OVERVIEW
Lip injections are one of the most common kinds of dermal, or skin, fillers. According to a 2017 report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, lip injection demand increased 312% between 2000 and 2017. Celebrities and pop culture stars are often rumored to have lip injections to create fuller-looking lips, which in turn inspires more people to want lip injections.
What are Lip Injections?
When a person gets lip injections, a needle is used to inject the lips with filler. The lip filler that is commonly used for lip injections is a synthetic form of hyaluronic acid. First, the provider will numb the lips with a numbing cream like lidocaine or benzocaine. After waiting for the lips to fully numb, the provider will use a very thin needle to inject the filler into the planned areas of the lips.
The amount of filler that is typically used is 1 millimeter or about 1/5 of a teaspoon. Lips can sometimes swell for a day or two after the injections occur but using ice packs can help reduce swelling. A person can usually return to normal daily activities within a short time of having lip injections.
Benefits of Lip Injections
The benefits of Lip Injections can include:
- Increased confidence if you were previously self-conscious of your lip size
- Quick in-office or clinic procedure
- Can restore fullness lost with age or add plumpness if you have naturally thin lips
- Lip injections are generally considered to be a low-risk health procedure when performed by a licensed professional or provider
- Results are not permanent, and the lips will eventually return to normal if you don’t enjoy the plumper look
Who Should Have Lip Injections?
It’s a personal decision to enhance your lips with injections. A person may choose to have lip injections because they have naturally thin lips, lip volume has decreased with age, he or she doesn’t like the shape of their lips, to fill in wrinkles, or the person simply wishes to have fuller and plumper lips. Genetics play a role in lip size and how quickly you lose volume in your lips as you age, but smoking cigarettes and sun damage can also cause loss of lip volume.
People who may not be candidates for injections include people who:
- Currently have oral or mouth sores due to Herpes Simplex Virus
- Diagnosed with Lupus, Diabetes, or blood clotting conditions
- Generally not in good health
- Under the age of 21
A licensed provider or dermatologist can help you determine if lip injections will help meet your goals and are safe for you.
Most Common Types of Lip Injections
Lip Injections, or fillers, are made from hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the body. This natural compound is found in higher amounts in soft connective tissues and the fluid around the eyes.
There are several different brands of lip fillers made from hyaluronic acid, including:
- Juvederm
- Restylane
- Perlane
Your provider can work with you to help you select the appropriate filler for your needs.