Whether it’s Angelina Jolie’s bee-stung lips or Kylie Jenner’s Insta-famous pout, voluptuous lips have and will always be in vogue. But not all of us are lucky enough to be born with lips that can make hearts flutter. Age-related skin changes can affect the appearance of our lips, too.
Fortunately, this does not mean we cannot aspire to change lip shape or volume and turn them into something to die for. Lip augmentation is a great way to get the lips of our dreams.
But what is lip augmentation all about? How old do you have to be to get lip injections? How much does lip augmentation cost? How long does lip augmentation last? What not to do after lip injections?
Let’s learn all about lip augmentation in Los Angeles today.
What Is Lip Augmentation and How Does It Work?
Lip augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the US. The procedure makes lips look fuller, plumper, and more youthful. It can change lip shape to make it look more attractive than ever.
More importantly, the procedure can reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and other age-induced changes in lips and around the mouth.
Note that this is an umbrella term used to refer to several different procedures, all of which can drastically improve the appearance of your lips.
The different types of lip augmentation can be divided into two main categories: surgical and non-surgical.
Dermal Fillers | Non- Surgical
This is the most popular and safest non-surgical lip augmentation. A Hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler, like Juvederm, Restylane or RHA, is injected into lips to:
- Enhance and define the shape
- Hydrate
- Add volume
- Improve proportions
- Define the vermillion border
- Add definition or change the shape of the Cupid’s bow
- Improve symmetry
Fat Grafting | Surgical
Fat removed from other parts of your body (belly, buttocks, thighs) is injected into the lips to change lip shape. The fat is purified and medically treated before it’s repurposed to make your lips plumper.
Implants | Surgical
This is an invasive lip augmentation procedure where synthetic implants are inserted through small incisions on either side of your mouth.
Apart from these three types of lip augmentation, your doctor may also suggest a lip lift, which also can be done non-surgically or surgically.
There are three types of non-surgical lip lift:
- Botox ( Dysport, Xeomin) injections in the top lip and / or area between the lips and nose, to create a lifting effect resulting in a ‘keyhole pout’. When Botox is strategically injected in the certain muscles surrounding the mouth, it can also lift up the downturned corners of the mouth (the marionette lines). The results are visible 10-12 days after treatment and may last 3-4 months.
- Fillers: strategic placement of Hyaluronic-based dermal fillers can create a keyhole pout, with a more visible upper teeth. The results are immediately visible and may last about 6 months.
- Combination of Botox and dermal fillers.
There are three kinds of surgical lip lifts:
- Direct: This reduces the gap between the upper lip and the nose, causing the top lip to open up or “pout.” The effects are permanent, and it can take several months to heal fully.
- Indirect: This hides the incision scars just below the nose for a more upturned, attractive pout without removing skin from the bridge of your nose.
- Corner Lift: A triangular incision made at the corners of a droopy mouth lifts it to change lip shape.
We hope this answers your question, “what is lip augmentation?” As you can see, the procedure can be non-invasive, minimally invasive, or invasive.
Your medical specialist will guide you on the best procedure, depending on your immediate needs and aesthetic goals. They should be able to tell you everything you should know about injectables.
Will My Lips Feel Different?
Certainly so. If you’ve chosen to go with fillers, the changed lip shape may feel taut to the touch and appear swollen or bruised. All of these usually subside within 2 weeks after injection.
All types of lip augmentation have their share of possible side effects that will make your lips feel different.
Nonetheless, the important difference between the surgical and non-surgical lip augmentation is that the non-surgical lip enhancement is completely reversible and adjustments can be made if necessary.
Is the Procedure Painful?
The non-surgical lip augmentation is done without anesthesia. A topical numbing cream is applied on the area of injections for about 20 minutes prior to treatment. The treatment is virtually painless.
You may also experience some bleeding, swelling and bruising at the site of the injection or incision. But lip augmentation is a fairly routine procedure with little to no serious risk when done by an experienced medical professional.
How Long Does Lip Augmentation Last?
The results range from semi-permanent to permanent, depending on your procedure.
For example, fillers can last 6 to 12 months: the longevity of the results depend on the type of filler, injected amount, your lifestyle and metabolism rate.
Surgical lip lifts last several years much like lip grafting. Implants are also a permanent solution.
What Not To Do After Lip Injections
Despite it being a relatively safe procedure, it is important to know what not to do after lip injections.
Make sure that you:
- Don’t press the ice pack too hard on your lips to relieve residual swelling or pain.
- Avoid wearing lipstick or other makeup products for 72 hours after injection
- Do not eat crunchy and spicy foods. Avoid hot drinks.
- Do not smoke.
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Do not take a sun bath, go into a sauna, or spend time in a hot room.
- Do not get on a long flight within 72 hours
- Do not drink through a straw.
- Avoid doing any heavy exercise or physically strenuous activities.
- Do not try any unverified home remedy to less the swelling.
How Much Does Lip Augmentation Cost?
It varies depending on several factors: whether it’s surgical or non-surgical lip enhancement, the type of injectables, how experienced your doctor is, etc.
But by conservative estimates, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 -$800 for non-surgical and $2000 to $10000 for surgical lip augmentation procedures.
Note that most medical insurance plans do not cover elective surgery costs, including cosmetic processes like lip augmentation.
So, knowing how much lip augmentation costs can help you plan your choice of the type of treatment.
Summing It Up
Now that you know what is lip augmentation and how it will help change lip shape, look no further than LA Beauty Skin Center for your procedure. We perform everything from Restylane dermal filler to other facial filler injections and Juvederm in Los Angeles.
If you have questions like how often should you get lip injections, consult with our experts and book an appointment at LA Beauty Skin Center today.