Lip Fillers

Written by Dr. Batul Patel (M.B.B.S., D.D.V and M.D) | Medical Director of The Bombay Skin Clinic

What is lip augmentation (lip fillers)?

Also called as lip pout or lip enhancement, it is a non surgical procedure that will give you a fuller plumper lips by adding volume to the lips. The most common method to do so is by injecting a dermal filler.

Type of filler used in lips?

Hyaluronic acid – Most commonly used as it is a natural substance found in the body.
Collagen – Not used lately because of the risk of allergic reaction
Fat – Unpredictable results

What are the different brands of hyaluronic acid?

There are several hyaluronic acid fillers on the market. Among them are these products:

Restylane, Restylane-L, Restylane Silk
Perlane, Perlane-L
Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, Juvederm voluma, juvederm lip – They are FDA approved and used in my clinic.
Prevelle Silk

Newer Hyaluronic acid have lignocaine in it so it reduces the pain and avoids the need of an anesthesia/nerve block in patients.

What are the advantages of hyaluronic acid?

The most important benefits of using hyaluronic acid fillers include:

The amount of substance injected into the lips is decided completely by the doctor. The results are instant and hence the doctor has complete control over the lip volume which he is creating
Any lumps or bumps or increase volume of the lips can be easily dissolved
No bruising and very little edema
Newer fillers don’t need a nerve block
Long lasting results
Hydration of the lips

What are pre-procedure instruction?

Stop aspirin and vitamin E medication 3 – 4 days before the procedure
In-depth detailed analysis of the current lip structure
Counsel the patient about the procedure and what patient would like her/his lips to look like
Explain the patient to refrain from biting lips and quite smoking as the filler would dissolve faster
Explain the patient about post procedure slight swelling and no major event or occasion 1 week after the procedure

What is the procedure for the lip augmentation?

Before injecting, anesthesia can be given to ease discomfort or if the filler has lignocaine in it then it can be carried out without any numbing agent.
Areas are marked and the filler is injected using a very fine needle.
Following the injection, ice maybe given to control swelling.
The product is slightly massaged and patient is counseled about the swelling of the lips which would increase in the next 24 hours.
Avoid any massage or firm pressure on the lips.
No dental work to be done for few days after the procedure.
After 2 days when the swelling reduces the lips will look natural and fuller and softer.

What are the indication for lip augmentation?

Achieving a more sensuous look
Providing more balance to facial features
Restoring lost volume and shape
Increasing self-confidence in their appearance
Hydration of the lips particularly in smokers

What are the side effects?

Side effects of hyaluronic acid fillers are temporary and should only last a few days. They may include:

Bleeding from the injection sites
Swelling and bruising
Redness and tenderness at the site of the injection
Bumps or lumps which can be easily dissolved

How long do these fillers last?

It depends entirely on the material used for injecting . But ideally it needs to be repeated in every 12 months. Newer fillers last longer so they can last upto 18 months. However in smokers the filler can last for only 9 months.

Skin Tips

To avoid fungal infection of the toe nails try to keep them short and clean. Avoid getting a pedicure done during this monsoon season, as extra buffing of the nails can weaken the nails.
Did you know that even though the sun might not be always visible during monsoon season, your skin is not safe from the UV rays. I advise my patients to always apply physical sunscreen containing zinc oxide with oil free formulation. This helps to prevent clogging of the pores and still protect the skin from the harmful UV rays.
Tiny hair follicles on the nose can sometimes look like black heads, which don't go even after a clean up. If you really want to get rid of that hair permanently the best option is to go for laser hair removal treatment using ND YAG 1064 nm laser.
Sometimes incessant application of too many anti-aging products or doing multiple procedures without allowing the skin to heal can make the skin more irritable, red and flaky. And give the appearance of more fine lines due to deep dryness and microscopic swelling. So at times its best to stop everything, give your skin a break and then start slowly. Sometimes LESS is MORE.
Avoid hot baths during the winter season. Excess of hot water during the season can be harmful as it drives away the moisture from your skin layer leaving your skin dry and chapped. Instead opt for a quick short bath with slightly warm water.