Lip filler (in Turkish) is a cosmetic procedure performed using a filler such as hyaluronic acid to increase the volume and fullness of the lips or to achieve symmetry. Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in the body and is contained in many products used as dermal fillers. Lip fillers make the lips look fuller and more youthful, and are frequently chosen by patients who are unhappy that their lips are thin or asymmetrical. Lip filler is performed by injecting the filler into the lip with a very fine needle. Mild swelling, bruising or tenderness may occur after the procedure, but it usually passes within a short time. Lip filler treatment should be performed by a specialist aesthetic surgeon or dermatologist, using appropriate techniques and materials.
As well as increasing the volume and fullness of the lips, lip filler treatment can also be used to reduce lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that increases the skin's ability to retain moisture, and because of this property it is an ideal option for lip fillers. In addition, because hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the body, the risk of an allergic reaction is low.
Lip filler treatment is usually completed within a short time, and normal activities can be resumed immediately afterwards. However, temporary side effects such as swelling and bruising of the lips may occur after the procedure. These side effects usually disappear within a few days, and the lips continue to look fuller and smoother after the procedure.
Although lip filler is an aesthetic procedure, it also carries certain risks. Infection and side effects caused by the filler being injected into a blood vessel may occur. For this reason, before having lip fillers, the specialist performing the procedure must be experienced and qualified.
What to consider before having lip fillers
- Choosing a suitable specialist: If lip filler treatment is not performed by specialist physicians such as a plastic surgeon or dermatologist, it can lead to serious, irreversible side effects.
- Avoiding alcohol and blood-thinning medicines before the procedure: Blood-thinning medicines and alcohol can prevent blood from clotting before the procedure and increase the risk of bleeding after it. For this reason, it is advisable to stay away from these substances before the procedure.
- Making sure there are no open superficial wounds before the procedure: If you have open superficial wounds on your skin before the procedure, they may allow bacteria to enter the area where the filler will be injected. This may increase the risk of infection. For this reason, it is better to wait for the wounds to heal before the procedure.
- Risk of allergic reaction: Because lip filler treatment is performed using materials such as hyaluronic acid, the risk of an allergic reaction is low. However, some people may still experience an allergic reaction. For this reason, talk to your doctor before the procedure to make sure whether or not you have an allergy.
- Swelling and bruising of the lips after the procedure: It is normal for your lips to swell and bruise after the procedure. This will pass within a few days. However, if excessive swelling and bruising occur in the lips, call your doctor.
Who can have lip fillers?
Lip fillers can be performed on anyone who wants fuller and more shapely lips. However, lip fillers may not be possible because of certain health conditions, medication use or allergic reactions. In addition, it is recommended that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding do not have lip fillers. The person having lip fillers should have realistic expectations about their state of health and the expected results. Whether lip fillers are suitable is decided by assessing the person's general health, medication use and history of allergic reactions, as well as conditions in the lip area such as infections, wounds and cold sores. In addition, if there are structural deformities or restrictions of movement in the lips, these may need to be corrected before the filler procedure.
The person having lip fillers needs to have realistic expectations about the fullness and shape. Before the procedure, the person's wishes and expectations are assessed and the most suitable filler material and injection technique are determined.
What to pay attention to after lip filler treatment
After lip filler treatment, the person needs to be careful for a certain period. The following are the points to pay attention to after lip fillers:
- Applying ice is recommended in the first days. This helps reduce swelling.
- It is recommended to avoid hard or hot foods for the first few days. This helps prevent the filler from shifting and prevents pain.
- It is recommended not to sleep face down. This can prevent the filler from shifting or bleeding from increasing.
- Behaviours that irritate the lips, such as rubbing or biting them, should be avoided.
- For the filler to stay in place, care and follow-up visits carried out in line with the doctor's recommendations are very important. Your doctor will inform you about matters such as how long the filler material will last and when it will need to be topped up.
- Possible side effects of fillers include infection, bleeding, swelling, bruising or tissue loss. For this reason, regular check-ups with your doctor are recommended to monitor the filler.
What reduces how long lip fillers last?
There are several factors that affect how long lip fillers last. These factors include:
- Filler material: How long the fillers used for lip filler treatment last depends on their type and structure. Some filler materials are longer-lasting and their effect may last longer, while others are less long-lasting and are absorbed more quickly.
- The person's metabolism: The person's metabolism also affects how long the filler lasts. In people with a fast metabolism the effect of the filler may be shorter, while in people with a slow metabolism the effect may last longer.
- Age: Age is another factor that affects how long the filler lasts. As people get older, the structure of their lips may change and the effect of the filler may be shorter.
- Sun exposure: The sun's harmful UV rays can also affect how long lip fillers last. Sun exposure can speed up the absorption of the filler, causing its effect to be shorter.
- Nutrition: Nutrition also affects how long the filler lasts. In particular, vitamin B deficiency can speed up the absorption of the filler, causing its effect to be shorter.
How long lip fillers last depends on a combination of the factors above. To get a clearer idea of how long your filler will last, it is recommended that you discuss with your doctor how long it will remain depending on the filler material, your metabolism and your age.
Who should not have lip fillers?
Lip filler treatment should not be performed on women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people with skin infections or bleeding disorders, people with drug allergies and people with certain chronic diseases. In addition, lip fillers should not be performed on people with a tendency to excessive bleeding, people with autoimmune diseases or people with an active infection. Before the procedure, you must share your state of health and the medicines you use with your doctor. To get more information about lip filler prices, the treatment process and whether you are suitable for fillers, you can contact Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ. During the examination, you can ask our doctor any questions you may have.
