Since the rise of the Kardashians, the Kylie Jenner signature pout has become a trend among women across all ages. If you’re one of the people wanting that Instagram-worthy pout, you might get the urge to run to your Salt Lake City plastic surgeon and book an appointment for a lip filler. But before you do that, here’s a rundown of everything to know about getting your lips done.
What exactly are lip fillers?
Lip fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a substance commonly found in skincare products. The body produces the substance naturally and it works as a magnet for moisture. It helps the skin retain water, making it appear hydrated and healthy.
Cosmetic doctors inject hyaluronic acid into the soft tissues of the lips to increase their size and volume. Since this substance attracts water, it makes the lips look plumper, creating a bolder pout. Doctors can also use to smoothen wrinkles and fine lines and lift sagging cheeks. Since it’s a naturally occurring substance, the body readily accepts hyaluronic acid injections.
How long do fillers last?
Lip fillers last for at least six months up to a year. However, fillers can have a relatively permanent effect. Women who have their lips refilled usually haven’t lost all the volume from their previous surgery.
But what if you tire of your pouty lip or if the results weren’t to your liking? Reversing the effects of a lip filler was not possible about 10 years ago, when they contained collagen. But because they now contain hyaluronic acid, your cosmetic surgeon can inject hyaluronidase, which is an enzyme that hastens the degradation of hyaluronic acid, decreasing the volume of the lips.
Does the procedure hurt?
The level of discomfort mainly depends on your pain tolerance and the surgeon’s technique. So if you have a high tolerance for pain and your doctor is performed countless procedures, the process should be painless.
However, it is not advisable to not undergo the procedure at least a week before your period, since of your heightened sensitivity to pain during this time.
After the surgery, it’s normal to expect swelling because of the needle penetrating the skin. Depending on your skin sensitivity, there may also be some minor bruises. But there’s nothing to worry about since these usually disappear after a few days.
The best way to ensure that there are no side effects is to return for a follow-up consultation a week after your treatment.
How do I avoid getting “duck lips”?
Before you go in for your appointment, think about how plump you want your lips to appear. Decide if you want fillers for your upper lip, lower lip, or both. To avoid over-filling, you can start with a small dosage, observe the changes for a week, then come back if you’re not yet satisfied with the result.
Your doctor’s expertise is also a factor here. Go to a board-certified plastic surgeon to be sure that the person performing your surgery is qualified for the job.
You are free to do anything you want with your body. But before you make any permanent changes, think twice and do your research to save yourself from regretting the decision afterward.