Fillers, for whom really?
Enlarging your lips with fillers is an effective way to modify the shape, structure and volume of your lips. Due to confessions by celebrities (e.g. Kylie Jenner) and more openness about the use of fillers in the media, there has been an increase in the number of treatments. There are two categories of people who use fillers:
- Relatively young people who desire more volume in their lips
- The “older client,” who have volume loss and or lip lines (aka “Smoker’s lines” or “barcodes” colloquially).
What you need to know about lip fillers?
I often notice that aesthetic procedures have a negative connotation, especially due to excesses (overuse) and complications. That’s why I always tell people that if the technique is applied correctly, lip augmentation with fillers is a safe way to customize your lips to your liking. A successful treatment with naturally beautiful results means that others should not notice that you have had a treatment, but rather that you look fresher and more vital. In this blog, I share what you need to know if you are considering lip treatment with fillers. My tips:
1. Be critical of the performing specialist
I regularly explain to my clients that there is virtually no legislation in the Netherlands about who is able to inject fillers. So resist the temptation to undergo treatments at spas and beauty salons, which often offer bargain prices. Currently, the basic art exam is the only requirement to perform aesthetic treatment with fillers. Therefore, research your doctor’s qualifications before treatment. Filler treatments are ideally performed by qualified plastic surgeons. Specialization can be easily looked up through the BIG register. A plastic surgeon guarantees training that is legally established. A cosmetic or aesthetic doctor does not have registered training and there may be differences in qualification of these doctors.
2. Ask about the type of filler used
It is certainly not crazy to ask me, or any other doctor, about the type of filler used. The most commonly used fillers to enlarge lips contain hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. With injection, the shape, structure or volume can be adjusted. Secure yourself an A-brand hyaluronic acid. Ask for a hyaluronic acid whose long-term effects and risk of complications are known.
3. Lip augmentation with fillers does not have to be painful
Our lips are very sensitive and lip filler treatment is known to be one of the most sensitive filler treatments. However, this need not be the case at all. By using anesthesia in the right place, the treatment can be performed painlessly and comfortably. If anesthesia is not possible, a cannula can be used instead of a needle which is also less painful. The use of numbing ointment can also be used as an alternative. All three options I have used many times and produce very good results.
4. Good planning is half the battle
This is something I always discuss with my patients: don’t schedule the procedure right before an important social event such as a wedding or party. Regardless of the technique a doctor uses, there will be a small amount of swelling and even bruising possible after the procedure. This is usually during the first 24 to 48 hours. Cooling can help reduce the likelihood of swelling. So plan your appointment well.
What many people don’t know
If applied correctly, your lips will look and feel natural. Still, if for some reason you are not satisfied, it is possible to dissolve the hyaluronic acid with an enzyme. A substance known as hyaluronidase can be injected into the lip to remove the filler. The lips then return to the way they were before the treatment.
Your health comes first
From a general health perspective, filler treatment should not be performed on clients with active cold sores or when using certain medications. Therefore, when consulting with the doctor, make sure you have a record with you of medications and/or supplements used.
Other treatment options
A plastic surgeon can best inform you about surgical or nonsurgical alternatives to beautify your lips. There is no “perfect lip. Everyone is unique and we want to keep it that way. So at all times we will seek the treatment that best suits you. Be aware of realistic expectations regarding the end result.
