Full, beautiful lips are a trait many women want. But due to genetics or aging, many people just simply aren’t able to achieve the lip look they want naturally. When red lipstick won’t make up for thin, wrinkled, or poorly contoured lips, many people turn to a facial plastic surgeon for help.
Ready for some good news? There is a convenient and effective option on the market for improving the appearance of the lips without downtime or excessive discomfort: injectable fillers. So what do you need to know about lip augmentation with fillers?
How Injectable Fillers Work
Soft tissue fillers are generally made of a type of synthetic hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body. These products are often in gel form for injection, and are marketed under names like Restylane and Juvederm. Their original purpose was for filling in wrinkles, but their uses have expanded over time. Injectable fillers are a great option for lip augmentation because they add soft, natural-feeling volume to the lips in a precise manner that can also fill in minor wrinkles and make subtle changes to the contour of the lips. The results are usually beautiful and natural-looking, with many patients reporting that the procedure helps lips pass the “kiss test”, which refers to lip augmentation that looks and feels totally natural when kissed. Results from injectable fillers are temporary, and can last up to about six months in the lips.
Restylane Silk: A Special Formula
Because of the popularity of hyaluronic acid fillers for improving the appearance of the lips, one manufacturer has responded to demand by releasing a new FDA-approved hyaluronic acid product specifically formulated to improve the aesthetics of the lips. Restylane Silk is a hyaluronic acid gel that is made from smaller, smoother particles than other fillers to help create natural-looking lip augmentation, rejuvenation, and contour. Aside from being optimized for the sensitive lip area, the gel is also formulated to be long-lasting in a high-movement area. 76% of patients in clinical studies still had lip improvement after six months.
The Injection Process
The treatment itself is very simple and quick, however the injections themselves require a great deal of artistry and skill to administer properly. Each patient has unique concerns, and the plastic surgeon performing the procedure must tailor the treatment to help meet these goals. A very fine needle is used to inject the filler where it is needed, and the surgeon must take care to fill in areas adequately and evenly.
Following treatment, there will be some mild swelling, redness, and bruising, but this subsides quickly, and very little discomfort is involved overall. The lips may look overly full due to the initial swelling, but should normalize within a few days.
Drawbacks of Treatment
While injectable fillers for lip augmentation are very popular and appropriate for a wide range of patients, there are some drawbacks to the treatment. The main issue prospective patients have with lip augmentation is the temporary nature of the fillers and the ongoing cost of treatment. For patients seeking permanent augmentation, the best option is often an initial treatment with fillers to get an idea of the results, followed by surgical lip augmentation that is permanent. Most patients, however, prefer to maintain their results by keeping up with lip injections for the convenience and lack of downtime associated with the procedure.
Find a Provider
When it comes to cosmetic procedures, you want the best of the best whether it’s the products you get or the surgeon you choose. Restlyane Silk is a newer treatment that not all providers have available, which can limit your options when it comes to choosing a surgeon. In addition, it is important to choose a facial plastic surgeon who has the skill, experience, and knowledge to help you attain natural-looking results on a consistent basis.
Dr. Edward Buckingham is a reputable and compassionate surgeon in Austin, Texas, offering patients natural-looking lip rejuvenation with Restylane Silk or surgical lip augmentation. A board certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Buckingham has the specialized skill and knowledge to help you reach your goals for lip aesthetics. Call Buckingham Center today at 512-401-2500 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Buckingham.
