How Long Do Lip Fillers Last?

For people who would like to enhance the way their lips look, lip fillers are a great way to do it. They are used to create fuller and plumper-looking lips without surgery. Lips change in shape, size, and form as you change because you naturally lose collagen and fat over time. The loss of collagen leads to lips becoming thinner and losing their shape.

Why Choose Lip Fillers

Lip fillers are the least invasive way to change the look of your lips. The recovery time after having lip fillers done is also fast and easy compared to surgery. It takes about two to seven days to fully recover. Lip fillers work to replace the collagen and fat in the lips to retain the shape or make the lips look smoother and plumper.

How To Choose Lip Fillers

When choosing lip fillers, the kind of look you want will determine the kind of lip filler you will get. Based on the size and shape of your lips, you can get the edges of your lips defined; the lips filled so that they look fuller or if you already have full lips and would just like to define the shape of your lips. There are different types of lip fillers best suited for the look that you would like.

Different Types of Lip Fillers

The different types of fillers are:

Collagen – This is a naturally occurring protein in the body. Lip fillers made of collagen are common and mimic the collagen produced in the body. It may produce allergic reactions in the body. It lasts for three to four months.

Hyaluronic Acid – This filler made from bacteria has a gel consistency. When injected in the lips, it attaches to the water molecules in the lip skin, and fills them up. This creates a fuller look. The filler absorbs slowly; therefore, you can opt how thick you would like them to be. The effect of the injections lasts for up to six months.

There are different types, with the most commonly used being Restylane, Juvéderm Ultra XC, and Juvéderm Volbella XC.

Calcium Hydroxyapatite – This filler lasts for up to eighteen months. It is produced from synthetic products, which reduces the chances of allergic reactions. It does not move around, which makes it appear natural and is safe to use.

Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA) – This filler works by stimulating your skin to produce collagen. Your skin breaks down the PLLA into water and carbon dioxide, which then stimulates the collagen to increase in production. The results are not fast and obvious, but they are more permanent and will last up to two years.

Polymethylmethacrylate Beads (PMMA) – This is a semi-permanent lip filler and lasts up to two years. It takes up to three months for effects to be seen, and it may be obvious under the skin.

How To Care for Lip Fillers

After the procedure, you may be in slight discomfort from the injections, and there is also expected swelling and bruising. Here’s how you can take care of your lip fillers so that they last as long as possible.

1. Carry out Aftercare. After you get the injections done, your practitioner will provide aftercare instructions to help the swelling or bruising reduce. You may need to ice your lips to help reduce the discomfort and look of bruising. You will not be able to exercise vigorously for at least two days after the procedure. Exercise causes increased blood flow and it may make the bruising worse.
2. Avoid direct sun, steam rooms, and places with high heat for at least two days after your procedure. The heat will increase the swelling.
3. Eat healthy to help your body recover faster. Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 48 hours before and after getting the procedure done. The effect of alcohol and smoking causes the blood vessels to dilate and thin the blood, increasing the bruising, and it will take longer for your lips to heal.
4. After the procedure, do not wear any makeup on your lips for at least one day.

Conclusion

Once you have healed well, you can schedule your next appointment. Ensure to keep up with your filler appointments to make sure that your lips stay looking great. If you feel feverish or unwell after a procedure or are in pain around your lips after three to four days, it is important to see your practitioner and get checked out.

If you are interested in booking an appointment at our Milton Keynes clinic, see more information here.