Lip Augmentation - Procedure, Side Effects, and Indications

Introduction

Lip augmentation is a clinical procedure wherein the lips are given a fuller and plumper look for cosmetic reasons. The most commonly used method nowadays for this procedure is the injectable dermal filler. Various substances can be injected within the lip and around the lips. The very commonly used substance has properties similar to Hyaluronic Acid. It is a naturally occurring substance that is present in human bodies and plays a major role in connective tissue formation. It also helps in increasing the volume of the lips. Such dermal fillers which resemble Hyaluronic Acid are called “Hyaluronic Acid fillers”. Collagen was a very commonly used dermal filler but nowadays, safer and long-lasting substances are available.

Another method that is used for lip augmentation is using fat injections and implants. They are not frequently used as the results are varied and there can be possible side effects.

What Are the Types of Lip Augmentation Procedures?

The types of lip augmentation procedures are,

• Fat grafting.

• Lip fillers.

• Lip implants.

• Lip lift.

What Are The Uses of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers?

Hyaluronic Acid fillers help in improving the appearance of the lip by enhancing the shape, structure, and volume of lips. The effects of these fillers can last for around six months. Post-six months, added injections are required to maintain or add volume to the lips. There are various commercial names of products available for these procedures. Some of them may even contain local anesthetic agents like Lignocaine, which can help in anesthetizing the operated area.

Who Are Good Candidates for Lip Augmentation?

The healthcare professional will choose the right candidate for the procedure if,

• Person who are in good health.

• People who do not smoke.

• People who do not have an active infection.

• If the person is a non-diabetic.

• If the person does not have blood clotting conditions.

Besides these criteria, person must inform the healthcare professional about any recent illness like cold sores or any other allergic reactions as they are highly considerable and influence the treatment. Also, tell about the medications or supplements a person is taking to determine whether they must be stopped before the procedure.

What Are The Advantages Of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers?

The main purpose of it is to provide support and shape to the lips. There are various benefits of using Hyaluronic Acid fillers are as follows:

1. Adequate Lip Volume - There is an advantage of controlling the amount of substance that can be injected which helps in achieving the required amount of lip volume.

2. Gradual Appointments - The injections can be provided gradually during various appointments until the expected results are obtained.

3. Reasonable and Long-Lasting - The results are reasonable as well as long-lasting. But one has to remember that the results are not permanent.

4. Easy Dissolution of Bumps - Lumps and bumps created due to the movement of the lips during the procedure tend to dissolve easily.

5. Decreased Bruising - When compared to other dermal fillers, the tendency of this material to create bruising or swelling is less.

6. Fewer Chances of Any Allergic Reaction - Hyaluronic acid fillers are made from substances that are similar to body substances. Hence, there are fewer possibilities of allergic reaction. Although, if one is allergic to Lidocaine, one should consult the physician immediately.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Injectable lip augmentation techniques are usually performed very fast in the doctor's office. The only exception is fat injection as the procedure demands a tiny area of liposuction for the removal of the fat from another part of the body before injecting the substance. Initially, a topical or a local anesthetic agent will be given to numb the operating area.

This will give the person comfort during the procedure. In a few cases, nerve blocks can be provided to completely anesthetize the lips. This is similar to the type of anesthesia a dentist gives to anesthetize the teeth or mouth. Sometimes, holding ice to the lips before any injection can also help in numbing the area and may decrease the occurrence of any bruising or swelling.

Once the operating area is numb, the areas to be injected are carefully marked. Then, very fine needles are used to inject the filler substance into the lips. Ice can be provided to the patient post-injection to be applied on the injected area which will give some relief and avoid any swelling or bruising. It is advisable to avoid lipstick or any other lip products immediately after the procedure is done. The difference is visible immediately and once the lips have healed, it will feel natural. The patient should be able to notice a difference immediately. After the patient has healed, the lips should feel natural.

Are There Any Side Effects and Risks?

Yes, there can be some side effects of Hyaluronic Acid fillers but they are temporary and mostly last for a few days only.

They can be any of the following:

• Swelling.

• Bruising.

• Bleeding from the injection area.

• Presence of redness and tenderness (pain) at the area of the injection.

• Reactivation of any infection like cold sores or herpes simplex (which are fever blisters) of the lips or the area around the lips.

There can be some serious side effects or risks in a few cases which may be as follows:

• Asymmetry or irregularity of the lips.

• Presence of any severe and prolonged swelling or bruising which can last for one week to ten days.

• Infection or re-infection.

• Lumps in the lips.

• Loss of tissue can happen due to Injecting into a blood vessel.

• Lip stiffness.

• An allergic reaction can lead to redness, swelling, or itching in and around the lips.

One should consult the physician immediately if one experiences a high fever or prolonged swelling.

What Are The Indications Or Contraindications?

Anyone who genuinely wants to modify their lips can undergo this procedure. one has to be realistic about the outcomes. There can be some unexpected outcomes or side-effects but in a few cases. It is important that the person undergoing the procedure is healthy and a non-smoker. Some of the contraindications are as follows:

• Any active infection like oral herpes.

• Diabetes.

• Blood-clotting disorders.

• Lupus.

Provide complete medical history to the doctor so that any unwanted complications can be avoided, like the history of a cold sore, allergy to Lidocaine (anesthetic), under any medication, etc.

How Long Does Lip Augmentation Last?

The duration of lasting varies for each procedure as follows,

• Lip fillers last for six months to a year.

• A lip lift is permanent.

• Lip implants are permanent but can be removed anytime if needed.

• Fat grafting lasts for around five years.

Conclusion:

Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that enhances the esthetics of the lips using certain substances. The interested person can talk to the physician about health concerns and the doctor will guide him or her about the procedure and the suitable material and technique. Online medical platforms are a helping hand in connecting patients to the doctor. One can consult a specialist online using these platforms and know more about this procedure.