Lip fillers, also known as lip injections, refers to the injection of filler into the lips for purposes such as enhancing volume to plump up the lips, modifying the shape of the lips, and/or creating symmetry to the lips.
Nowadays, lip injections are considered to be a common and popular procedure – an estimated 2.1 million lip injection procedures were performed in 2018 alone.
Despite its widespread influence, lip injections still involve a level of invasiveness because there is injecting involved. There will always be risks associated with injections, but these risks can be mitigated by seeking out licensed professionals with lots of experience. If you are considering getting lip filler, choosing the right clinic will be the best thing you can do for yourself.
We will discuss the substance in lip fillers and the risks involved in lip fillers:
Are Lip Fillers Safe?
What is Lip Filler Made Of?
Lip fillers are generally made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in your body that has the ability to retain water and moisture extremely well. Hyaluronic acid is found within your skin, joints, and connective tissue, serving as a natural moisturizer and lubricant.
Filler products for the lips are made with synthetic hyaluronic acid that has a slightly thicker consistency than what is found in your body. This consistency is needed to create artificial volume and shape via injection.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are reversible – if you ever wish to part ways with it, your injector will simply dissolve it with an enzyme that breaks down the acid: hyaluronidase!
Main Risks of Lip Filler
The lips are a highly vascular area of your body, meaning there are tons of blood vessels providing blood and oxygen supply to the area. This is one of the reasons why you may notice your lips to be one of the more sensitive areas on your body, and if you’ve ever accidentally bitten your lip you’ll know that it will bleed noticeably.
Due to its high vascularity, any injecting action done to the lips can cause bruising and swelling.
The severity of these side effects depends on the patient’s own anatomy, the type of filler used, and the injector’s method. In general, slight bruising and swelling is not considered uncommon. This is why you should avoid taking blood thinners and consuming alcohol before your filler appointment, as these substances can worsen or prolong these side effects.
Vascular occlusion is a more serious complication.
This happens when filler is incorrectly injected into a blood vessel resulting in blood circulation being cut off. Depending on how much filler is obstructing the blood vessels, symptoms can range from blanching (lightening) of the area to the area of tissue dying from lack of blood and oxygen. Vascular occlusion should be treated as soon as possible, and can be reversible if caught early and dissolved on time.
Filler migration is one of the more aesthetically undesirable risks. Migration is when the filler does not stay in its intended area and moves elsewhere. This can occur from improper placement of filler, injecting too close to the lip border, and injecting too much too quickly. Luckily, this issue can be easily prevented by finding a skilled injector who will not overfill the lips inappropriately. Always start off slow with the fillers! You can always take your time to achieve your desired results, but make sure your injector is on the same page.
How to Minimize Risks
The number one advice we cannot stress enough is to find a professional injector with experience and ethics.
Safety should always come first! A good injector will have extensive knowledge on facial anatomy as well as a lot of experience injecting the area. Avoid bargains that seem too good to be true because the last thing you want to do is end up with a look that you didn’t want.
Also, try to be realistic with your expectations and communicate with your injector to ensure there is a good understanding of what you want and what you can receive. Take time to do your research, and never be hasty with your decision.
After getting your lips done, make sure to follow your injector’s instructions carefully.
No alcohol before and after your appointment, and definitely no blood thinners! Heavy physical activity should also be postponed until your injector says it is okay to do so.
Lip Fillers are Safe
In Conclusion, Lip Fillers are very safe when it’s done by right clinics and injectors.
Since Lips are sensitive areas on your body, A little mistake or misalignment can cause side effects and risks.
So it’s very important to choose a clinic carefully and find a right physician.
Get Lip Fillers Without Worrying!
Our physicians at Ovo Medi Spa have extensive experience, and can provide you with results that will definitely make you smile in the mirror. We offer bespoke treatments for every client and always ensure your safety and satisfaction as our top priorities.
We offer free consultations to determine your goals and to design your treatment plan.
If you are interested in enhancing your look, please click the button below to request a free consultation and more information.
