What Are The Pros And Cons of Lip Fillers?

David Fuller

Last Updated On: February 29, 2024

Disclaimer: The contents of this article should not be construed as medical advice but only for informational purposes. Medsupplysolutions.com staff does not review any of these articles for medical validity. Medsupplysolutions does not endorse the opinions or views expressed in this article. Please always seek professional medical advice from licensed doctor.

Get ready to dazzle everyone with your smile! In accordance with National Smile Day (May 31), let’s delve into lip fillers, why you might get them, and what you may need to look out for.

Among the number of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, lip enhancements and lip fillers were one of the most in demand. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more and more people have been seeking lip enhancements. Between the year 2000 and today, there has been a more than a 50% increase in interest from patients as young as 18 years old all the way to senior citizens. With celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Kylie Jenner, and others rocking full pouty lips, it isn’t a surprise that many have taken an interest. And since the procedure is mostly quick and safe with fast results, what is stopping everyone from getting lip fillers?

Before you go charging into your licensed plastic surgeon or dermatologist’s clinic, let us lay out the pros and cons for lip fillers so that you can be sure it is the right procedure for you. Weighing your options can only help you make sure you end up smiling from ear to ear.

What are the kinds of lip fillers?

The currently most used material for lip augmentations are hyaluronic acid injectable dermal fillers. These won out over other kinds of lip fillers due to their safety and effectiveness. There are hundreds of injectable fillers that use hyaluronic acid currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration like Revanesse Kiss or Restylane Kysse.

Before the rise of hyaluronic acid, collagen was considered the most effective lip augmentation, but its usage has since declined since hyaluronic acid was proven to be more effective and safe.

Other than the previously mentioned options, there are also fat injections and implants, but these are also in the minority since they also aren’t as safe and effective as hyaluronic acid.

The Good

• Achieve fuller lips – The main reason people get lip augmentations is because they just want to have fuller lips like Angelina Jolie or Kim Kardashian. This desire might be because of some insecurities or maybe they have naturally thin lips. Either way, lip augmentation is the best way to achieve the lips they want.
• Restore lost volume – As people age, skin starts to lose volume, including the lips. Using hyaluronic acid injected into the lips is currently accepted as the method to restore that volume in a natural-looking and safe way. 
• Reduce Wrinkles – Similar to the way injectable fillers can reduce volume loss, they can also reduce facial wrinkles around the lips since aside from adding volume, hyaluronic acid fillers can also help keep the lip and surrounding skin hydrated.
• Boosted confidence – The previous three benefits all contribute to helping you get your ideal appearance. Once you achieve the desired results, your confidence will grow and you will be able to live a happier life.
• Fast Results – Once your lips are injected with hyaluronic acid fillers, you will immediately see an increase in volume, which will gradually subside as the swelling goes away and as the filler settles into the desired shape and fullness.
• Safe – Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring part of the body, so side effects are minimal and uncommon. This is one of the main reasons why most injectable fillers have shifted to using hyaluronic acid for lip augmentation.
• Fast Recovery – After the lip filler is injected, there may be some swelling or bruising in the affected area, but most of the discomfort should be gone within 24 hours and your lips should be feeling normal within 3-5 days.

The Bad

Some side effects after the procedure can include:

• Swelling
• Discoloration
• Mild Pain
• Slight bleeding

Most of these symptoms will subside within 24 to 48 hours. Your doctor may recommend using ice to help with the swelling and you may also be given some painkillers for the pain.

It’s advisable to avoid putting pressure on the lips and refrain from using makeup or other lip products for a day to help initiate the healing process. Your lips should be back to normal within 3 to 5 days.

The Ugly

Lip augmentations, when done correctly by a trained medical practitioner will most likely result in little to no minor side effects. However, there may be some complications that can arise due to other factors. If you experience any of these or if the minor side effects don’t subside, you should contact your dermatologist immediately.

• Infection – Any procedure that involves injecting medication or a medical device such as dermal fillers into the skin carries a risk of infection. If you experience a fever or if the pain and swelling does not subside, it may be a sign of infection and should be reported to your doctor immediately.
• Allergic reactions – Even though hyaluronic acid is a natural part of the body, depending on how it is created, there may be some factors that would make the body sensitive or allergic to it. The allergic reaction may also be caused by the other ingredients in the injectable filler such as lidocaine. If you experience any itching around the lips or if the swelling persists, it may be a sign of an allergic reaction and should be reported to your doctor
• Tissue necrosis – As with other injectable filler procedures, these fillers may occlude some blood vessels, leading to the surrounding tissue being deprived of oxygen, leading to tissue death. This is a serious complication and should be treated immediately. 
• Lumps or irregularities in the lip – This may indicate wrong placement or movement of the dermal filler and can be reversed by the use of hyaluronidase.

That said, going to a board certified dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon or plastic surgeon and using only fillers approved by the Food and Drug Administration is the best way to avoid these serious complications. Though the risks cannot be eliminated completely, they can be managed with proper administration and thorough aftercare.

Now what are you waiting for? Contact your licensed medical practitioner today and discuss with them how to get the smile you want for National Smile Day!

Disclaimer: The contents of this article should not be construed as medical advice but only for informational purposes. Medsupplysolutions.com staff does not review any of these articles for medical validity. Medsupplysolutions does not endorse the opinions or views expressed in this article. Please always seek professional medical advice from licensed doctor.