Lip enhancement with dermal fillers: Trends and techniques

The beauty world has changed a lot over time, and one thing that’s become incredibly popular is making lips look fuller. These days, dermal fillers are the go-to choice for people wanting fuller lips. It’s like how you might use a balloon – when you add air, it gets fuller. Similarly, when doctors carefully inject fillers, they can make your lips plumper and more defined.

The best part? You don’t need to go under the knife or deal with a long recovery time. You can visit the clinic during your lunch break and leave with fuller lips that look natural. Modern lip enhancement is about creating balanced results that match each person’s face and style. 

Let’s explore different possibilities in lip fillers, including the latest techniques. This information will help you decide which options best suits your needs!

Types of Dermal Fillers for Lips

When it comes to lip fillers, not all products are the same. Today’s lip fillers are mainly made from hyaluronic acid, which naturally exists in our bodies. Let’s look at the most common types used for lips:

Restylane: Restylane is one of the best dermal fillers for lips. It gives them a natural-looking fullness and defines lip borders. It holds its shape well, so your lips will keep their defined look for several months.

Juvederm Ultra: Dermal fillers like Juvederm are excellent for creating the plump, cushiony look that many people want. They’re super smooth, which means they spread evenly through the lips and feel very natural.

Juvederm Volbella: This is the detail artist of lip fillers. Volbella is perfect for subtle enhancements and fixing small lip lines. It’s thinner than other fillers, which makes it great for adding a slight definition.

RHA (Resilient Hyaluronic Acid): HA fillers are designed to move naturally with your lips when you talk, smile, or kiss. They’re great for active people who want their lips to look natural with every expression.

Current Trends in Lip Enhancement

Just like fashion and hairstyles, lip enhancement trends keep evolving. What people want today is quite different from the dramatic, obviously-filled looks of the past. Let’s explore what’s popular right now in lip enhancement:

Natural-Looking Results: Gone are the days when people wanted filled lips. Today’s trend is about enhancing what you naturally have, not completely changing it. People are asking for subtle improvements.

Age-Appropriate Enhancement: There’s a growing understanding that different age groups need different approaches. Younger clients often want subtle volume and definition, while mature clients focus more on restoring lost volume and addressing fine lines around the mouth.

The ‘Lip Flip’ Technique: This newer trend combines Botox with fillers to create a subtle upper lip lift. It’s perfect for people who show too much gum when they smile or want their upper lip to look more prominent.

Hydration Focus: Many people are now choosing special hydrating fillers that add volume and improve lip texture. These fillers help lips look smoother and more moisturised.

Balanced Proportions: The latest trend focuses on keeping the upper and lower lips in harmony with each other and the rest of the face. Rather than just making lips bigger, providers now carefully plan how the enhanced lips will balance with your nose, chin, and other facial features.

Advanced Injection Techniques

Just like an artist needs different brush strokes to create a masterpiece, doctors use various injection techniques to enhance lips.

Russian Lip Technique: This method involves making several small injections going vertically from the lip border toward the middle of the lips. Instead of just pushing the lips outward, it creates height and definition.

Paris Lip Technique: This technique creates a soft, natural-looking volume by placing filler in specific points around the lip border first, then filling in the centre.

Tenting Technique: This clever method uses a needle or cannula like a tent pole to lift the tissue before injecting the filler. This little space allows the filler to be placed more precisely and evenly.

Linear Threading: Imagine drawing a straight line with a pencil – similar to how this technique works. The doctor injects filler in a straight line while slowly pulling the needle backward. This creates smooth, even lines of filler that help support the lip structure.

Micro-Droplet Technique: This precise method places tiny amounts of filler in specific points around the lips, like dropping tiny beads of water. These micro-droplets of filler help create precise definitions and target particular areas.

Fanning Technique: This technique injects filler while moving the needle in a fan-like pattern. The doctor keeps the entry point the same but changes the direction of the needle. This helps spread filler evenly through the lips and is especially good for creating a natural-looking volume.

Deep Point Injection: This technique places filler in the deeper parts of the lip tissue.  It’s used to create structure in the lips, especially for older clients.

Risks and Side Effects

Even though fillers are usually safe, it’s important to know about possible complications that may occur:

• Common Side Reactions: Most people get some swelling, redness, and bruising right after the treatment. These usually go away within a few days.
• Pain and Tenderness: Your lips might feel sore or tender to touch for several days after the procedure. This is normal and feels similar to having chapped or sunburned lips.
• Lumps and Bumps: Sometimes, small bumps can form under the skin where the filler was injected. These usually smooth out on their own or can be gently massaged away.
• Asymmetry: One side of your lips might look slightly different. This often improves as the swelling goes down, but sometimes, it might need a touch-up.
• Infection: Though rare, there’s a small risk of infection at the injection sites. It’s important to keep the area clean and follow all aftercare instructions.
• Vascular Complications: In some cases, filler might be accidentally injected into a blood vessel. This is serious and requires immediate medical help.
• Migration: Sometimes, the filler can move from where it was originally placed. This is why it’s important to follow aftercare instructions and avoid heavy pressure on your lips for a few days.

Aftercare and Recovery

After getting lip fillers, you should take good care of your lips to differentiate the before and after look. Here are some tips to support your healing:

• Avoid very hot foods or drinks for 24-48 hours as your lips might be numb, and you could burn yourself.
• Apply ice packs to your lips, wrapped in a clean cloth, for 10-15 minutes during the first 24-48 hours to reduce swelling.
• Sleep with your head on two pillows for the first few nights to help minimise swelling.
• Don’t apply lipstick or other lip products for at least 24 hours after treatment.
• Keep the area clean, but avoid rubbing or massaging your lips unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
• Skip strenuous exercise 24-48 hours after treatment to prevent increased swelling and bruising.
• Protect your lips from direct sunlight for at least two weeks after treatment.
• Don’t drink alcohol for 24 hours after treatment, as it can increase bruising and swelling.

You may also like to read: Juvéderm or Restylane – Best Lip Filler

Final Thoughts

Modern lip enhancement with dermal fillers delivers safe and natural-looking results. Achieving your desired look, whether subtle or more pronounced, requires a skilled injector who expertly balances artistry and precision. While potential risks exist, thorough research and diligent aftercare significantly minimise complications.

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