarring, pimples, rashes, hives or cysts near the inject site, you should wait until they clear up to receive treatment.
If you notice any of the following serious side effects, call your doctor:
- Infection
- Irregularities or lumps in the lips
- Stiffness in the lips
- Swelling or bruising lasting more than a week
Follow-up Treatments
You’ll need to visit our offices in two weeks for our medical aesthetician to check the progress of your treatment. Touch-ups or corrections, if needed, are performed at this time.
Most patients need one to four maintenance treatments to keep lips full and defined. The number of treatments depends on how quickly the filler wears off, and this differs from person to person.
If you don’t receive maintenance treatments, your lips will return to their original shape and volume once the initial filler has dissolved.
Which Treatment Is Right for Me?
Our knowledgeable aesthetic practitioner will determine which lip injection treatment will work for you. After examining your lips, discussing your needs, and noting any contraindications, our experienced practitioner will recommend the best treatment plan for you.
Contact us today to learn more about lip injections for fuller, natural-looking lips.
