We live in an age where people are more conscious about their appearance and are willing to invest in enhancing it. Whether it’s adding dimples with a simple trick, enhancing your skin’s glow with collagen, or getting fuller lips with fillers, there are plenty of options available.

However, cosmetic procedures like lip fillers come with risks and complications. Urfi Javed is one such celebrity who has openly shared her experience of lip fillers gone wrong. She has also documented her struggle with the problematic fillers and the painful process of dissolving them on her Instagram.

Are you thinking of getting lip fillers? Let’s find out what the experts have to say about the procedure.

What?

Simply put, lip fillers are injections that make your lips plumper.

“They are a type of dermal filler and contain synthetic hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance in the body,” explained Dr Anoop Dhir, senior consultant and cosmetic surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Delhi. India Today.

Lip fillers are primarily used to enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of the lips, giving them a fuller or more defined appearance.

“When hyaluronic acid or dermal fillers are injected, they attract and absorb water, adding volume to the area and making it appear fuller,” explains Dr Sushma Yadav, dermatologist, cosmetologist, hair transplant surgeon and founder of Skinology Centre, Bengaluru.

Moreover, Dr. Aditi Wadhwa from the dermatology department of NCR-based Sharda Hospital says that the trend of lip fillers is increasing rapidly, especially due to the growing beauty trends on social media and the influence of celebrities.

“It is one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures worldwide. In the US alone, hundreds of thousands of lip filler procedures are performed each year. The demand has grown significantly across different age groups, with younger individuals wanting fuller lips and older people wanting to regain the volume lost as they age,” she adds.

Lip fillers are also becoming more popular due to their relatively quick recovery and immediate results.

The effects of lip fillers typically last 6 to 12 months. This depends on the type of filler used, the amount injected, individual metabolism, and how the body processes the filler over time.

“Since most lip fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, they break down and absorb slowly, meaning their plumpness fades over time,” says Dr. Wadhwa.

To maintain results, many people opt for touch-up treatments every 6 to 9 months.

Experts say the results are not permanent, allowing a person to either continue with further treatments or allow their lips to return to their natural state over time.

Although the cost of lip fillers depends on several factors, including the location of the clinic, the experience of the doctor, and the type of filler used, the procedure typically costs around Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000 per session.

Why do people get lip fillers?

• Beauty EnhancementMany people desire to improve the size and shape of their lips to appear more youthful or fuller, often driven by beauty trends or personal preferences.
• Age-Related Volume LossAs people age, their lips tend to lose volume, and fillers can provide a more youthful appearance.
• Correcting the imbalanceSome people have naturally uneven or thin lips, and fillers can correct these problems.
• non-surgical optionsLip fillers offer a temporary, non-invasive alternative to surgical procedures, with effects typically lasting between 6-12 months, depending on the filler and individual metabolism.

Meanwhile, talking about the procedure, Dr Yadav said that it is a quick procedure and can be completed within 30 minutes on the day of consultation itself.

“Getting an injection can be scary, but fillers use very fine needles, so it’s mostly a comfortable process. Your doctor will also apply a numbing cream to make the procedure as painless as possible,” she adds.

Fillers vs. Botox

According to Dr. Dhir, fillers and Botox are two different things. “Both are minimally invasive procedures that can help a person look more youthful, but they work differently and target different concerns,” he says.

Botox relaxes muscles by injecting botulinum toxin, while fillers plump up the areas of skin that need rejuvenation. Generally, Botox is useful for the forehead and areas around the eyes, while fillers are used to fill in wrinkles in the lower parts of the face.

Let’s consider the benefits and risks

Lip fillers are a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that helps achieve improved contours. The process is quick and takes little or no time.

What’s more, the results of lip fillers are visible immediately after the procedure, with the full effect usually showing within a few days. And the best part is that fillers are temporary, they can be changed and adjusted to suit your needs.

However, lip fillers can cause swelling and bruising. There is also a possibility that the lips may become uneven or asymmetrical if the filler is not injected evenly or if the lips heal differently on each side.

In some cases, lumps, bumps or irregularities on the lips can occur due to the way the filler settled or was injected incorrectly. There is also a risk of infection or an allergic reaction.

“One of the most serious risks, although rare, is if the filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel. This can block blood flow, causing tissue damage,” says Dr. Wadhwa.

What happens when lip fillers go wrong…

If lip fillers are used incorrectly, it can lead to the above-mentioned complications.

According to experts, massaging the lips can help in curing lumps. However, this should be done by an experienced cosmetic surgeon and should not be done without supervision.

The other option is to dissolve the fillers. Dr. Wadhwa explains that this is only possible if the filler is made of hyaluronic acid.

This procedure involves injecting an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which breaks down the hyaluronic filler, allowing it to dissolve and be absorbed by the body.

Now, before you make this appointment, remember

• Make sure the doctor you choose for lip fillers is a qualified, experienced, and certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.
• It’s important to understand the procedure. Lip fillers typically use hyaluronic acid-based products such as Juvéderm or Restylane. Ask about the type of filler being used, the details of the procedure, and potential side effects.
• Discuss the look you want with your doctor, but understand that results may vary and adjust your expectations accordingly. While fillers will enhance your natural lips, the procedure won’t make a major change to your appearance.
• Keep in mind the possible side effects that may occur after the procedure. Also, understand that fillers are temporary, and you need to consider the cost of maintenance if you plan to maintain the look for a long time.
• Before the procedure, explain any medical conditions, allergies, or medications you are taking. If you have a history of cold sores, fillers can sometimes trigger an outbreak.
• Avoid overfilling, especially if this is your first time. Start with a subtle increase, and you can always add more later if needed.
• Follow any care instructions provided, which may include avoiding strenuous activity, massage, and exposure to extreme temperatures for a few days.