The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery released information on the five facial plastic surgeries it believes will see increased interest in 2014. Among those surgeries is lip augmentations. While a lip lift or lip implants help make the lips look fuller, it’s dermal fillers that many patients turn to for immediate results without the need for a surgical procedure and recovery time.
What Are Lip Augmentation Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are a variety of products that specially trained doctors inject into the underlying facial tissue to add volume. As a result, these injectables fill out hollows on the face, smooth out skin to reduce the appearance of creases and wrinkles, and some can also add volume to the lips.
When it comes to fillers, hyaluronic acid fillers are popular options because the body already contains hyaluronic acid. Fillers containing collagen require an allergy test prior to your appointment; as a result may patients prefer the hyaluronic acid fillers.
Which Filler is Best for Adding Volume to the Lips?
Restylane, a hyaluronic acid filler launched in 1996, is used to ease the appearance of crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, and nasolabial folds. Restylane also is useful in adding fullness and shape to the lips. Many find this to be an ideal choice for lip augmentation procedure.
How Long Do the Injections Take?
Restylane injections take very little time and can be performed during your lunch hour. The procedure begins with the administration of a topical or local anesthetic. After that, your facial plastic surgeon begins injecting the Restylane to help fill out and shape your lips. At the end of your appointment, you can get back to your usual activities.
Are There Any Downsides to These Dermal Fillers?
The longevity of dermal fillers is probably the one thing you need to watch. Over time, the hyaluronic acid in Restylane is absorbed by the body. On average, a lip augmentation using Restylane has a lifespan of six months. To maintain the fuller appearance of your lips, you must see your facial plastic surgeon for touch-up injections. Different injectables have different lifespans.
After the injections, you may have some tenderness and bruising at the injection site. This is normal and nothing different than what you experience after a vaccination. Swelling is also common, especially when Restylane is used on the lips. Generally, tenderness and bruising disappear in a couple of days, but lip swelling may need a week before it subsides.
Dr. Jessica Kulak is a board certified facial plastic surgeon with offices in Maryland and Virginia. Her specialty specifically involves aging faces. If thin, narrow lips are making you look older than you feel, you owe it to yourself to visit with Dr. Kulak at The Naderi Center and discover your options. View these pictures of a lip enhancement using Restylane injections and see how fillers create natural-looking, fuller lips. Call the Chevy Chase, Maryland, office at (301) 222-2020 or the Herndon, Virginia, office at (703) 481-0002 to schedule a lip augmentation appointment with Dr. Kulak.