Narrow lips can give the face a grim or stern expression. For people who are bothered by their thin lips, a minimally invasive lip augmentation may be the right solution for a fuller and harmoniously curved appearance. This gentle method can also be used to adjust the shape and fullness of the lips if they are asymmetrical. There is no one “perfect” lip shape that is the goal of every treatment. Instead, the procedure is customized to the individual patient so that the lips blend harmoniously into the overall appearance of the face. A personal consultation takes place in the practice beforehand, during which the lip augmentation procedure is discussed in detail.
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What can lip augmentation achieve?
Lip augmentation or contouring is an option if patients are bothered by the appearance of their own lips. This can be due to congenitally narrow lips, for example. The lips often lose volume and appear thinner as part of the natural ageing process. Lip augmentation can ensure that the area is given more fullness again. A sensual kissable mouth is a common ideal of beauty for many people. The shape of the lips can also be easily changed with the help of injections. This can be used to emphasize the cupid’s bow, for example.
The results of minimally invasive lip augmentation are not permanent. For a lasting effect, patients must have the treatment carried out at regular intervals. The aim of lip augmentation is for the patient to feel comfortable in their skin again, attractive and self-confident thanks to the new shape and fullness of their lips. At the same time, however, care is taken to ensure that the results look particularly natural and are proportionally consistent.
Which substances are used?
To increase the volume of the lips, certain active ingredients, also known as fillers, are injected into the area. These are absorbable, very well-tolerated substances such as hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid also occurs naturally in the body and performs important tasks there. For example, it is responsible for regulating the skin’s moisture content. A high depot of hyaluronic acid has a positive effect on the firmness and elasticity of the skin, making it look young and fresh. As the body’s own hyaluronic acid deposits diminish over time, this can lead to sagging, wrinkles and a reduction in volume. By injecting hyaluronic acid, these deficits can be compensated for and the unpleasant marks reduced.
The resorbability of hyaluronic acid makes the treatment a particularly gentle and safe procedure, as no (foreign) substances remain in the tissue. This also virtually eliminates the risk of health consequences due to tissue changes.
Performing lip augmentation
Lip augmentation should only be carried out by suitably qualified personnel. Unprofessionally performed treatments can not only lead to an unpleasant appearance (“inflatable lips”), but also carry the risk of health problems (e.g. infections).
Lip augmentation usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. The hyaluronic acid is injected directly into the lips using a fine cannula. In this way, the experienced doctor can model the area and adapt it to the patient’s wishes. Additional anesthesia is often not necessary, as the treatment is very painless. However, local anesthesia can be administered on request.
Is lip augmentation surgery also available?
The lips can also be surgically enlarged with a lip lift. The doctor removes a strip of tissue from above the lips. The lip is “pulled upwards” by the wound closure so that more lip red is visible. However, the operation has no effect on the volume of the lips. Hyaluronic acid injections are still the treatment of choice for more fullness. In addition, the risks are much lower with the minimally invasive procedure. The lip lift is performed comparatively rarely, as injection therapy can achieve effective and natural results without surgery and at the same time puts less strain on the body.
Aftercare for filler treatment on the lips
Experience has shown that any discomfort after lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid subsides within a short time. The lips may be slightly swollen or reddened temporarily. Some patients also experience small hematomas, which subside within a few days. The decongestion process can be supported by applying cooling pads or cold cloths. Most patients are socially acceptable again the following day. Lipstick and lip care products should not be applied for at least 24 hours after the treatment. Patients should also refrain from kissing for a day to allow the treatment area to recover.
