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Lip augmentation is one of the most demanded, popular and talked about applications in facial aesthetics. When done correctly, it has the potential to instantly add a younger, more attractive and healthier expression to the face. However, this popularity brings with it many questions, concerns and information pollution.
Everything You Wondered About Lip Augmentation: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Almost everyone who is considering lip augmentation has similar questions in mind. Will I feel pain? What if it is not natural? How long will it last? What awaits me in this process? As Dr. Melis Ülger, Istanbul, Kadikoy‘I have prepared this article to answer these curious questions, which I encounter most frequently during consultations with my patients in my clinic in Istanbul, Turkey, with all transparency, as a special guide for you.
1. What is Lip Filler and What Exactly Does It Do?
Lip fillers, Lip augmentation is the process of injecting hyaluronic acid-based gels into the lip tissue to add volume to the lips, redefine their shape, define their contours, correct existing asymmetries and remove fine wrinkles on the lip surface. It serves the multifaceted purpose of not only “enlarging” the lips, but also rejuvenating and moisturizing the lips by replacing the volume lost with age.
2. What is the filler used? Is it safe?
The gold standard in modern and safe lip augmentation applications, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) based fillers. Hyaluronic acid is actually a sugar molecule that is naturally found in our body and gives moisture and fullness to our skin and tissues. HA used in medical aesthetics is a gel produced by biotechnology in a laboratory environment and is completely compatible with the body. The main reasons for its safety are; the risk of allergy is very low due to its natural presence in the body and most importantly, it is not permanent. The body metabolizes and dissolves this substance naturally over time.
3. Is the procedure very painful?
Lips are a sensitive area with dense nerve endings. Therefore, the comfort of our patients is our top priority. Before the procedure, a highly effective topical anesthetic cream is applied to the lip area and it takes about 20-30 minutes for the area to become completely numb. In addition, most of the premium fillers we use today contain lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic substance in itself. When these two factors come together, the pain or discomfort felt during the procedure is minimal.
4. I'm Afraid of Having "Duck Lips", Will the Results Be Natural?
This is the most justified and common concern. The artificial appearance of the so-called “duck lips” is not the result of the filler itself, but of a completely wrong application technique, excessive amounts of product and a lack of respect for facial proportions. The secret to achieving a natural result is the experience and aesthetic vision of the physician. Our philosophy in our clinic is based on the principle of “less is more”. Our aim is not to create lips that do not belong to you, but to make your own lip anatomy more prominent, more moisturized and healthier by taking into account the golden proportions of your face.
5. How Much Filler Do I Need? Is 1 ml enough?
This question is often asked because pricing is usually based on “1 ml” (one syringe). 1 ml corresponds to a volume of approximately one-fifth of a teaspoon. For a patient having lip augmentation for the first time and looking for a natural result, 1 ml is usually an ideal and sufficient amount to reshape the entire lip (upper and lower) and give a balanced volume. Smaller amounts, such as 0.5 ml, can also be used for people with very thin lips or when only a very light touch is desired. Remember, the goal is a subtle improvement, not a huge change in an instant.
6. How Long Does Lip Filler Last?
The permanence of hyaluronic acid fillers varies according to the cross-link technology of the product used, the area of application and the metabolism rate of the person. Since the lips are a very mobile area, the filler can be metabolized somewhat faster here than in other parts of the body. The average duration of permanence is usually 9 to 12 months is between. It is observed that this period is slightly longer with regular applications.
7. How long does the procedure take and can I return to my life immediately afterwards?
Except for the waiting time for the anesthetic cream, the injection procedure itself is usually 15 to 30 minutes between the procedure. You can return to your daily life immediately after the procedure. It does not require any bed rest or time off work. However, since there may be some swelling and possible bruising, especially during the first 24-48 hours, it is not recommended to have it done just before an important social event or meeting.
8. How Does the Healing Process Work? When will the swelling and bruising go away?
The healing process after lip augmentation is usually quite fast. Knowing what awaits you allows you to manage the process more calmly:
- First 24-48 hours: This is the period when swelling (edema) is most noticeable. Your lips may appear larger than the final result. This is completely normal. Intermittent cold compresses are very helpful.
- 3-5. Days The swelling goes down to a great extent and the bruises, if any, begin to fade by changing color.
- 1-2 weeks later: Swelling and bruising completely disappear, the filler integrates with the tissue and your lips gain their ultimate, natural shape and softness.
9. What are the Possible Risks and Side Effects?
Lip augmentation is an extremely safe procedure when performed by a specialist physician, with the right product and under hygienic conditions. The most common side effects are the temporary swelling, redness and bruising mentioned above. Serious complications such as infection, allergic reaction or vascular occlusion are extremely rare and are usually caused by the practitioner's lack of knowledge of anatomy or non-compliance with hygiene rules. For your safety Organizations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) It is important to consider patient safety guidelines.
10. Can it be undone if I don't like the result?
Yes, it is. This is the biggest assurance of hyaluronic acid fillers. If for any reason you are not satisfied with the result or an asymmetry occurs, the filler can be safely and completely dissolved within 24 hours with an enzyme injection called “hyaluronidase”.
In the right hands, lip augmentation is an artistic touch that gives your face a fresh and attractive expression and refreshes your self-confidence. Before embarking on this pleasant journey, we invite you to contact us to answer all your questions and create a customized plan for you. Kadikoy‘I look forward to seeing you at my clinic in Istanbul.
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Lip Augmentation in our clinic in Kadikoy
In our clinic in Kadıköy, lip filler applications are planned individually in accordance with the proportions of your face and your natural expression. Before starting the procedure, your lip structure, skin type and expectations are evaluated; the most appropriate filler type and amount are determined.
Anesthetic cream is applied to the area before the application, so the procedure is usually completed with minimal discomfort. After the procedure, which lasts for an average of 15-20 minutes, a slight swelling may be seen on the lips and it passes in a short time.
Lip filling gives the person a fuller, symmetrical and natural appearance. Depending on the type of filler used, its permanence is between 9-12 months on average. Renewal sessions are recommended at regular intervals for a longer lasting effect.
We invite you to meet lip augmentation applications in our clinic in Kadıköy to feel better and emphasize your natural beauty.
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