The popularity of non-invasive beauty enhancement procedures is on the rise. In 2018, around 17 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), with roughly 89% of the procedures being non-surgical.
This popularity can be attributed to the latest trend in beauty enhancements which is subtlety. People nowadays prefer to highlight their physical features through minor alteration procedures that won’t drastically change their appearance. The current market finds a subdued, natural-looking enhancement to be highly desirable when it comes to beautification.
Another factor taken into consideration is the recovery period after a procedure. Surgical cosmetic procedures usually require weeks or even months of post-operative recovery before a patient can return to regular activities. At times, the patient will have to refrain from doing certain movements, eating particular foods, or touching specific areas on their bodies to ensure a full recovery. Many would find these requirements inconvenient or highly restrictive, which makes them consider other options that won’t require post-operative care.
Currently, injectable fillers are one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures on the market, gaining global popularity, especially among celebrities and influencers. This procedure can make the cheeks and lips look plump and hydrated, creating a youthful appearance. Both men and women use cheek and lip fillers as an anti-aging treatment that can smoothen out fine lines and wrinkles as well.
If you’re curious to find out how lip and cheek enhancement works, here are some important things you should know about this cosmetic procedure:
1. What Are Injectable Fillers
Cheek and lip fillers are commonly made of hyaluronic acid. It is a clear substance with a gel-like consistency naturally produced by the body found in the skin. This substance is injected under the skin using a needle or a cannula and will naturally integrate with other substances. It attracts water molecules to the tissue, leaving it plump and hydrated. Injectable fillers can be used in common problem areas including, under-eye circles, cheekbones, lips, and hands.
Firm fillers create volume and shape to the face by going deep into the skin. Soft fillers are intended to smooth out wrinkles by injecting them close to the skin’s surface. The results of filler injections may vary depending on the consistency of the filler used. Also, how deep it was injected into the skin.
2. What Injectable Fillers Do
Apart from smoothening lines and wrinkles in the face, fillers can also enhance and augment cheekbones, jawlines, and noses to give them a sharper and more defined look. Some also use them to rejuvenate aging skin on the cleavage, hands, and neck.
Here are other ways injectable fillers are used:
- Minimize the appearance of deep-set scars
- Plump thin, sagging lips
- Reconstruct facial deformities in the facial contour
3. Who Needs Injectable Fillers
Because of its anti-aging effects, the typical users of injectable fillers are those who are looking to rejuvenate aging skin in the face and body. However, there are also clients whose goal is to enhance their facial features such as the cheeks, the lips, or the jawline. Some clients also use injectable fillers to plump up areas on their faces that began to droop or sink due to aging.
4. Where To Get Injectable Fillers
Only certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons are qualified to conduct this procedure. With this in mind, it’s crucial to ensure that you’re consulting with a trustworthy medical practitioner. You can ask your doctor to show you pictures of patients who have undergone the same procedure to help you decide if the results meet your expectations or if you need to consult with other practitioners.
Also, it may be helpful to have the procedure done in an established dermatological clinic that follows standard regulatory requirements in your area. It can ensure the safety and cleanliness of the environment where the procedure will be performed to avoid the risk of infection, which can be painful and highly dangerous.
Additionally, it’s crucial to know what type of filler to use. Ask your doctor to show you the bottle and the packaging of the filler so that you can inspect the brand and certifications on them before the procedure.
5. How Fillers Are Injected
Your dermatologist will give you specific instructions before the procedure. Your preparations will depend on your doctor’s assessment, so it will be helpful to ask them what you need to do beforehand.
Before injecting the filler, the surface of the skin is usually numbed with a local anesthetic. After that, the doctor will use a needle or cannula for a subcutaneous injection which commonly lasts only a few moments per area. After the injection, the doctor will massage the site and assess the result to see if additional filters are needed. The whole procedure may take 15 minutes up to an hour, depending on how many areas are injected. Repeat sessions as needed with a few weeks of interval.
6. Pain and Recovery Process
Many clients are wary about the pain that comes with beauty enhancement procedures. For injectable fillers, most dermatologists coat the skin with a topical numbing cream to reduce the pain when injected. After the injection, patients usually feel some pressure, but intense pain is highly uncommon. Once the procedure is complete, the doctor applies ice to the area to alleviate any swelling.
Swelling can affect the shape of the area where the filler is injected, but the volume usually settles after five days. There can also be minor bruising, which usually fades away quickly. In case you notice anything that might be a cause of concern, it’s best to consult with your dermatologist right away.
There are some activities that you might need to avoid for a few days to ensure a full recovery. In this regard, it may be best to put off going to the gym, running, or clubbing, as well as having facial massages or wearing masks for a few days.
7. How Much They Cost
Cheek and lip filler costs may vary depending on where you live and the type of filler you get. Typically, cheek fillers may cost USD$600 to USD$1200 per syringe. The cost of one session may also depend on the number of syringes used.
On the other hand, lip injections usually cost around USD$550 to USD$2,000, depending on the type of filler and how much was used per session. Doctor’s fees may also vary for both treatments.
8. How Long The Effects Last
The effects of cheek and lip fillers can last from six to 12 months, depending on the type of filler used and how much was injected. Some fillers are known to last for a few years as well. In this case, you’ll have to consult with your doctor so you’ll be able to find a cost-efficient filler that will match your needs.
Temporary hyaluronic acid fillers can also be removed if you’re unhappy with the final results. Your dermatologist can inject hyaluronidase to break down the fillers. The removal procedure is known to be painful but is usually quick and has instant results.
Conclusion
Cosmetic procedures may seem daunting, especially for first-timers. It is why it’s necessary to conduct your research and gather as much information about a procedure so you’ll be able to decide whether you’re willing to try it or not. Also, it may be important to read reviews online or ask people who have already undergone the same procedure to learn more about it.
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