Injectable Lip Fillers

Doctors frequently use injectable lip fillers to give the lips a plump, voluptuous look. Due to the wide variety of materials and injection techniques for lip augmentation, there are plenty of options that can meet your individual needs. Advancements in the field of lip enhancement have even made some methods so effective that doctors use them as permanent lip fillers. Please explore the sections below to learn about the various techniques and formulas used with lip fillers.

About Injection Techniques for Lip Augmentation

Lip augmentation with injectable lip fillers provides pleasing results in as little as 30 minutes. Anesthesia is typically not necessary for the procedure because the filler usually includes lidocaine or another topical anesthetic. The results with injectable lip fillers are temporary because the body eventually breaks down and absorbs the filler. The length of time the results last varies with each individual, but the average is generally four to six months. Individuals who are considering lip implants for permanent lip augmentation are advised to try injectable lip fillers first to see if implants would provide the desired cosmetic benefit.

Collagen-Based Lip Fillers

Collagen, the most frequently used injectable filler worldwide, comes in two forms — bovine-derived collagen and human-derived collagen.

Bovine-Derived Collagen Fillers

Bovine-derived collagen is extracted from the tissue of cows that have been raised in constantly monitored, disease-free closed herds. Because there is a 3 percent chance of an allergic reaction to bovine collagen, an allergy test is required prior to treatment with this lip filler. Zyderm® and Zyplast® are bovine-collagen-based lip fillers that have been used by more than 1.5 million patients worldwide. Artecoll® is a bovine-collagen product containing polymethylmethacrylate microspheres, which remain in the lips after the collagen is absorbed. This reportedly provides long-lasting or even permanent lip augmentation results.

Human-Derived Collagen Fillers

Human-derived collagen is harvested from cadavers or excess skin removed during surgeries. Injectable fillers made from human collagen include Dermalogen, Cymetra™, Autologen, Fascian™, Cosmoderm™ and Cosmoplast™. The biocompatibility of human-derived collagen eliminates the need for a pre-treatment allergy test and makes these lip fillers an excellent option for those who cannot tolerate bovine collagen.

Hyaluronic Acid-Based Lip Fillers

Hyaluronic acid is a clear, biodegradable substance that occurs naturally in the body’s joints and skin. Hyaluronic acid binds with water molecules once injected into the lips, allowing hyaluronic acid-based fillers to moisturize as well as plump the lips and provide longer-lasting results than collagen augmentation. Restylane®, Perlane®, and Dermalive® are hyaluronic acid-based fillers often used for lip augmentation. A pre-treatment allergy test is not necessary with these lip fillers.

Risks and Benefits of Injectable Lip Fillers

Though there is generally a low risk of complications associated with lip fillers, your reaction will depend on the type of filler you choose and your ability to heal. The more mild side effects linked to lip fillers include redness, bruising, swelling, minor discomfort, tenderness, and infection. With gentle care, these symptoms can be minimized, and should fade within a few days. A more serious risk is that of an allergic reaction to the animal-derived lip fillers, though this is very rare.

Many patients report that the main benefit of injectable lip fillers is the increased confidence they have in their appearance. Lip fillers restore the plump, sensuous look that is lost with age, and are long-lasting. Fuller lips can also add more balance to a person’s facial features.

Find a Facial Cosmetic Surgeon in Your Region

If you are interested in long-lasting or permanent lip fillers, it is important to learn about the best injection technique for lip augmentation to suit your needs. This advice can be provided by a qualified surgeon or lip augmentation specialist. Use DocShop’s directory to locate a skilled surgeon in your area.