Lip Filler Throughout the Years
What is lip filler?
Lip filler is a common non-surgical aesthetic procedure that uses a hyaluronic acid-based “filler” to plump the lips. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is naturally found in your body. Hyaluronic acid is used in the body to increase volume in your lips and other areas. As you age, your body produces less hyaluronic acid, along with other essential natural substances like elastin and collagen. This type of filler can greatly improve the look of your lips by altering and adding shape, structure, and volume. As people age, lip filler throughout the years is welcome for different reasons.
The surge in lip filler
With a huge rise in non-surgical aesthetic procedures over the years, one of the most popular non-surgical procedures, lip augmentation, has also experienced a surge in demand in North America. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons found an increase of 50% in lip augmentations for adults between the years of 2000 and 2016. Many factors contribute to this huge increase of individuals seeking beautiful, full lips, from the influence of celebrities like Kylie Jenner to an overall increase in societal acceptance of aesthetic procedures. But why is there an extreme surge in lip filler specifically – more so than any other non-surgical aesthetic procedure?
The answer to that question is that lip augmentations are extremely popular in every age group, unlike other aesthetic procedures focused on anti-aging. Whether you are 20 years old and want to have the same plump lips as your favourite celebrity or you are 40 years old and seeking the voluminous lips you once had, lip augmentation is the procedure for you.
The demographic for lip filler is obviously huge, but there are differences in what each age group is looking to achieve with this procedure.
What is happening in your 20s?
Lip augmentation for patients in their twenties and still in their youthful years is mostly about changing genetic lip imperfections. Some of these include asymmetry, very thin lips, droopy corners, and other natural imperfections. This age group is looking for enhancement of their lips to ensure that their lips are proportionate to their face. Patients in their 20s tend to love the appearance of full lips, which is most likely due to the huge influence of social media and celebrities like Lady Gaga.
What is happening in your 30s?
In your thirties, collagen and elastin production has begun to decrease. Years of sun exposure can contribute to fine lines and wrinkles on the lips. The earliest noticeable signs of thinning lips also begins during this time. Most patients in their 30s are aware of these changes to their lips. They use lip augmentation as a method of reversing these early signs of aging. Lip filler has the ability to fill the fine lines to prevent the wrinkles from being ingrained into the skin. This age group tends to love the appearance of full lips, like patients in their 20s, so enhancement of their natural features is something that is often mentioned by 30-something-year-old patients.
What is happening in your 40s?
Patients in their forties experience even more drying and thinning of lips due to the further decline in collagen and elastin production. Furthermore, structural changes begin to appear. Areas around the lips, including the nasolabial folds (laugh lines) and oral commissure (corners of the mouth), also begin to show deeper wrinkles – two telltale signs of an aging mouth region. These areas may also be need to be treated to further support the lips and to achieve a youthful appearance. The word that best describes patients in their 40s seeking lip filler is restoration. Fillers are used to maintain the fullness of the lips and diminish deeper wrinkles that have become ingrained in the skin.
What is happening in your 50s?
In your fifties, overall changes to your entire face may be causing the lips to age even more, making the face appear older than it is. The extreme lack of elastin and collagen causes structural changes like an increase in the distance between the nose and the lips due to drooping. A loss of fat and bone in the mid-face area can also affect the shape of the mouth. A mix of lip fillers and neurotoxins (Botox) can beautifully recreate the Cupid’s bow and the vertical columns above the lips to give that region a younger appearance as well as restoring the lips’ fullness.
60s and older
For patients in their sixties and older, the same issues are found as patients in their 50s. Restoring fullness, removing perioral lines, and restoring facial structures in the oral region are imperative for achieving a youthful appearance in this age group.
Overall, lip fillers can work wonders for your overall facial appearance and confidence as well as significantly reduce the effects of aging. No matter which age group or stage of aging you find yourself in, it is important to find a medical doctor who you trust to create the best treatment plan for you.
FAQs
Are lip fillers painful?
Lip fillers are not painful to receive! During the treatment, there may be some mild discomfort, but often the injector will provide a topical numbing cream to the treatment area to ensure optimal comfort.
Can lip filler treatments be reversed?
Yes, lip filler treatments can be reversed if needed. There is an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which dissolves hyaluronic acid filler. Therefore, if something goes wrong during your procedure or you are unhappy with the results, there is an option for you.
Where should I get lip fillers done?
To ensure the best results for your lip filler, lip augmentation treatments should be done by a medical doctor who is very educated in facial anatomy. Ensure that you verify the credentials of the medical doctor so that you get the top treatment.
How long does lip filler last?
Lip filler typically lasts around 6 to 9 months. Since the lips are a very active part of the face, the body metabolizes the hyaluronic acid filler quicker than in other areas of the face.
How soon will I notice results?
Results from a lip augmentation will be seen immediately after the treatment. It should be noted that swelling and bruising is normal for several days after surgery, but the final result can be seen about 7 days post-procedure.
