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Botox lip injections have become popular all across the world in the past years. In fact, according to some researches, the rate of botox lip injection procedures has increased by 50% since the year 2000. This type of facial enhancement is very popular among women aging from 20-29 years old.
Due to the rising influence of social media on the younger generation, the desire to look attractive and aesthetic becomes very prominent to them. Different tools on social media like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and likes contributed a lot to the increasing number of botox injections done annually all over the world.
What Are Lip Injections?
This is a simple and short-term procedure that lasts for 6 to 18 months. The procedure includes different kinds of lip fillers to plump the lips and makes them look fuller. All lip fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a kind of acid that exists in our body naturally and is rich in carbohydrates. However, this acid slowly decreases over time as we age. Its function in botox injections are hydrating the lip skin, improving the skin condition of the lip, and restoring volume to it.
Different Kinds Of Lip Fillers
- Perlane or Restylane- this is a hyaluronic acid-based material with active ingredients that are essential in preventing wrinkles and to produce smoother skin. This filler is considered safe to use, however, minimal side effects may occur during the procedure, such as bruising and redness. On certain occasions, allergic reactions, infections, and scarring may also take place if the patient is not properly assessed. Lip flip procedures also require this material.
- Juvederm- aside from being used as lip fillers, Juvederm is also commonly used in facial contours to prevent signs of aging. Its procedure would normally take 50 to 60 minutes showing visible changes right away. Juvederm is an essential material in lip flip procedures.
- Radiesse- This filler uses calcium-based microspheres needed to correct wrinkles. These microspheres will then help the body to produce more collagen, a kind of protein responsible for skin strength and elasticity. This lip fillers can also be used on lip flip procedures, back of the hand, and wrinkled chin.
- Artecoll- this type of filler used in botox injections is a soft tissue filler. It is composed of polymethylmethacrylate microspheres used in correcting folds in the face, improving nasal asymmetries, and augmentation of the lip.
- Aquamid- this injectable filler is used to rehabilitate the sunken cheeks as well. This has a long-lasting effect that lasts for up to ten years if properly cared for. However, there is still a debate going on about the dangers and negative effects of using long-lasting dermal fillers because they may get hard and be deformed over time.
- Bio-alcamid- this is a botox injection made of acrylic acid. This gel injectable is widely known for its ability to correct large volume flaws. Although the effect is long-term and permanent
, some studies show that this can cause small tissue deficits in the long run. - Bovine collagen- this lip filler is made of zyderm and zyplast from a cows skin that provides a permanent effect on the lip. This kind of filler is injected into the skin to help produce more collagen replacing the old ones in the body, giving the skin a more youthful appearance.
- Particulate dermis- this can also be referred to as small particle hyaluronic acid dermal filler. This kind of lip fillers is considered as safe, effective, and it gives a more natural-looking effect on the lips. A lip flip would have a more aesthetic appearance with this filler because of the small particles of this filler.
Importance Of Botox Lip Injections In Dental Treatments
Although lip injections are commonly known for vanity and enhancing facial features to look more physically appealing, this procedure is also used to complement various dentistry cases. This can be used to fix the unprecedented effect of a dental procedure on the physical appearance of the patient. In some cases, lip flip or lip injections will be advised if they are having trouble adjusting to new dentures, braces, or other dental procedures done to them. Although botox is usually executed by surgeons, recent studies show that general dentists can also perform the said procedure given that they undertake extensive training to administer botox injections.
Differences Of Lip Flip And Lip Fillers
Lip flip procedures are done to help the thin upper lips to relax and move upward, thus, giving an illusion of a fuller and bigger lips. It simply enhances the natural shape of the lips by using 4 to 6 units of botox injections to the upper lip. Getting lip flip gives an instant result without the downtime and helps in hiding a gummy smile for most cases. Apart from this, lip flip procedures are also way cheaper than lip fillers.
Lip fillers on the other hand make the lip look fuller in volume. This procedure uses hyaluronic gel to be injected in the lips. It also makes the lips look plumper and softer while smoothening the lines around them. Lip fillers are known to be safe since most of the materials and ingredients used in the injection are made of acids naturally found in the body, lowering the risk of allergic reactions. However, unlike lip flip, lip fillers may require some time to fully heal since it can cause redness, bruising, and swelling.
Things To Consider Before Getting A Lip Filler
- Cost. Lip flip and lip fillers are not cheap and could cost you a thousand dollars from the initial procedure itself to topping off of the lip filler in every six months. It’s always better to be budget ready whenever you consider doing any kind of body enhancements.
- The lifespan of the lip filler. An average lip filler could last for 6 to 18 months depending on the reaction of your body to the procedure. Some may need to have their refillers topped off in 6 months and others are doing just fine for a longer period of time.
- Allergies. Always inform your doctor or surgeon beforehand before going through any procedure.
- Educate yourself on the things to avoid before getting lip fillers. Consumption of blood thinners, painkillers, fish oil, vitamin E, and alcohol is not advised to avoid too much bruising and swelling.
Lip Filler After Care
Your lips would normally swell after the botox injections. It is important to know the things to avoid and things to do to properly care for your lip and avoid complications. First is to avoid extreme physical activities for the next 24 hours, to help your lip muscles to relax and heal itself. If possible, avoid being under the heat a day well, you may use an ice pack to lessen the bruising of the lips. Keep yourself hydrated and drink plenty of water, consuming foods with excessive salt must also be avoided.
Eating soft and easy to chew foods is recommended after the procedure as well to avoid wiping off the lips that could affect the injection area. Try to avoid foods and supplements that are rich in vitamin E as this could cause more bruising.
Kissing or any form of lip massage is also a no go for new lip filler clients, always be gentle on washing your lips and avoid exfoliating products on the face and lips for the next 24 hours. Drinking alcohol is also prohibited for a day or two.
Lip fillers have no long-term negative effects on the lips aside from temporary bruising, swelling, and redness which should all pass after 2 days given that the patient followed the surgeons’ instructions.
Negative Effects of Self Injected Hyaluronic Acid
Lip filler and lip flip could be pricey and expensive, due to this, people tend to resort to cheaper options by entrusting their lips to low skilled beauty therapists or worse, by purchasing the materials online and injecting themselves with hyaluronic acid gel.
These may result in long-term side effects that would probably need a more expensive procedure to correct the defects and flaws. Excessive bleeding, bruising, swelling, uneven lips shape, lip bumps, discoloration, and other deformities are some of the many things that could occur due to self-injection and lack of training.
In some cases, lip necrosis, although rarely, occurs as well. It’s a condition where most or all cells in an organ dies due to injury or failure of blood supply.
Lip necrosis symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Severe pain. This can slowly increase after the surgery since the anesthesia or the numbing cream is wearing off.
- Discoloration. This is the stage where the tissue is starting to die.
- The reduced temperature of the lips and prolonged white blanching. This is caused by a lack of blood flow causing the lip temperature to drop.
If you experience any of these, it’s best to consult a well-trained surgeon immediately.
