What is Lip Filling?
Many people are concerned about the appearance of their lips, wishing them to be more voluminous and aesthetically pleasing. The lips, which play a key role in facial expression, can be enhanced to achieve a more aesthetic appearance through lip augmentation. This procedure is not merely about thickening the lips; it is an artful transformation that can enhance the natural beauty of the individual. The lips are reshaped according to the patient’s desired appearance. This can be achieved through the use of autologous tissue, or by injecting artificial fillers. The use of autologous tissue is a more permanent method of thickening the lips. Alternatively, permanent artificial fillers can be used, but these are not generally preferred as they are difficult to remove and often fail to achieve the desired natural appearance. Hyaluronic acid is the most popular filler used in lip augmentation procedures. This substance is a naturally occurring element that is present in the human body. This characteristic minimises the risk of allergic reactions. The duration of permanence varies according to the type of filler applied to the lip. Lip filling procedures are performed under local anaesthesia. The anaesthetic is administered to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. Lips may be congenitally thin and vaguely shaped. Lips undergo a loss of volume with age. This loss of volume is due to the loss of fat tissue in the lips. In such cases, lips can be restructured by using lip fillers. This treatment restores lips to an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Thickening and reshaping with lip fillers is one of the most preferred aesthetic operations. Lip augmentation can help you look more vibrant by harmonising the contours of your face with the shape of your lips, creating an impressive facial expression and eliminating the signs of ageing.
Who Can Receive Lip Augmentation?
Lip augmentation is one of the most popular procedures for achieving the desired shape and definition of the lips. It addresses a variety of concerns:
When the upper and lower lips appear indistinct or overly thin, they can be enhanced to a more defined and balanced level.
If there is an imbalance between the lips—where one appears full and the other excessively thin—the procedure helps restore a harmonious proportion.
Specific areas of the lips can be subtly enhanced for added fullness, without drastically altering the natural lip contour.
Over time, the natural fat tissue in the lips diminishes, leading to a dull, lifeless appearance. Lip fillers help restore this lost volume, reviving the lips’ natural fullness and softening signs of ageing.
It is not advisable to undergo lip augmentation procedures at a young age. It is considered more appropriate, both psychologically and physically, for aesthetic surgeries to be performed after puberty. Furthermore, there is no upper age limit for lip augmentation.
It is also not recommended to undergo a filler procedure during pregnancy. Furthermore, individuals undergoing cancer treatment should refrain from undergoing this procedure. Furthermore, individuals undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment for any reason should also refrain from undergoing lip augmentation.
Risks and Complications of Lip Augmentation
It is important to note that major and long-term complications are not encountered in lip augmentation procedures. The potential side effects of the procedure depend on the type of filler used and the method of administration. However, your doctor will take precautions for this during the procedure.
The injection may cause short-term discomfort. These may appear as swelling, oedema or bruising. These effects are expected to disappear within three days. There may also be a slight feeling of discomfort or pain.
Painkillers are used to prevent this. The pain will also subside within a few days.
Following the lip augmentation procedure, patients generally experience minimal discomfort and are able to resume their normal daily activities by the end of the procedure.
Lip Filler Recovery and Longevity
Lip augmentation is a fast-acting procedure with a short recovery time. The healing process and permanence vary according to the type of filler used during the procedure and the method applied.
The duration of permanence for the different fillers can range from six months to a year. Patients should be advised that detailed information about the permanence of the filling is given by their doctor.
Things to Consider
Prior to and following lip augmentation, there are several issues that require attention. These measures are designed to minimise potential risks.
Procedures performed by non-specialist personnel in suboptimal environments carry significant risks. It is imperative to prioritise patient health and safety, rather than seeking cost savings.
Prior to the procedure, patients should disclose any known allergies, pre-existing medical conditions, current medications, and herpes. This information is crucial and should not be overlooked. Ideally, smoking should be avoided prior to the procedure.
