Best Lip Fillers
If you have naturally thin lips or if they have lost their fullness due to aging, you may feel self-conscious about the way you look. There is an easy way to gain that full pout that many people love: lip fillers. This is a minimally invasive treatment that can last for months with incredible results that will improve your smile in a way others will notice. The only other piece to figure out, then, is which is the best lip filler for your face?
If you’re interested in Lip Fillers or other nonsurgical procedures in Houston, TX, Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Leo Lapuerta.
What are Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers are injectables for the lip area. They are a type of dermal filler that usually contains synthetic hyaluronic acid (HA). Different types of lip fillers are on the market to provide optimal results. They are designed to restore your lip to its previous size, correct the shape of your lips, smooth out wrinkles around the lips, and provide volume.
Lip injections are a non-surgical treatment for the lips. They are only temporary, lasting for six months to a year – although in some cases they can last even longer. Following injection, over time the body will slowly reabsorb the filler, which means you will need to continue treatment to maintain your results.
The treatment with lip fillers takes about 30 minutes. You may receive a numbing cream to help reduce any discomfort from the needle. The doctor will inject the filler to the areas of your lips that need more volume or to alter the shape. After that you’re all set until your next treatment. You can go back to work or your regular routine immediately.
You may want to ice your lips after the procedure if you experience any discomfort. Your lips may be sensitive for a few hours or up to a week. You may also notice swelling and bruising that will recede within days. Your doctor may recommend that you avoid exercise and wearing lipstick for the next 24 hours.
How Do Different Types of Lip Fillers Work?
What is in the lip filler – the ingredients – is what makes it work differently, based on the product type. Many products contain hyaluronic acid, which is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. HA production slows with age, which leads to fine lines and wrinkles. It also causes loss of volume and, in the case of lips, makes them appear thinner. Lip fillers that contain HA add volume while also filling in any lines around the mouth.
Collagen lip fillers have been around for many years. These products were the first used to provide volume to the lips and were the best lip fillers of that time. They have lost popularity to hyaluronic lip fillers in recent years. While collagen fillers provide immediate results, they can also lead to an allergic reaction. Most cosmetic surgeons will recommend HA products over collagen, especially for the lip area.
Which Lip Filler is the Best?
The best type of filler for lips will depend on the results you want to achieve. Fillers containing hyaluronic acid are the most widely used to plump and define the lips. This ingredient is a gel-like substance that attaches to the water molecules of the skin creating thicker lips. One of the reasons Hyaluronic acid lip injections are the most popular is because they are the most natural looking lip fillers. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body and attracts moisture to the lips, making them feel fuller. It also stimulates the lips to produce more collagen. The result is immediate improvement and long-term results as collagen production increases.
Juvederm® is one of the most popular choices for lip injectables. Multiple products are available in the Juvederm line, depending on your goals. Juvederm Vollure lasts the longest and is considered the best filler for lips of any of the Juvederm products, with results showing for up to 18 months.
Juvederm Volbella is ideal to create more definition for lips. The hyaluronic lip filler helps provide that Cupid’s Bow for the upper lip. This product is ideal if you only need subtle changes. Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus are designed to provide more volume to thin lips when you want the results to be more noticeable.
Restylane is another well-known product to enhance lips. These injections add fullness to the lips along with structural support to help the changes last longer. Restylane Silk provides softer lips with subtle fullness.
The best filler for lips is the one that helps you achieve your own personal goals. Dr. Leo Lapuerta is a triple-board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience in treating patients with products like lip fillers. He stays up to date on the latest news about filler products to ensure patient safety and satisfaction. He will sit down with you and discuss your goals for the treatment to help determine which product is the best. He will also conduct an examination to determine if you are a good candidate for lip fillers. He can answer your questions on what to expect with a lip filler for recovery and results.
Longest Lasting Lip Filler
How long a lip filler lasts depends not only on the type you choose, but on your lifestyle and your individual metabolism. People with higher metabolisms will have shorter results because the body breaks down the filler faster. This scenario is true of other treatments, such as BOTOX.
In general, Juvederm lasts the longest at a year or longer. Restylane is second with results that can be maintained for between 6 and 10 months.
What to Know About Lip Fillers
Before getting a lip filler treatment, you may want to have a better understanding of your options and how to avoid some challenges. For instance, one of your concerns may be to avoid looking like a duck with a lip injection. The best way to prevent duck lips is to use only one syringe per treatment, which contains 1 mL of filler. Sometimes, the doctor won’t even use the entire syringe if it isn’t necessary.
If you’re concerned about swelling, you’ll be happy to know that Restylane Kysse swells the least compared to other fillers. It may cause temporary side effects like bruising at the injection site, slight swelling, redness, and hypersensitivity. You may also notice nodules that go away in time. This lip filler is also the newest to be approved by the FDA. It was developed solely for use on the lips and provides longer lasting and more natural results.
You’re probably wondering what to expect with the injection. HA fillers include lidocaine, which is a numbing medication, to alleviate any discomfort. The doctor may also use a topical numbing cream. Once your lips are numb, you’ll only feel a tiny prick and some slight pressure. You may notice some dull throbbing, but it won’t be too painful with the numbing agent doing its job.
Because lip injections take such a small amount of time, they are often labeled as lunchtime procedures. However, you should still be aware that they can carry risk just like with any other cosmetic treatment. The best way to avoid any issues is by working with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Lapuerta has a great deal of experience with lip injections and will conduct a thorough exam to make sure you are a good candidate for the treatment.
Make sure you let the doctor know if you are on any blood thinners. You’ll need to stop taking them before the treatment. You should also avoid alcohol, which can also thin the blood. After treatment, avoid any physical exercise or activities that can increase circulation to the face, such as a facial. Have an ice pack on hand for any swelling and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help the swelling dissipate quickly.
Cost Differences Between Lip Fillers
Lip filler costs vary, depending on how much product you need to produce the desired results. The charge is typically per unit or syringe. The product you choose will also be a factor in the total cost of the treatment.
Since lip fillers are only temporary, you must also consider the cost of upkeep. You will need to return for treatment every six to 12 months to maintain the results. You can expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 per visit. When you meet with Dr. Lapuerta, he will provide you with an estimate for the total cost of your visit.
Contact Us for a Consultation
If you want to find out more about the best lip fillers or see their results, you can check out the before and after photos or read reviews from other patients. Contact us and schedule an appointment to determine if you want to take the next step for fuller, younger-looking lips.