The Party-Ready Pout – Is It High Time You Plumped It Up?

Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that can increase volume and definition of lips. The procedure can be carried out using a variety of materials including collagen which can last up to four months, Calcium hydroxylapatite which can last up 18 months, polymethylmethacrylate beads which have a permanent effect and most commonly hyaluronic acid which can last between four to six months. Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most widely used dermal filler because hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, temporary and least likely to cause adverse reactions after administration.   

When carrying out the procedure, a numbing cream like 4% LMX might be administered to help numb the area before the injections. Then injection points are carefully mapped out, and the filler is injected in a series of small injections. Post-administration there might be swelling, tenderness and redness for about 24 hours, these side effects can easily be treated using antihistamines.  The procedure can take anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour, it might be uncomfortable because of the presence of many sensory neurons on the lips, but it should not be painful.   

There a few risks involved in lip augmentations depending on the type of dermal filler that is chosen, the longer the filler stays in the body, the more likely it is to cause complications, some complications include rashes, swelling, infections, unexpected filler motility and in rare cases the filler blocking a blood vessel.  

If any of these complications occur, hyaluronidase can be administered to the area to dissolve or remove the hyaluronic acid filler as hyaluronidase belongs to a family of enzymes that catalyse the degradation of hyaluronic acid with immediate effect. Results can be seen in 24 hours but only reverses if it is injected in all the areas the hyaluronic acid filler was injected. However, all of this can be minimised by visiting a reputable practitioner who is qualified to carry out the procedure.