Full lips have become a staple in pop culture. Stars such as Angelina Jolie and Kylie Jenner have inspired many people to imitate their full lips. Fillers are used to plump an area of the face, smooth out lines and wrinkles, and reduce volume lost due to factors such as aging.
As we get older, the elasticity of our skin decreases and we start to produce less collagen. As the lips age, the top lip loses volume and fullness. Over time, the overall profile of the lips becomes flatter, causing the lips to look less full overall. Some fillers can help prevent and reduce wrinkles long term, as they stimulate the production of collagen on the face. Fillers plump up the lips, giving them a fuller appearance.
What are the different types of lip fillers?
There are many different brands of fillers. Most are made for use in all parts of the face, though some are specifically made for use in certain areas. Some fillers are made specifically for use on the lips. Fillers also stimulate natural collagen production.
Different brands of fillers contain different substances, such as hyaluronic acid. Dr. Hardaway will help find the fillers that are best for you. Hyaluronic acid based fillers are the most commonly chosen type of filler (Restylane, Juvaderm, Belotero). Hyaluronic acid is a substance that the body naturally produces that adds volume to the skin. Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) is another common type of filler. Many types of fillers include lidocaine in the injections, to help numb the area and increase the comfort of the procedure.
Restylane
Restylane is a hyaluronic acid based dermal filler. This is used to treat wrinkles and volume loss on the face, lips, and hands. This can also be injected into the lips of those over the age of 21. There are different types of Restylane brand fillers, each with an intended use on a different area of the face.
Refyne, Defyne, and Restylane Silk are different types of Restylane that can be used in the lips, and they are made to be used on various areas of the face. Restylane Lyft is another type of Restylane, but it is recommended for use in the cheeks. Restylane Silk is intended specifically for use in the lips. Both the original Restylane and Restylane Silk can be used on the lips, but Restylane Silk was specifically crafted and FDA approved for use in the lips. The results will last for approximately six months.
Restylane Kysse is a new filler that was just FDA approved for use in the lips, though it has been available in other countries around the world for several years.
Sculptra
Sculptra, also known as Sculptra Aesthetic, is a dermal filler that is primarily used on the lower half of the face, to correct smile lines, marionette lines, and chin wrinkles. Sculptra can help gradually replace lost collagen in the face
Juvederm
Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid based filler. Its main use is for the lips, cheeks, and areas around the mouth. There are several types of Juvederm: Juvederm XC, Vollure, Juvederm Ultra, Vobella, and Volluma are different types of Juvederm filler with indications for different areas of the face. Volluma is usually used on the cheeks. Vobella, Vollure, and Juvederm are most commonly used in the lips. The location and severity of the lines or wrinkles determine which types of Juvederm is used.
Radiesse
Radiesse is a dermal filler that can be used on the face to smooth moderate to severe wrinkles. It can also be used to increase volume on the back of the hands, correcting volume loss that often appears due to age. Radiesse can be used in the lips, however, it has reports of granulomas, or small nodules of tissue, forming over time.
Radiesse can last for twelve to eighteen months. The active ingredient in Radiesse has been shown to stimulate collagen production within the body, which causes it to last longer than hyaluronic acid based fillers.
Which filler is right for you?
The type of filler needed depends on the needs of each specific patient. Dr. Hardaway will evaluate you and suggest which filler would best meet your needs.
How long do lip fillers last?
The longevity of the filler depends on the type of filler and where it is placed in the body. Lip fillers begin to degrade during the first few months of being injected. But fillers have the ability to absorb water, which causes visible results to remain the same for about 6 months. Lip fillers last for 6 months to a year, depending on the type of filler used. Fillers will need to be touched up to maintain results over a longer period of time.
What are the side effects and risks of lip fillers?
The most common side effects are swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the injection site. More serious risks include infection, allergic reaction, lumps, and skin discoloration. It is important to visit a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Visiting someone who is qualified will help reduce the risk of serious side effects.
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