How to enlarge lips and correct lip shape: methods, types of injections, side effects

Unfortunately, lips cannot be pumped up with the help of any exercises; it is impossible to enlarge them with a variety of products that are applied to the lips superficially.

This is where injections come to the rescue. These preparations allow you to quickly and almost painlessly give your lips the desired shape, volume, and provide moisture.

Lip augmentation occurs with the help of hyaluronic acid. It is injected into the lips.

Before the procedure, it is advisable not to drink alcohol or any drugs that can worsen blood clotting. You don’t need to follow a special regime, and you don’t have to change your diet either.

Lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid is carried out in the same way, regardless of the chosen technique. The procedure will take you about an hour, this period includes waiting for the moment when the anesthetic substance takes effect.

Before the procedure, you will be given pain medication, which will minimize any pain. Then they will begin to inject hyaluronic acid. The drug is applied to the center of the lips, and it will spread throughout their entire volume on its own. You will also be given the remaining medication.

Usually, after the procedure, cosmetologists do a small massage of the area into which the hyaluron was injected. They do it so that the composition is well distributed over the entire surface of the lips, there are no unevenness or lumps. After the massage, a cold compress will be applied to the lips, it will help reduce discomfort.

After the procedure, you may notice lumps, bruises, and unevenness in your lips. All this goes away after some time, after the hyaluron spreads through the lips. After some time, the lips will become plump and smooth, without lumps. After the procedure, it is undesirable to use cosmetics; they can cause complications and inflammation.

Therefore, if you have undergone lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid, you should not use decorative cosmetics for a while. Your cosmetologist will tell you the exact period of abstinence from cosmetics.

In addition to cosmetics, it is not advisable to drink hot drinks, eat hot food, or visit establishments such as bathhouses or saunas.

Why are lips enlarged?

There are several main reasons:

• age-related changes;
• volume loss
• initially insufficient lip volume;
• inappropriate or undesirable form;
• asymmetry;
• the appearance of “purse-string” wrinkles;
• drooping corners of the lips.

As a rule, lip augmentation occurs simultaneously with correction of their shape. The cosmetic procedure allows you to get plump, voluminous lips with a beautiful contour, lift the corners of your mouth, and smooth out the skin around you. The correction eliminates even small wrinkles above the upper lip. A number of procedures help to moisturize, eliminate dryness and flaking of delicate skin. However, you don’t have to have any aesthetic problems to make your lips bigger. Only the client's desire is enough.

How can you enlarge your lips?

The shape and thickness of the lips depends on the condition of the orbicularis oris muscle and the volume of loose connective tissue. If there is not enough of it, the mouth appears thin and the beautiful M-shaped curve above the upper lip, called the “Cupid's bow,” is missing. To adjust the shape and volume, different techniques are used. There are three most common options:

• Use of botulinum toxins;
• Filler injections;
• Enlargement with gels.

Botulinum toxins - Botox, Xeomin, Dysport

Injections of drugs containing botulinum toxin do not enlarge lips. They work differently: the active substance has a paralytic effect on small facial muscles, gently and naturally blocking their activity. You still have lively and natural facial expressions, but creases and folds disappear. The muscles relax, which is why it seems that the lips have become a little different in shape. In fact, they remain the same. If you want to get rid of purse string wrinkles, Botox, Xeomin or Dysport are suitable. But if your goal is to make your lips fuller, it is better to pay attention to other methods.

Contour plastic with fillers

The most common method of enlargement. Fillers - special gels based on hyaluronic acid - are injected into the lips. This allows you to get the desired lip shape, increase volume, and make the skin moisturized and smooth. Modern manufacturers produce fillers that take into account all the features of the delicate lip area, so the procedure usually goes without complications.

Hyaluronic acid is produced in the human body, so compatibility problems most often do not arise. After some time - most often from 8 to 12 months - it is naturally eliminated from the body. Lips return to their natural shape. The procedure can be repeated, maintaining the volume you like.

In our clinic, augmentation is performed using fillers.

Lip augmentation and correction with hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the intercellular matrix. It is responsible for the water balance (in other words, moisture) of the skin and affects the processes of cellular metabolism and regeneration. Hyaluronic acid retains water molecules in the skin, maintaining the protective function of the epidermis and mucous membranes. Slows down aging and prevents the formation of wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is produced in our body up to 25 years, and then the natural process slows down, the amount in tissues decreases. The processes of skin aging and the inevitable loss of natural tissue volume begin: the cheeks sink and sag, the skin becomes less elastic, and becomes sagging. Lips also noticeably lose volume.

Operating principle

Injections of preparations with hyaluronic acid allow you to replenish the necessary level of moisture in the tissues. The substance attracts water molecules, simultaneously solving several problems: the skin becomes hydrated and smoother, wrinkles become less pronounced. The lost volume is replenished.

Hyaluronic acid is a natural preparation that is biologically compatible with the body. After administration, it is embedded in the tissue, which provides a natural and beautiful effect. Fillers become a part of you, they don’t feel like something alien. There is also no need to “remove” volume enhancers: after some time, the filler is naturally eliminated from the body. This means that the use of such drugs is completely safe.

The scope of application of preparations based on hyaluronic acid is wide: they are used for biorevitalization and mesotherapy, facial skin rejuvenation, oval modeling and cervical-mental angle, lip shape correction. As a rule, products with medium density hyaluronic acid are used to enlarge lips - that is, from 18 to 22 mg/ml. Fillers are injected into the middle and deep layers of the dermis at several points determined by the doctor, restore volume, moisturize, and allow you to enjoy your own appearance.

Hyaluronic acid injections into lips

Preparations with hyaluronic acid are injected into the lips to solve several problems:

• Adjust volume
• Correct asymmetry
• Moisturize lips

Filler preparations also help to cope with age-related changes, get rid of drooping corners of the lips and signs of a “tired” face. The introduction of fillers helps to solve several problems at once: for example, to slightly increase the lost volume and straighten small “purse-string” wrinkles above the upper lip, making the face immediately appear younger. The procedure itself is not very long, it takes about 60 minutes, maybe less, depending on the complexity and volume of work. The procedure is non-traumatic, it involves a minimal recovery period, and the effect lasts for a long time. Fillers are injected using very thin needles, immediately distributed evenly in the tissues. Moreover, injections of hyaluronic acid not only increase volume and make lips more symmetrical, but also stimulate the production of natural collagen and elastin. These substances are responsible for the youth and beauty of our skin. Over time, the filler begins to dissolve. It is removed naturally, and the lips return to their original volume. The procedure can be repeated as needed. The elimination period varies depending on your age, metabolism and other characteristics, but on average it is 8-12 months. That is, you won’t have to adjust the shape of your lips very often!

The difference between hyaluronic acid and fillers

Hyaluronic acid itself is most often used for biorevitalization and mesotherapy. That is, it starts skin renewal processes, promotes the production of natural collagen and elastin, moisturizes, but does not affect volume.

Fillers are mostly created on the basis of hyaluronic acid. Therefore, in addition to hydration and rejuvenation, stimulation of cellular regeneration, lip shape correction is also added, the ability to make the lower or upper lip fuller and more seductive. For the manufacture of such preparations, medium-density hyaluronic acid is used.

There are also collagen-based fillers and calcium hydroxyapatite-based preparations. They are used to correct the face, not the lips.

Another type of filler is bionondegradable. They contain synthetic polymer gels (for example, silicones), do not dissolve, and can only be removed from the body surgically. Bionon-degradable fillers are not used in cosmetology.

The difference between hyaluronic acid and botulinum toxin

Botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid are completely different drugs with a different principle of action. Hyaluronic acid moisturizes tissues and restores their missing volume, thereby smoothing out wrinkles and reducing sagging skin. It becomes elastic again, filled with moisture. The volume changes - it can be increased.

Botulinum toxin is a drug that acts completely differently. It blocks the transmission of neuromuscular impulses, thereby relieving muscle spasms and relaxing muscles. Botox, as well as Xeomin and Dysport, help smooth out wrinkles and skin, but do not affect the volume of the lips.

Both remedies can be used for rejuvenation. But if hyaluronic acid models the oval of the face and smoothes the skin, then botulinum toxin relieves muscle spasms - wrinkles between the eyebrows and on the forehead are leveled out, and purse-string wrinkles become less noticeable. Because of botulinum toxin, it may seem that the lips have become a little larger - if injections were made in the mouth area - but this external effect is achieved only due to muscle relaxation. It is impossible to enlarge lips with botulinum toxin.

However, the drugs can be used sequentially to achieve a comprehensive rejuvenation effect. If such a program for preserving youth and beauty suits you, a Cleo Line specialist will definitely tell you more about it.

Lip augmentation with gels

A filler based on hyaluronic acid can also be called a gel - then all the information indicated above is relevant. Synthetic non-absorbable gels are considered an outdated technique, and the risks of negative consequences are high, because there are no certified preparations based on biopolymer gel. And those that exist at the moment, although cheaper, are manufactured illegally. At the Cleo Line cosmetology center, only certified legal drugs and techniques are used. For contouring, fillers based on hyaluronic acid are used.

What is hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the body of mammals and humans. According to its chemical composition, hyaluronic acid belongs to mucopolysaccharides. It is part of many biological fluids and tissues. It is found in large quantities in the skin and is involved in its regeneration.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW! With age and under the influence of unfavorable environmental factors, such as ultraviolet radiation, dermal cells stop producing hyaluronic acid.

Due to its high molecular weight (from 800 to 2 million daltons) and special structure, the molecules of this polymer have the ability to hold huge amounts of water (1 molecule of the substance binds 1000 molecules of H2O). This property makes it a unique skin and tissue moisturizing product. In addition, hyaluronic acid stimulates collagen production.

After injection, the filler penetrates the lip tissue, where it combines with water molecules. Evenly filling and moisturizing the lips, the filler corrects their volume and contour, making the surface smooth and the tissue elastic.

How is lip contouring done?

Before starting the procedure, the specialist conducts a consultation: determines the desired shape of the lips, talks about other effects that can be achieved (getting rid of wrinkles above the upper lip, lifting the corners of the mouth).

Then the doctor determines the area of ​​correction and treats the skin with an antiseptic. If necessary, an anesthetic is applied: this way contour plastic surgery is tolerated more comfortably and does not cause discomfort.

In front of you, the specialist opens the package of a disposable syringe with the drug, then injects the filler evenly into the upper and lower lip, making several injections to evenly distribute the gel filler.

Preparation

Before the procedure, it is recommended to refrain from drinking alcohol and blood thinners. If you have previously had herpes on your lips, you should consult your doctor and possibly take a course of antiviral medications. No further special preparation is required.

Recovery period

Within 1-2 weeks after the procedure, there may be slight swelling in the correction area, as well as bruising and swelling. This is normal and nothing to worry about. Follow the recommendations of your restoration specialist to speed up the healing process of your lips.

Effect of the procedure

The result becomes visible immediately after correction. Lips acquire greater volume and change shape. The corners of the mouth are lifted and fine wrinkles are smoothed out. The face no longer looks tired and sad. In addition, hyaluronic acid helps moisturize the lips and the skin stops flaking. Soft, full, well-defined, symmetrical lips will delight you for a long time.

How long does the result last?

As a rule, the effect lasts for 8-12 months. Gradually, the filler dissolves, naturally dissolves in the body and is eliminated without external intervention.

How often should the procedure be repeated?

If you want to maintain the effect of lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid for a long time, you can repeat the procedure after removing the filler from the body. Also, specialists can make additional corrections 2-3 months after the initial increase if you have not received the desired volume.

Efficiency

Maintaining the effect of fillers depends on the characteristics of the body and the viscosity of the gel. Botulinum toxin will not go away on its own, just like the implant. And gels with varying degrees of viscosity will last from 6 months to a year. Cosmetologists note that even after removing gels from tissues, the volume still remains. One of the main recommendations is not to overdo it, so as not to lose natural beauty.

Hyaluronic acid acts not only mechanically, it also attracts fluid. The hydrobalance is normalized, the skin becomes moisturized and qualitatively improves. Local metabolism is activated, metabolic and regenerative processes are accelerated. Also stimulating the work of fibroblasts, the production of their own elastin and collagen.

Side effects

If the procedure is performed correctly, there should be no side effects - lip contouring is safe. However, in rare cases, unwanted complications still appear. It could be:

• loss of sensitivity in the injection area;
• the appearance of pigmentation at the injection sites of filler;
• temporary disruption of vascular function;
• change in skin texture in the filler injection area;
• gel penetration under the skin;
• the appearance of granulomas - tiny “nodules” on the surface of the skin.

If you notice any complication, do not try to “straighten” the filler yourself and wait, for example, for the return of sensitivity. Contact your doctor immediately.

Contraindications

The first and most important contraindication to injection lip surgery is individual intolerance to the drugs. In this sense, lipofilling is the safest procedure, since the patient’s own tissue is used.

If you have the slightest suspicion of the possibility of an allergic reaction, be sure to do a test before using the chosen drug for the first time.

Injection correction is not performed due to some medical contraindications. The grounds for refusal to perform the procedure are:

• pregnancy and lactation;
• autoimmune and oncological diseases;
• mental disorders and epilepsy;
• active herpes virus;
• any inflammatory processes;
• skin diseases around the mouth;
• tattoo done less than a month ago;
• bleeding disorders.

In these cases, alternative non-invasive techniques may be used.

Myths about lip augmentation

There are many myths around the procedure. We dispel the most popular ones.

1. After the procedure, I will have lips like Angelina Jolie. No - unless you want it yourself. The shape and volume are selected individually for each client. The correction can be done as unnoticeably and naturally as possible.
2. Contour plastic surgery can be cheap. The cost of the procedure consists of the payment for the services of a qualified specialist and the price of the filler. We work only with high-quality, safe and certified drugs: they simply cannot cost 3-4 thousand rubles. Accordingly, the procedure is more expensive.
3. After lip augmentation, the lips will not become the same. They will become so in about a year. The injections are carried out with a very thin needle, the specialist does not violate the anatomical features of the tissues. Therefore, if you get tired of the volume, don’t worry: in a year your lips will look the same as before the augmentation. The process can be accelerated by introducing a special enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid.
4. The denser the filler, the longer it will last. This is not true. The densest preparations are usually intended for correction of other areas: cheekbones, chin, face as a whole. For lips, special products with less density are used. At the same time, they last the same amount of time, but they feel absolutely natural.
5. Lip augmentation is dangerous. Again, this is not true. If you have chosen a qualified, experienced doctor who follows the technology of drug administration and uses certified and safe fillers, the risk of complications is minimal.

How to safely enlarge lips at home

There are two ways to enlarge your lips at home - albeit only temporarily. This is makeup and gymnastics. They do not change the volume of the lips, but create an enlargement effect.

Makeup

With the help of cosmetics, you can create the effect of fuller and more clearly defined lips: for this, special makeup techniques are used, and lipstick or tint is often applied outside the natural contour. The effect lasts until the cosmetics are washed off or smeared. The method is suitable for a one-time visual lip enlargement, but strong asymmetry or age-related changes cannot be masked this way.

Gymnastics

Facial muscles, like any other, need training. By regularly performing special exercises, you can relax the edges of your lips, reduce wrinkles in the corners of your mouth and provide lymphatic drainage - this will make your lips appear plumper. For example, to increase the volume of the upper lip, you can lift it with your index finger, and then “press” on it with your raised lip. But it is important to use these techniques correctly - otherwise you can achieve the formation of new creases and folds.

Alternative non-injection medications

The non-injection technique is called electroporation. This is an alternative non-surgical procedure for introducing hyaluronic acid, which is delivered to the tissue using the action of a device. This technique is suitable for those who want to avoid injections or have contraindications to them.

There is also an alternative to hardware methods. Cosmetic companies offer girls drugs and cosmetics containing low molecular weight hyaluronic acid. Examples of such cosmetics are:

• Lip Maximizer by Dior;
• Catrice Volumizing Lip Booster;
• Starlette Volume Activateur Collagene.

Such cosmetics moisturize the skin, improving its appearance. But a full-fledged enlargement result cannot be achieved with the help of external application of drugs; a barely noticeable effect is possible.