What Are Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers are a type of cosmetic procedure used to add volume, shape, and structure to the lips making them appear fuller. They are a popular form of dermal fillers.
The most common type of lip filler is made from hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally occurs in the body. Hyaluronic acid is known for its ability to attract and retain water, which is why it's so effective at giving a plumper appearance. When injected into the lips, it supports and shapes the tissue, giving the lips a fuller and more hydrated appearance.
Types Of Lip Fillers
While hyaluronic acid fillers are the most widely used, there are several different brands and formulations, each with slightly different properties. Two well-known brands here in NZ are:
- Juvéderm: This brand offers various products, such as Juvéderm Ultra XC for adding significant volume and Juvéderm Volbella XC for subtle enhancement and hydration.
- Restylane: Restylane also has a range of products designed for different purposes, including Restylane Kysse, which is specifically formulated for the lips to provide a natural look and feel.
Other, less common types of lip augmentation include collagen fillers, fat injections, and permanent fillers or implants, all of which have different risks, benefits, and longevity.
Who Uses Lip Fillers And Why?
Lip fillers are often used by people who have lost volume in their lips due to a number of factors that may or may not include aging, genetics, smoking or even sun exposure. Restoring volume to your lips doesn’t stop the aging process or reverse the damage, but it might help achieve a desired look which helps boosts self-esteem, or help delay the need for a more invasive surgical lip augmentation.
Some of the common reasons why people choose lip fillers are:
- Size Restoration: As you age, it is natural for your lips to get thinner and smaller or even lose their shape.
- Shape Correction: Where lips might naturally be different sizes or shapes (asymmetrical).
- Smoothing Wrinkles: Smiling, squinting, and just general facial expressions and communication can cause wrinkles over time.
- Confidence Boost: Lip fillers can help improve your self-esteem and body image.
How Common Are Lip Filler Procedures In NZ?
Lip filler procedures are quite common worldwide, and while it's difficult to find specific, nationwide statistics on the exact number of lip filler procedures performed in New Zealand each year (as this data is not consistently collected by a central government or industry body), the practice has become significantly more mainstream in recent years. This trend is part of a global rise in the popularity of aesthetic procedures, particularly non-surgical ones.
This increased popularity is largely attributed to ‘normalisation’ of the procedure, as social media platforms have played a role in demystifying cosmetic procedures and making them more visible to the masses. People openly sharing their personal experiences with fillers has made the procedures seem more accessible and less exclusive to celebrities.
Another reason for the increased interest in cosmetic injectables is greater accessibility and affordability. The non-surgical nature of the procedure, coupled with an increase in the number of clinics offering the service, has made it more accessible to a wider demographic here in NZ and around the world.
Who Can Get Lip Fillers?
Getting lip fillers is a personal decision. One of the advantages of hyaluronic acid fillers is that they are not permanent. The body gradually breaks down and absorbs the injectable over time which means if a person is unhappy with their results, a medical professional can inject an enzyme called hyaluronidase to dissolve the filler almost immediately.
To be considered a suitable candidate for lip filler injections, practitioners will want to ensure you are in good physical health, are infection-free, and have realistic expectations!
How Long Do Lip Fillers Last?
While everyone is different and results can vary, lip fillers can be expected to last anywhere from 6 to 12 months. The longevity of your personal results will heavily depend on your age, lifestyle and how fast your body breaks down calories (your metabolism).
Therefore, individuals with a faster metabolism, often those who are very active or exercise frequently, tend to break down the filler more quickly. This means the effects may last closer to the 6-month mark. It's important to understand that the filler doesn't just disappear overnight, the results will gradually fade as the body naturally metabolises the hyaluronic acid.
What Happens During A Lip Filler Procedure?
The lip filler procedure is typically a quick, non-surgical treatment performed in a clinic setting, below is a basic 5 step outline of the process.
1. Consultation
Before the procedure, you will have a consultation with a qualified medical professional to discuss your desired results and ensure you are a good candidate for treatment.
2. Numbing
Do lip fillers hurt? You may experience mild pain at your injection sites. For this reason, a topical anaesthetic cream is applied to the lips to numb the area and minimise discomfort during the injections. Some fillers also contain a local anaesthetic (like lidocaine) mixed into the gel itself.
3. The Injections
Using a very fine needle or a cannula, the practitioner injects the filler into specific areas of the lips to achieve the desired look. This could be the body of the lips for overall volume, the vermillion border to define the lip line, or the Cupid's bow to enhance its shape.
Your healthcare practitioner may apply an ice pack to your lips during the procedure to minimise swelling and bruising.
4. Aftercare
The entire process usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Afterwards, some swelling, redness, and bruising are common and typically subside within a few days. Once your practitioner determines that you no longer require monitoring after the procedure, they will send you home.
The local anaesthetic used won’t make you tired or groggy, so you can safely drive yourself home. However, if unsure, you may want to arrange for someone to drive you home just in case.
5. Recovery
Your lips may be a little swollen, sensitive and even bruised following the procedure, however this usually goes away after 48 hours (but it may take up to a week). If you want your lips filled and looking their best before a big event, it is advisable to schedule the procedure at least two weeks ahead of time to make sure you’ve completely recovered and optimal results are visible.
Here are a few of the top expert tips for taking care of your lips as they heal after lip filler injections.
- Apply An Ice Pack: You can choose to apply an ice pack for up to 10 minutes at a time to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling.
- Avoid Wearing Lipstick: Using lip balm, lip stick or any other product on your lips for at least 24 hours is best avoided.
- Take It Easy: Try to avoid touching or puckering your lips or even sipping from a straw immediately after your procedure. Be careful brushing your teeth too!
- Focus On Hydration: Drink plenty of water! Keeping hydrated helps with healing.
- Avoid Overexertion: No exercising for at least 24 hours is the best course of action.
What Are The Risks?
While hyaluronic acid lip fillers are generally considered safe when administered by a qualified professional, it's important to be aware of the potential risks, which can range from minor and temporary side effects to more serious complications.
Common and temporary side effects include swelling, bruising, redness and tenderness. Minor lumps or bumps may also be present (these can most often be massaged out by your practitioner).
Less common, but still possible risks include asymmetry or uneven results, allergic reaction (symptoms might include itching, hives, or swelling). Reactivation of cold sores is also a possible risk (if you have a history of cold sores (herpes simplex virus) the needle punctures can trigger a new outbreak).
Serious (and very rare) complications include Vascular Occlusion (the most serious risk). It occurs when filler is accidentally injected into or compresses a blood vessel, blocking blood flow to the surrounding tissue. This is a medical emergency.
Any time the skin barrier is broken, there is also a risk of infection, and in some cases, filler migration is also a possibility where the filler can move from the injection site to another area, leading to an unnatural appearance. Strict adherence to the aftercare instructions provided by your practitioner to ensure proper healing and minimise the likelihood of side effects.
The best way to ensure a safe procedure and optimum results is to always choose an experienced professional for any cosmetic injectable procedures. Looking for an experienced lip filler practitioner in Christchurch? Give Georgia a call at The Face today.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer for Dermal Fillers Medical Device Class ||| (New Zealand)
This disclaimer ensures that patients are fully informed about what to expect from the treatment and any possible side effects or complications. It also emphasises the importance of professional consultation and medical history disclosure. Practitioners must follow these guidelines to meet ethical and legal standards in New Zealand.
Dermal filler treatments are non-surgical cosmetic procedures and may carry risks. Results can vary between individuals, and while complications are rare, potential risks include bruising, swelling, infection, lumps, or asymmetry. All patients are encouraged to undergo a thorough consultation with a qualified and experienced practitioner to discuss expectations, treatment options, and potential risks. Dermal fillers are temporary and may require touch-ups for long-lasting results. It is essential to disclose any medical history, allergies, or current medications to your practitioner before proceeding with treatment. By undergoing treatment, you acknowledge that you have been informed of these risks and consent to the procedure.
