If you are in the habit of using social media, or like to follow celebrities, you may have noticed that a trend in the aesthetic world is lip filling. This procedure consists of giving more volume to the mouth, highlighting the area.
It also helps to shape the lips, ideal for those who want to give definition to this region.
Personalities like Anitta and Kylie Jenner have already spoken publicly about the process, and today they appear in the media with artificially thick and full lips.
Lip filling is not a surgical procedure – it is done with injections directly into the lips, so it is considered minimally invasive. In addition, it is not permanent, so it gradually loses effect, being necessary to reapply as desired.
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What is lip filling and how is it done?
The process of filling the lips varies according to the objective, which can be to give volume or projection, fill creases or even enhance the contour of the mouth. It is also used by people who want to balance the size of the lips, filling only part of the mouth to create a more harmonious look.
This is the case of the actress Anna Faris, who in her book “Unqualified” reported having injected the upper lip so that its size was more proportional to the lower one.
Lip filling is done with injections of fillers, such as hyaluronic acid or collagen. The choice of substance, quantity and type of application will depend on the objective, the patient’s health and even the technique of the professional who will perform the procedure.
It must be done by trained specialists, such as plastic surgeons, dermatologists or dentists. Therefore, it is essential to check the professional’s credential (if the person has authorization from the supervisory board to perform the procedure, for example) and the reports of other patients.
As it is not a plastic surgery, the injection is done in an office and there is no need for hospitalization. It is common for swelling and bruising to occur soon after application, which should disappear after a few days or weeks.
What is the best lip filling?
The best lip filling option will depend on the case and also on the patient’s health status, although professionals in the field recommend hyaluronic acid. Because it is a substance naturally produced by the human body, it decreases the risk of allergy , and usually presents satisfactory results.
Hyaluronic acid
Substance widely used in different aesthetic procedures, hyaluronic acid is the most recommended by specialists for lip filling. It has high tolerability by the body and its results tend to be more natural.
Collagen
Like hyaluronic acid, collagen is also widely used to fill the mouth. However, he has a higher risk of causing allergies in the patient.
Body fat
Although attractive to many people, this option is not always viable. She uses the body’s own fat (usually from the abdomen) to fill in the lip.
As the procedure also involves performing liposuction to remove fat, it requires hospitalization and the participation of surgeons. Therefore, it is indicated for people who already intend to do the surgery and want to add the filling to the package. The result can also change if there is weight gain or loss.
Hydrogel
The hydrogel is a synthetic substance that has a semi-permanent result, remaining in the body for up to 2 years. In addition, it is not absorbed by the body and is potentially harmful to health. So it is not recommended.
PMMA
They are acrylic microspheres with permanent results. Although they act as fillers, they can harden and even cause deformities. This option is not recommended by professionals as it is permanent and can cause nodules and deformations.
Silicone
Similar to other synthetic substances, such as hydrogel and PMMA, it has a less natural and more risky result for health, and is not recommended.
How long does it last?
In the office, the procedure for filling the lips takes about an hour or even less. After the application, the patient should have swelling and bruising on the spot, which disappear between 48 hours and three weeks, depending on the procedure chosen and also on the organism of each one.
Once the application is carried out, the result lasts between six months to two years. Procedures with synthetic substances are more durable and may even be permanent, but these are not recommended by professionals, as they are more harmful and are less likely to be reversed.
It is necessary to do constant monitoring with the professional who performed the procedure, to verify the acceptance of the organism and the need for new interventions.
As the result “leaves” (in fact, the substance is gradually absorbed by the body), it is up to the patient to evaluate the need for reapplication.
How many mL are placed in the lip filling?
Although the amount of product applied varies from case to case, an average of 1mL of hyaluronic acid is added to each application. Doctors recommend applying small amounts even if the objective is a more intense result, as spaced applications guarantee a more natural finish and reduce the chances of regret, since the change is not radical.
To find out the most suitable amount for your case, talk to professionals in the field to assess your situation.
What are the risks and precautions?
Just as full lips are objects of desire for some people, they can also become a nightmare if the filling is not done correctly.
Pay attention to some basic care before and after application so that the result is the best possible. It is also necessary to respect the limitations of the procedure: pregnant women, people with allergies to the substance used and carriers of autoimmune or chronic diseases should not be submitted.
Before filling out, look for trusted professionals with credentials and a history of success. Also check the quality of the clinic and the material – do not accept to do the procedure if you do not know which substance is being used or the source.
It is worth doing a search on the website of ANVISA or the Brazilian Society of Dermatology to see if the products are really released and safe.
After carrying out the application, follow the specialist’s instructions: it may be necessary to make compresses or use medications to relieve pain and swelling.
In addition, the post-procedure may require other precautions, such as:
- Avoid impacts in the region;
- Maintain the hygiene of the application area;
- Do not apply makeup and other cosmetics or procedures;
- Reduce sun exposure and physical activities.
When due care is not taken, or when there is an irregularity in the procedure, the result can be deformity in the face and infections and inflammations with permanent damage to the body.
The quality of the material, professional qualification, chosen technique and even the type or quantity of the product interfere in the final result.
So do your research well before choosing who will perform the procedure, ask questions, seek references and demand all the information necessary to make a conscious decision.
How much does lip filling cost?
As well as the result, duration and risks, the price of filling also varies according to the type of application and the material, among other factors. On average, the procedure costs from R $ 1500 per session, and can reach up to R $ 4 thousand.
It is normal to want to look for a cheaper option, but do not risk your health: it is useless to save on the material or the professional’s work, if later you will have to spend even more to correct the problem.
When opting for the procedure, remember to take all necessary precautions so that the result is the best possible.
Have you done or would you like to do lip filling? Share your experience with us in the comments!