The procedure is technically known as Lip Augmentation, though most of us know it as having our lips ‘filled’, using products known as ‘lip fillers’. It is one of the most well-known and popular non-surgical procedures today. Overblown lips are increasingly a thing of the past and like many treatments currently offered, less is more, with more of us seeking subtle results that enhance our natural features.
Our lips are central to our face and determine much about our attractiveness and our perceived age. There are several reasons why someone would opt to have lip fillers. Mother Nature may not have blessed us with shapely, full lips, or they may not be symmetrical, or our lips may be making us look older than we would like.
As we know, our lips are fuller when we are younger, and they tend to thin out as we age. They also tend to dry out as well, leaving us with thinner and dryer lips. Hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in the body that attracts the body’s own moisture to the area treated is the most common type of filler that is used to get a plumper, more pleasing pout.
The procedure is relatively simple in the hands of a qualified and experienced injector. What the lip augmentation procedure requires is clear communication and understanding from both the clinician and the patient. A detailed discussion about what the patient wants and expects and clear feedback and suggestions from the injector are key for success.
A lip filler procedure involves injecting product in and around the lips, depending on your individual wishes and needs. To minimise pain, most of the leading branded lip filler products now have Lidocaine included in the product, meaning the first injection may have a little sting, but the following injections are that much easier as the Lidocaine takes effect.
One of the most satisfying aspects of the lip filler procedure is the results are instant. In fact, you will see a closer, final result immediately after treatment, rather than several hours later, when you are more likely to have swelling. For those having the treatment for the first time, there may be concern regarding the swelling, which can often be asymmetrical, but this almost always settles down in one to two days.
Q. Are lip fillers permanent? A. No. Todays’ lip filler products are designed to last anywhere between six and twelve months. Even if too much product is injected, or you are not happy with the result, a product can be injected to instantly dissolve the filler product.
Q. Is there any danger to lip filler treatments? A. Almost none. For many there will be swelling, maybe even bruising, aside from these side effects that last only a day or two, there is very little downside – assuming you are in the hands of a registered, qualified practitioner.
Q. Is the treatment painful? A. As outlined above, injecting lip filler is less painful than you would think, especially as most reputable brands now include Lidocaine, a local anaesthetic in the product.
Depending on the amount of the product that is used, the most common amount is 1ml, which sold as a single syringe. This cost can vary from $450-$600, depending on where you go and the injector.
