What are lip fillers and what do they do?
Lip fillers are gel-like substances based on hyaluronic acid that are injected into or around the lips to add volume, improve the lip contours or soften fine lines around the mouth. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and the skin, and is known for its ability to retain moisture.
Thanks to this property, a lip filler gives fuller, hydrated and smoother lips. Depending on the patient's wishes, the treatment can be subtle, for example for a slight increase in volume or accentuation of the contours, or more pronounced if more emphasis on the lips is desired.
Lip fillers are not only used to enlarge the lips. They can also correct asymmetry, for example when the upper and lower lip are out of proportion, or with signs of ageing where lip volume has been lost. A corner of the mouth that droops, for example after a stroke (CVA), causing saliva to leak from the corner of the mouth, can also be corrected.
How does a lip filler treatment work?
A lip filler treatment always starts with a consultation, in which your wishes and expectations are discussed. The doctor looks at the natural shape of your lips, the balance of your face and which result is realistic and aesthetically sound.
During the treatment, the filler is injected into the lips with a fine needle or cannula. This can be done in the red of the lip for volume, or along the contours of the lip for definition. The treatment takes 20 to 30 minutes on average.
In many cases a filler is used that already contains an anaesthetic (lidocaine), which makes the treatment easy to tolerate. If desired, a numbing cream can also be applied beforehand.
After injecting, the product is gently massaged to distribute it evenly and ensure a natural result. Most clients see a result straight away, although the lips are often somewhat swollen for the first few hours after the treatment.
What are the benefits of lip fillers?
Lip fillers offer many benefits for people who want to improve their lips subtly or more noticeably. The main benefit, of course, is the immediate result. After the treatment the lips are fuller, better defined and more symmetrical.
The treatment can be fully tailored to your wishes. Together with the doctor, you decide what volume you want to achieve, whether you only want to improve the contours or would rather create a fuller mouth.
In addition, the use of hyaluronic acid gives a very natural and supple result. The material feels soft, moves with your facial expressions and is safely broken down by the body.
Because it is a non-surgical treatment, you do not need to take scars or a long recovery time into account.
Who are lip fillers suitable for?
Lip fillers are suitable for anyone who wants to improve their lips in a natural way. The treatment is popular with people who want more volume, but also with clients who have lost volume and shape through ageing.
Typical reasons to consider lip fillers include naturally thin or narrow lips, asymmetry between the upper and lower lip, loss of volume as you get older, an indistinct lip contour or vertical lines around the mouth.
It is important that you have realistic expectations and choose a subtle, harmonious approach that suits the shape of your face. An experienced doctor looks at the overall picture, so that the result is not only attractive but also balanced.
What does recovery look like?
After a lip filler treatment, the lips may be temporarily swollen. Small bruises or slight redness may also appear at the injection sites. These are normal reactions and usually disappear within a few days.
To limit swelling and tenderness, you are advised to cool the lips with a cold pack straight after the treatment and leave them alone. For the first 24 hours it is sensible not to kiss, not to apply make-up to the lips and to avoid excessive touching or massaging.
It is also advised not to go to the sauna, sunbed or gym for the first 48 hours, because heat can make the swelling worse. After a few days the end result is clearly visible, although the hyaluronic acid needs a few more days to weeks to fully integrate into the skin.
What are the risks and side effects?
Lip fillers are used very widely around the world and are safe, provided they are administered by a qualified doctor. Even so, as with any cosmetic treatment, there are some risks.
Possible side effects include temporary swelling, bruising, tenderness or asymmetry in the first few days. In rare cases a blood vessel can become blocked, which requires emergency treatment. That is why it is important to always choose a doctor with a medical background and experience in injectables.
At Kliniek het Bolwerk, only specialised doctors work who have an eye for detail, safety and a natural result. We take plenty of time to discuss everything with you and tailor the treatment to your face and wishes.
How long do lip fillers remain visible?
The result of lip fillers is visible straight away and lasts 6 to 12 months on average. The duration depends on factors such as your metabolism, the filler used and the amount of muscle activity in and around the mouth.
Over time, the hyaluronic acid is naturally broken down by the body. To maintain the desired result, many people choose to repeat the treatment once or twice a year.
Because the effect decreases gradually, you stay in control of how your lips look. At a follow-up treatment, it is possible to build up a little more, or only to top up when the volume has decreased slightly.
Conclusion
A lip filler treatment is a safe, effective and flexible way to bring the lips into better balance, add volume and reduce fine lines around the mouth. The result is visible straight away, feels natural and is fully tailored to your wishes.
Whether you are looking for subtle refinement or a more noticeable result, lip fillers offer an excellent solution without surgery or a long recovery time.
Disclaimer:
At Kliniek het Bolwerk we only perform subtle lip filler treatments in people for whom there is a good indication. For example, an underdeveloped upper lip or an upper lip that has become thin through ageing. You can always send a photo to see whether you are eligible for treatment.
See also our page about fillers or lip fillers.
