The Secret to Truly
Kissable Lips

Yes, it is possible to not only enhance the shape of your lips, but make them look and feel softer and more kissable.

Dermal Fillers – The Options

Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that can give you fuller, plumper lips by using an injectable dermal filler. There are many types of dermal fillers that can be injected in your lips and around your mouth, however the most common fillers today are products that contain substances similar to hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body.

Hyaluronic acid fillers can improve the appearance of your lips by adding shape, structur and volume. Once injected, the gel in the filler supports and shapes the tissues of the lips.

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

The benefits of using hyaluronic acid fillers include:

Control over lip volume. The amount of substance injected can be controlled, so the doctor has better control over how much lip volume is created.

Gradual pace of treatment. The injections can be given gradually during different appointments until the desired results are achieved.

Bumps dissolve easily. Any lumps and bumps created by movement of the lips can be dissolved easily.

Less bruising. There may be less bruising and swelling compared to other dermal fillers.

Reasonably lasting results. The results are reasonably long-lasting, but not permanent.

Allergic reaction unlikely. Because hyaluronic acid fillers are made from substances similar to those found in the body, they are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. But if you are allergic to lidocaine, tell your doctor before being treated.

Lip Planes

For lips that look lovely, youthful and natural, it is important to considers a number of factors:

• lip shape and style
• balance between top and bottom lip
• protrusion (avoiding the infamous “trout pout”)
• visual appeal of the overall shape
• how your lips look within your overall face shape and structure

The natural shape and structure of your lips is determined by five “planes” which give lips their form.

1. Top left
2. Top right
3. Top central
4. Bottom left
5. Bottom right

The new lip shape is achieved by selectively amplifying the volume in the lip planes using dermal fillers.

Top 5 Lip Enhancement Shapes and Styles

There are a number of popular “styles” for lip fillers. Of course, your natural lip shape is the starting point for working out what approach would be most flattering, however some common lip filler shapes include:

Classic Lip Augmentation

• This general augmentation of lip size adds subtle volume without changing the overall shape
• A small amount of filler is added into all 5 planes of the lips

Rubina

• Rubina lips are achieved by adding a much higher amount of filler into all 5 lip planes on the top and bottom lips
• This achieves an overall augmentation – the “Angelina Jolie” look

Cupid

• This style adds fullness to the centre of the lips, defining the “cupid’s bow”
• Restores youthful volume

Angelic

• This shape accentuates the top lip, accentuating its size and shape
• Adds a characteristic “curl” to the lip shape

Full Hollywood

• This ultimate lip filler style adds volume to all 3 planes of the top lip
• Gives a Hollywood style and shape

Pearlique

• The pearlique shape enhances the lower lip
• As the 2 lower lip planes are augmented, a cleft is created in the middle

Injectable lip augmentation techniques can be performed quickly in your doctor’s office with little to no downtime. Fat injection is the exception, since the procedure requires a small area of liposuction to remove the fat from another part of your body before the injection can take place.

Before the injections, a topical or local numbing agent may be applied to ease discomfort. Sometimes, nerve block injections can be given before the treatment to completely numb the lips. This is similar to the anesthetic injections that you get at the dentist to numb your mouth.

After carefully marking the areas to be injected, very fine needles are used to inject the substance into your lips.

Following injection, ice may be given to ease discomfort and control swelling. But no firm pressure should be put on the treatment area.

Lipstick or other lip products are best avoided immediately after the procedure.

You should be able to notice a difference immediately. After you have healed, your lips should feel natural.

Side effects of hyaluronic acid fillers are temporary and should only last a few days. They may include:

• Bleeding from the injection sites
• Swelling and bruising
• Redness and tenderness at the site of the injection

More serious side effects or risks may include:

• Severe and prolonged swelling or bruising lasting one week to 10 days
• Lip asymmetry (parts of lips are different sizes)
• Lumps and irregularities in the lips
• Infection
• Injection into a blood vessel, causing tissue loss
• Ulceration, scarring, or stiffening of the lip
• Allergic reaction causing redness, swelling, or itching around the lips

Call your doctor immediately if you experience extreme swelling or develop a fever.

Fillers are usually priced per syringe injected. The cost will depend on how much material is required.

Most people don’t need more than one to two syringes. Total costs range between $500 and $2,000.

Most health insurance plans won’t cover cosmetic surgery or complications associated with cosmetic surgery. Before undergoing the procedure, make sure you understand all the charges and ask if your doctor offers a payment plan.

To answer this question, you must first ask yourself why you want to modify your lips. You should not undergo this procedure unless you truly want to modify your appearance.

If you are considering lip augmentation to make someone else happy or to try to fit an ideal image, you may want to think twice.

Also, it’s important to have realistic expectations about the outcome. Enhanced lips may make your lips plumper and fuller, but you will still be you when you walk out of the doctor’s office.

Your doctor can discuss with you the pros and cons of your lip augmentation options and help you decide which technique or product is best for you.

Before undergoing lip augmentation you should be in good health and a nonsmoker. You may not be a candidate for lip augmentation if you have:

• An infection such as oral herpes
• Diabetes
• Lupus
• Blood-clotting problems

If you have ever had a cold sore (oral herpes) any time in the past, you should tell your practitioner before undergoing the procedure. If you have any known allergies or are allergic to lidocaine, tell your doctor before undergoing the procedure. Also, tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.

Don’t go to just anyone. Lip augmentation poses real risks, especially if the person giving the injection is inexperienced.

Do your homework. When making a decision about which practitioner to use, ask about their training and education.

Also, ask to see before-and-after photographs of patients the doctor has treated. Are you happy with the results? If you aren’t, consider getting a second opinion.

For More Information

Or to make a booking, contact Antonia Beattie on 1800 973 100 or by email antonia@loseyourwrinkles.com.au.