In a 2020 study, the American Society for Plastic Surgery found that a staggering 3.4 million people receive soft tissue fillers. While the study does not specify what percentage of these minimally-invasive procedures were lip fillers, lip fillers have dramatically increased in popularity in the last couple of years.
Lip fillers are a type of soft tissue dermal filler that increases lip volume and appearance. Most of them are made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring substance that creates volume and elasticity in your skin.
Most people associate fillers with “duck lips,” but in reality, fillers have many benefits. They can create better symmetry between the upper and lower lips, reduce the appearance of smile lines and wrinkles, and even construct a cupid’s bow.
Keep reading to learn more about lip fillers at Stadia Med Spa, including why lip fillers are a safe cosmetic treatment and possible side effects and risks.
Lip fillers are dermal fillers, also called soft tissue fillers and cosmetic injectables. They are used to change the shape and add fullness to your lips.
Most lip fillers are made from synthetic hyaluronic acid (HA). They are strategically injected into the lips using a needle or cannula. A few common brands of hyaluronic acid fillers include Juvederm® and Restylane® – both of which are offered at Stadia Med Spa.
If you’ve ever wondered, “why do people get lip fillers?” – here are a few of the most common reasons:
Fillers are not a permanent treatment. So they are ideal for anyone who wants to experiment with lip augmentation. Most people see results that last between six months and a year.
Hyaluronic acid is the main component of lip fillers. Your body naturally creates hyaluronic acid and it can be found in the eyes, joints, and skin. In the body, this slippery substance helps skin stretch, reduces scarring, and speeds up wound healing.
Hyaluronic acid is ideal for fillers because of its hydrophilic nature. That means it attracts and holds onto water. That’s why lip filler makes your lips look fuller and more voluminous.
The hyaluronic acid in lip filler is synthetic, but recognized by the body. The use of a naturally-occurring substance lessens the potential side effects and risks. Your body senses that the fillers belong in your lips. Therefore, you are less likely to have a negative or allergic reaction.
However, because hyaluronic acid is a natural substance, the body breaks it down over time. That is why lip fillers are not permanent. Most people see lip filler results that last between 6 to 12 months.
Lip fillers are a fairly straightforward procedure performed in many medical spas across the United States. The best way to ensure a safe lip filler procedure is to schedule your treatment with a registered medical professional.
Like most cosmetic procedures, lip fillers may cause a few well-known side effects.
The most common side effects of lip fillers are:
A few less common side effects and risks include:
Most of the side effects and risks of lip fillers are negated when you work with a surgeon, dermatologist, or cosmetic surgeon at a medical spa or clinic.
Yes! Lip fillers are FDA-approved soft tissue fillers to increase lip volume and symmetry. When you work with a registered medical professional, you dramatically reduce your risk of developing more serious side effects and risks.
The FDA seriously advises against store-bought, do-it-at-home fillers. Not only are these fillers not FDA-approved, but they can cause tissue death and infection. Tissue death from improperly applied fillers is not reversible.
Aside from safety, most people considering lip fillers want to know – are lip fillers painful?
Lip fillers aren’t painful. Most providers use a topical anesthetic to numb the treatment area before your procedure. You likely won’t feel anything during the treatment.
Some people feel pain or tenderness once the anesthetic wears off. If you do feel any pain or discomfort, a sanitary ice pack should help ease the symptoms.
Lip fillers can dramatically change your appearance in one simple 30-minute treatment. But before you decide to get lip fillers, you should seriously consider your goals for your procedure.
You may think that you want to double the size of your lips to match what you see in celebrities. However, not everyone looks good with lips 5x their normal size.
Instead, you should consider what would look natural for your face. Many surgeons aim for natural rather than hypernatural, but your goals and opinion will inform their decision.
You should also keep in mind that lip fillers are reversible. Your provider can inject hyaluronidase to dissolve the fillers if you are not satisfied with your results. However, if you decide to live with your results, they are temporary and will fade within 6 to 12 months.
The best candidates for lip fillers are in good physical health without active infections like cold sores and canker sores.
The medical professionals at Stadia Med Spa in San Antonio, TX, are experienced with all types of lip fillers. Their mission is to increase your natural beauty with full, plump lips. This safe and FDA-approved procedure may be an essential step to achieving your ideal look!
If you are interested in learning more about lip fillers at Stadia Med Spa, contact us for a free consultation. We will go over your goals and concerns before you schedule to ensure that lip fillers are the best treatment for you!
Call 210-881-6270 today!
