Everything You Need to Know About Lip Fillers: From Procedure to Prolonging Results
Nationwide, lip filler was the fastest growing cosmetic procedure of 2022 and is shaping up to be big in 2023. Lip fillers are a safe, minimally invasive, office procedure that provides instant fullness, symmetry, and shape and where you can return to daily activities with minimal downtime. We designed this guide to teach you how long they typically last, and how to best extend your results after your filler treatment.
LIP FILLER
Lip fillers in Austin, TX are comprised of an injectable jelly called hyaluronic acid, a natural substance already found in your skin. After a thorough consultation where you and your provider will decide on volume, shape and symmetry, they will administer the treatment in-office with you comfortably seated in a chair. The results are immediate, although some expected swelling of the lips means that final results will be seen 7-10 days after once the swelling subsides. Popular brands of lip fillers currently available in the United States include Juvederm, Restylane, Versa and RHA, with Restylane and Versa as the most popular.
In general, lip fillers will last 6 months to one year after treatment. The length of results will depend on the thickness of filler used, the amount of filler injected, the injection technique, and your metabolism. All lip fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a natural biologic substance that is broken down by the body over time.
HYALURONIC ACID LIP FILLERS
Hyaluronic Acid (HA), is a naturally occurring sugar molecule that attracts water and which gives skin its plumpness. You might have noticed hyaluronic acid is advertised in skin care-this is because adding this to a skin care regimen ensures hydration and reduction of wrinkles. It is the filler’s ability to bind water that makes them effective at increasing lip volume, giving lips plumpness, and hydrating the overlying skin. Today’s lip fillers contain synthesized HA that comes in a variety of thicknesses and abilities to absorb water. For example, thicker fillers such as Restylane Kysse will provide more shaping ability and structure to the lip, whereas less thick fillers such as Versa will provide more plumpness and hydration.
HA Fillers naturally break down over time through an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which is present in various concentrations for each person. Hyaluronidase is also available to clinicians in high-concentration injectables, which is used in the case of lip filler moving to where it should not be or in an area that it is not intended. This adds a layer of confidence knowing that lip filler is always reversible.
HOW LONG WILL MY LIP FILLER RESULTS LAST?
Great question! HA lip filer duration is based on several factors:
The thickness (ie. brand and type)
The amount of filler used. (more filler = longer results)
The location where filler is placed. (superficial lasts longer than deep)
Your body’s metabolism. (how much hyaluronidase you naturally have)
On average, we find that our patients like to get a full lip fill every 9-12 months, and sometimes a touch up in between.
HOW CAN I MAKE MY LIP FILLER RESULTS LAST LONGER?
To ensure your lip filler lasts as long as possible, here are some tips.
Limit movement and allow for full healing after your injection.
Avoid drinking from straws, tugging or massaging lips immediately after injections.
Avoid continued pressure such as sleeping on your face.
Limit alcohol and exercise for 48hrs after treatment.
If you are looking for extra volume, it is safe to stack lip filler treatments every two weeks until the desired size is achieved. There is a limit however, and your provider will be knowledgeable to make sure your injections are safe and not “overdone”.
We hope you found this article helpful, and we are looking forward to seeing you here at Maui MedSpa. As always, you can check out our before-and-after’s on our Instagram or Facebook page.
