Introduction
Cosmetic treatment procedures are booming like anything over the last few years. It reflects the rocketing of aesthetic concern among the public globally. In facial aesthetics, lips hold an exceptional role in enriching one's facial beauty. Though various cosmetic treatments are practiced today, lips have separate interventions to enhance their structure and bring youthfulness to the face. However, before planning for any cosmetic procedure, it is essential to understand the treatment's necessity by considering its pros and cons.
What Is Lip Filler Treatment?
Lip filler treatments are a specific cosmetic strategy that brings in lip volume using certain materials called lip fillers. It is performed by injecting certain gel-like chemicals into the lips, and it takes hardly 15 minutes to complete the procedure. Lip fillers come under the dermal fillers employed for various cosmetic procedures, mainly to tackle skin changes in response to aging. Hyaluronic acid is the routinely preferred lip filler injection material. Polyacrylamide is also employed for the same purpose; however, it risks developing granuloma (gathering blood cells as a reaction to the injections).
Lip fillers contribute to lip plumpness and shape and contour the lips. It also enhances the definition of the lips and makes it more attractive and appealing. As age advances, lips undergo specific physiological changes in structure and shape. The upper lip loses its characteristic curves and becomes featureless and baggy; likewise, the lower lips become more recessed. It creates an aged appearance on the face and masks the expressiveness and youthfulness. Lip fillers are a temporary alternative for dealing with such conditions, and it helps in bringing back youthfulness.
Should Lip Fillers Be Used or Avoided?
The choice of lip filler treatment is primarily based on the individual's desire and concern. Lip fillers intensify facial esthetics and thereby boost one's self-confidence and self-esteem. However, its effects are not permanent, the plumpiness of the lip precipitated by the injections of lip fillers may last up to one year, and later the lips return to their original pretreatment form. Hence it does not offer a permanent solution for unfeatured lips.
Transient and short-lived side effects in the form of lip swelling, soreness, and redness also accompany lip filler treatment. Lip swelling creates an awkward appearance on the lips; however, it settles in a couple of days. So if the treatment is being done for a particular function, it should not be done close to the day of the function so that the tissue's reaction and associated swelling will come down by then. Lip filler injections should only be done by trained specialist doctors. Many brands have released lip fillers directly to the market that can be easily purchased from a pharmacy. However, such lip fillers are not authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Lack of experience in doing the procedure can bring in various complications.
Lip lift surgery is a permanent substitute for lip filler treatment where the same result can be obtained by means of surgical treatment. However, those who are looking for a quick result can rely on lip filler, as it is a conservative approach without any extensive surgical treatment. Individuals whose medical condition is not fit for surgical treatment can also opt for a lip filler procedure. Before the procedure, the doctors analyze the patient's general health status and ensure the safety and result of the procedure in that particular individual. Hence the choice for going or avoiding lip filler varies individually.
The age of the person who wishes to undergo the procedure also matters in lip filler treatment. FDA restricts the use of lip fillers in the younger population. As per the rule, an individual is eligible for FDA-authorized lip filler treatment only if the person is over 21.
How Is Lip Filler Treatment Performed?
Lip fillers are introduced into the lips through shots (injections). To make the procedure comfortable and painless for the patients, numbing agents (anesthetic agents) are applied to the lips. Topical agents offer adequate anesthesia for the lip filler procedure. However, in certain patients, local injections of numbing agents are preferred rather than topical anesthetics. Lip fillers are introduced once the patient achieves sufficient anesthesia.
Lip fillers are then injected using fine needles by penetrating the lip tissue. Injections are given at specific sites of the lips as per the patient's requirement. After injecting the material, the lips are gently massaged to even out the distribution of the injected material. It also aids in tackling lump formation in the lips following lip filler injections.
The concentration and amount of the lip filler that is to be injected are determined by the doctor. Injecting more than the intended quantity of lip filler often reflects in the form of over-bulging of the lips, which creates an awkward duck lip appearance. However, the desired outcome can be obtained when performed by skilled and trained hands.
What Are the Complications Associated With Lip Filler Treatment?
Though it is a non-invasive treatment approach, lip fillers pose certain challenges and complications:
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Infections.
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Over-bulging of lips.
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Lip swelling.
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Soreness and tingling sensation in the lips.
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Bleeding from the injection points.
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Scarring and redness.
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Lip asymmetry.
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Lip lumps.
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Triggers the reactivation of the herpes virus infection in the lips.
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Injury to blood vessels.
Does Lip Filler Treatment Require Post-operative Care?
The post-operative discomfort can be tackled by following simple steps. Application of ice packs aids in managing the lip swelling and soreness that is widely reported following lip filler injections. Heat aggravates the swelling or inflammation and soreness; hence, it is better to avoid hot baths. Sticking to the instructions given by the doctors gears up the healing process. Alcohol consumption should be checked for a couple of days after the treatment.
Conclusion
Lip fillers are an effective and temporary solution for thin and flat lips. However, it is only suitable for some. The patient's age, expectations, and medical conditions are considered while designing lip filler treatment. Skilled specialists like dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and cosmetic surgeons perform the procedure with minimal likelihood of complications. It offers a quick outcome. Prompt aftercare help in dealing with the swelling and soreness precipitated following lip filler treatment.
