Lip Injection and Filler Options for Fullness
A common complaint for many women is the appearance of thin lips. For many patients, lips that look thin or thinner than ever before are simply the result of the aging process. As we age, subcutaneous fat (occurring just under the skin’s surface) naturally decreases, causing some women to observe that their lips appear thinner, or not as full as they once were.
In these cases, lip augmentation is an excellent option. Lip augmentation procedures are effective measures to enhance the volume of lips, giving them a fuller appearance. Although a temporary treatment that needs to be maintained over time, the benefits of lip augmentation include minimal to no downtime, a speedy recovery, and noticeable results right away.
How is Lip Augmentation Performed?
To start, the most common lip augmentation procedures rely on injectable dermal fillers. Not long ago, collagen injections were all the rage, but those have since been replaced by safer options that return more long-lasting results. Most of these dermal fillers now contain hyaluronic acid. Since hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the human body, side effects following lip augmentation procedures are generally minimal.
For most patients, recovery time averages approximately one week, during which time the lips heal from the series of injections that deliver the dermal fillers to the tissue in and around the lips. While the results are noticeable for approximately six months, ongoing maintenance is required for continued volume and fuller appearance over time.
The actual lip augmentation procedure is quick and usually involves one to two syringes of dermal filler product. Prior to the injections, the area is typically numbed with either a local or topical numbing agent. The target areas are then marked before the dermal filler injections are administered. Once finished, patients can soothe their lips with ice to reduce any discomfort and possible swelling.
There are many different dermal fillers on the market used in lip augmentation procedures. Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Sterling and determine which product is right for your unique needs.
