Lips have been a symbol of beauty, sensuality, and youth across various cultures and eras. It’s no wonder that lip augmentation procedures, including lip fillers, have grown in popularity in recent years. The allure of fuller, more voluptuous lips is hard to resist.
Historical Prelude: The Evolution of Lip Augmentation
Historically speaking, humans have always been attracted to plump lips. In ancient times, full lips were a sign of health and fertility. This is because when a person is healthy, their body produces more estrogen and progesterone – hormones that plump up the lips and give a youthful appearance. The ancient Egyptians, for instance, wore bold lip shades as a symbol of status.
Fast forward to the 20th century, and we find a series of evolutions and innovations in the world of lip enhancement. Paraffin injections in the early 1900s and bovine collagen in the 1980s were replaced by safer and more effective options as technology and research advanced.
In modern times, the beauty industry has played a significant role in popularizing plump lips. The introduction of lip-enhancing products such as lip liners, lipsticks, and lip balms has made it easier to achieve the desired plumpness. Celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Kylie Jenner have also contributed to the popularity of plump lips, as many individuals try to emulate their looks. Mainly though, the desire for plump lips is rooted in evolutionary biology and cultural beauty standards.
The Modern Promise: Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Enter the era of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our skin, and it has revolutionized lip fillers due to its ability to retain moisture and volume.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers were first introduced in the 1990s as a non-surgical cosmetic treatment option for reducing wrinkles and restoring volume to the skin.
The first HA filler approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was Restylane in 2003. Since then, several other HA fillers have been introduced in the market with varying formulations and properties.
HA fillers are now widely used for various cosmetic procedures such as lip augmentations, cheek enhancements, and correcting wrinkles on the face.
Additionally, these fillers have also been used for non-cosmetic medical uses such as treating joint pain and for various ophthalmic procedures. The popularity of HA fillers can be attributed to their effectiveness, safety, and temporary nature.
HA fillers have reduced risks associated with previous lip augmentation procedures due to their biocompatibility.
Surveying the Lip Filler Landscape
Today, the cosmetic market boasts various HA fillers, each with its unique properties, longevity, and effects. They can be broadly categorized into:
- Temporary Fillers: Last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.
- Semi-Permanent Fillers: Can stay up to 5 years.
- Permanent Fillers: Offer lasting results but come with higher risks.
While many options exist, we tend to recommend two particular products for lip fillers: JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® XC and JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC. Here’s why.
Spotlight: JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® XC
JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® XC is an injectable gel tailor-made for lip augmentation and correction of perioral lines. Some of its key features include:
- Versatility: Besides augmenting the lips, it addresses lipstick lines and wrinkles around the mouth, offering comprehensive rejuvenation.
- Durability: Its effects can last up to a year, making it both economical and efficient.
- Comfort: With lidocaine in its formulation, the injection process is considerably more comfortable.
Delving Deeper: JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC
JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC, on the other hand, is perfect for those desiring a more pronounced result. It provides:
- Amplified Volume: Ideal for lips that have thinned over time or for those wanting a more dramatic effect.
- Extended Longevity: Like VOLBELLA®, Ultra XC can also last up to a year with optimal treatment.
- Pain Minimization: The inclusion of lidocaine ensures a near-painless experience.
Ultimately, though, we’ll go through all the options with you until we determine the very best filler for your needs.
The Magic Behind: Vycross® Technology
A unique proposition of the JUVÉDERM® line is the Vycross® Technology. This innovative process cross-links HA molecules, resulting in a smoother gel filler. Vycross® ensures longevity and reduces swelling, setting JUVÉDERM® products apart from other fillers on the market.
Making the Right Choice: Why Product Knowledge Matters
Given the plethora of options available, understanding each product’s nuances is crucial. It’s not just about volume but also the natural feel, the shape, the contour, and how it complements one’s overall facial features.
Fortunately, you won’t have to sift through the long list of dermal filler options by yourself—our providers are here to make the whole process simple, straightforward, and painless so you can get the exact results you want.
The Importance of Expertise
Beyond the product, the skill of the practitioner plays an indispensable role in getting precise results. An experienced hand ensures symmetry, reduces risks of side effects, and guarantees results that look and feel natural.
Each one of our injectors has years of experience and hundreds of hours performing treatments. Read more about our experienced injectors here.
The DermaBlue Commitment
At DermaBlue, we merge top-tier products with unparalleled expertise. Our choice of dermal fillers like JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® XC and JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC isn’t mere preference—it’s based on consistent results, patient satisfaction, and the transformative journeys we’ve facilitated.
Above all else, we strive to provide natural results that patients love. Before we perform any injections or treatments, we carefully assess each patient’s features, discuss goals, and set expectations during a free 30-minute aesthetic consultation.
This consultation helps us determine which filler is right for your goals and allows us to create a roadmap towards your ultimate aesthetic end-goals.
Before and After Lip Fillers at DermaBlue
What to expect before lip fillers
Before getting lip fillers, it is important to research and choose a reputable and experienced provider.
You should discuss your desired results and any concerns with the provider to ensure that the treatment plan is tailored to your needs. Not every treatment is right for every person, so be prepared to honestly discuss your medical history, allergies, and similar topics with your provider in order to ensure we’re providing you with the safest and most effective lip filler treatment possible.
A good candidate for lip fillers is someone who desires fuller, more shapely lips and has realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure. This person should be in generally good health, without any active infections or diseases that may impact the healing process. It is important that the individual is not currently taking any blood-thinning medications or suffers from any bleeding disorders.
Other factors that may influence candidacy include age and skin elasticity. In particular, younger patients with good skin elasticity may achieve better results with lip fillers. Candidates should discuss their medical history and aesthetic goals with a qualified provider to determine whether lip fillers are a safe and suitable option for them.
It is also important to understand that lip fillers are not permanent and will require repeat treatments to maintain the desired results.
Your chosen provider will go over what to expect during the treatment, and how to prepare for the appointment.
What to expect during your lip filler treatments
Lip filler treatments are very quick—usually under 30 minutes. The process typically involves numbing the area with a topical or local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Small amounts of hyaluronic acid filler are then injected into key areas of the lips using a fine needle or cannula. Your injector may massage the lips to ensure even distribution of the filler.
What to expect after lip filler treatments
After getting lip filler treatments, you can expect some swelling and bruising around the injection site, which should subside within a few days. Your lips will feel fuller, with a more defined shape and volume.
It’s important to avoid massaging or rubbing your lips after treatment and to follow any specific aftercare instructions from your provider.
The results of lip filler treatments usually last several months, depending on the type of filler used and your body’s natural metabolism. Over time, the filler will gradually break down and be absorbed by the body, so you may schedule a touch-up appointment with your provider at the time of your first appointment.
If you’re interested in learning more about hyaluronic fillers or how to prepare for an upcoming filler appointment, explore this article.
The Road Ahead: What's Next in Lip Augmentation?
With the rapid strides taking place in the field of cosmetic dermatology, the horizon of lip augmentation promises even more innovations. Biocompatible materials, personalized procedures, and advanced technologies will continue to shape this domain.
However, amidst evolving trends, the essence remains: the quest for beauty, confidence, and self-expression. With clinics like DermaBlue at the helm and amazing dermal fillers and products like JUVÉDERM® charting the way, the future of lip augmentation is not just promising—it’s exhilarating.
Ready to redefine your beauty? Schedule a FREE aesthetic consultation and let us beautify your lips with our available lip fillers.
Schedule your First Lip Filler Appointment Today
Request a consultation using the form below and a patient care coordinator will contact you to help schedule a time that’s most convenient for you. During this free 30-minute consultation, one of our expert injectors will sit down with you to discuss your aesthetic goals, assess your unique facial anatomy, and create a customized treatment roadmap to help you achieve the flawless results you’re looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lip Fillers
Lip fillers, also known as lip augmentation, can last anywhere from 6-12 months on average. Factors that can affect the longevity of the fillers include the type of filler used, the amount injected, metabolism, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, sun exposure, and exercise. Most commonly used fillers are made of hyaluronic acid which is a naturally occurring substance in the body and gets metabolized over time. However, it is important to note that the effects of lip fillers are not permanent and will require touch-ups to maintain the desired results. A reputable and experienced injector will be able to provide proper guidance on how often touch-ups are needed.
The main advantage of lip fillers is that they can improve the appearance of the lips and increase self-confidence. Additionally, fillers are a non-surgical option with little downtime but can produce noticeable results. However, lip fillers are not permanent and typically last around six months to a year. Also, they can be expensive, and there is a small risk of complications such as swelling, bruising, and infection. In addition, if performed incorrectly, lip fillers could result in overfilled or asymmetrical lips, which could lead to dissatisfaction with the results. It is important to carefully consider the pros and cons before choosing to undergo the procedure.
Lip fillers may be felt during kissing, although the sensation varies from person to person. The feeling can range from a subtle difference to a more noticeable fullness, which may affect the overall sensation of the experience.
The sensation may also depend on the specific type of filler used and how much was injected. Some individuals may prefer the added fullness while others may find it uncomfortable.
Also, it is important to wait several days after the procedure to ensure that any swelling has gone down and the filler has settled into place to have a more accurate sensation of what it will feel like when kissing.
Lip fillers can help enhance the appearance of lips, making them fuller and more defined.
However, whether they are worth getting or not depends on personal preference. Lip fillers can have both temporary and long-term effects, and the results may vary from person to person. It is important to discuss any potential risks and side effects with the provider and make an informed decision.
Ultimately, whether lip fillers are worth getting or not is a personal decision that should be made after careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks.
The cost of lip fillers varies depending on factors such as the type of filler used, the experience of the injector, and the location. On average, lip fillers can cost anywhere from $500 to $2000 per syringe, with most people requiring one to two syringes.
Cheaper fillers may last a shorter amount of time than more expensive ones, and it is important to be cautious of prices that are significantly lower than average as they may indicate lower quality or inexperienced injectors. It is also important to note that lip fillers are a cosmetic procedure and are not typically covered by insurance.
