Fillers are substances that are injected into the skin, beneath the superficial layer (dermal layer), anywhere in your face or body. They are of various types, are soft, and have a gel-like consistency. The goal of lip fillers is to provide volume, diminish lip lines, and provide hydration to the lips.
Which lip filler is the best?
All fillers have their advantages and disadvantages. It is important to understand your requirements and expectations and discuss with your doctor to select the right lip filler for you.
Temporary hyaluronic acid (HA) lip fillers: What makes HA unique is that it is a naturally occurring substance in our body tissues, especially the skin, joints, and eyes. In the joints, it functions as a lubricant and cushion, preventing friction between the joints and help our joints function smoothly. It fills up the spaces between the skin and binds to water molecules. This helps your skin to remain hydrated, plump, and supple. It also repairs body tissues and helps in wound healing. As we age, the concentration of HA declines.
HA provides immediate volume enhancement, reduces lines, and, unlike other fillers, provides hydration. It is completely safe; your lips look and feel natural. The results are temporary, lasting around six to eight months. HA can safely be dissolved by injecting an enzyme called hyaluronidase at the site of the filler. HA is ideal if you are getting lip augmentation done for the first time.
Semi-permanent lip fillers: Semi-permanent fillers last longer than HA fillers and induce new collagen formation. There are two main semi-permanent fillers, namely, hydroxylapatite fillers (Radiesse) and poly-L-lactic acid fillers (Sculptra).
Radiesse results in immediate volume enhancement and simultaneously induces the generation of new collagen. The results last for 12 to 18 months. With Sculptra, there is no immediate volume correction, but it induces new collagen formation. Multiple sessions over six to eight weeks are required to achieve satisfactory cosmetic results. The results are gradual and last for over two years, hence requiring lesser touch-ups. The disadvantage is that they can’t be dissolved, unlike HA, to reverse the results.
Permanent lip fillers: Permanent fillers may be cost-effective in the long-term and a slightly more invasive procedure. Removal of the filler due to aesthetic reasons would require another additional procedure. Permanent fillers are also called lip implants; they are usually made of silicone or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. They both last forever, but the latter is softer and easier to compress than silicone, making the lips look and feel more natural. Fat and tissue grafts can also be used for lip augmentation, and they last for around five years.