Full, luscious lips are a timeless beauty asset that has been coveted for decades by women of all ages. Lipstick and lip gloss come in every shade imaginable and offer a way to play with your look depending on your mood and outfit. But what about if you want a longer-lasting boost for plump, shapely lips?
Cosmetic medicine has come a long way since our society’s lip obsession began. Today, you have more options than simply putting a little makeup on. You can actually change the size and shape of your lips for a perfect pout—in a way that still looks totally natural. Here’s how!
Which Lip Treatment is the Best?
Plastic surgeons and medical spas offer a range of options for plumping and contouring the lips. While some people choose surgical treatments for permanently changing the size and shape of their lips (including implants, lip lifts, and fat grafting), most people are looking for a little less commitment in their beauty regimen. That’s where fillers come in!
Hyaluronic acid fillers are the superstars of cosmetic medicine and are ideal for improving the appearance of the lips. They’re non-surgical, effective for shaping and filling in the lips and look incredibly natural. They’re also perfect for people who are a little commitment-phobic because they’re temporary and totally reversible.
Filler treatments are performed during a quick injection session. A trained aesthetician carefully injects the patient’s product of choice into the upper and lower lips to meet their unique goals. Some people need a more defined Cupid’s bow (the dip at the top of the upper lip), while others want a plumper, more defined lower lip.
Getting lip fillers causes minimal discomfort, especially with topical numbing treatments that can be used before the injection process begins. It’s a great choice for people who want more volume than lipstick can provide, but without the surgery!
Hyaluronic Acid: The Miracle Ingredient
Fillers that are suitable for lip augmentation are usually made with hyaluronic acid (HA). This is truly a miracle ingredient—a substance that occurs naturally within our skin to provide volume and hydration. Because HA is already present in the skin, it allows for an extremely natural look and feel.
Soft, full lips are just 15 minutes away with HA fillers. Gel fillers add instant volume and allow patients to enjoy the results of the treatment right away. It’s totally customizable and your aesthetician or plastic surgeon can help you design a look that’s perfect for you.
It’s important to keep in mind that hyaluronic acid fillers don’t last forever. Over time, the body breaks them down and the lips return to normal. If you get fillers, you’ll have to come back into the office every 6-12 months or so if you want to maintain your new look (and you might be unable to resist!).
HA Filler Brands
Specialized fillers offer a truly custom lip augmentation experience. The most well-known filler manufacturers have created a variety of formulas, many designed specifically for the lip area. Whether you’re contending with vertical lip lines or you just want a fuller, sexier pout, there’s a product that’s perfect for your needs and goals.
Juvederm Volbella
Juvederm’s lip-specific formula, Volbella, is ideal for improving aging or thin lips. The formula is great for defining lip borders and resolving wrinkles, and it offers subtle, natural-looking rejuvenation. It lasts for about 4-6 months, on average.
Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, and Juvederm Vollure
Juvederm is a classic choice for lip augmentation and it’s perfect for soft, natural lips. There are several different products in the Juvederm family, almost all of which can be used for lip augmentation. Your aesthetician can advise you on which formula is best for you and some options can last for up to 18 months!
Restylane
A great, all-purpose HA filler, Restylane actively pulls in moisture to the lips for a full, shapely look. Restylane works similarly to other fillers but can last for up to six months by encouraging collagen production.
Not Quite Ready For Fillers? Peruse the Drugstore (Or Ask Your Aesthetician)
It can be intimidating to get professional lip treatments and you shouldn’t rush into anything if you’re not sure you’re ready. If you’re still considering your options or fillers are a little too expensive, then consider changing the products you use for your lips to get a little extra boost.
At Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique, our aestheticians are experts at helping patients choose the products and treatments that are ideally suited to their needs. If you are in the Houston area and need some advice on which products to buy (whether drugstore or medical-grade), feel free to contact us.
Schedule a consultation at our beautiful Houston, TX facility by calling (281) 810-9083 or contacting us via our website. We can help you decide how to move forward with getting the beautiful lips of your dreams. And remember, hyaluronic acid is your friend!