We often get asked whether lip fillers are a permanent change, often by nervous first timers who aren’t sure if they’ll love the result. With this in mind, we’d like to offer some advice as to whether lip fillers are permanent, and what you should expect from your treatment.
So, are lip fillers permanent?
The short answer to this is no. While there are some permanent lip fillers out there which use GoreTex or Allodrem as filler materials, ours are done using only hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid might sound a bit scary, but don’t be worried about the ‘acid’ in the name. It’s actually a gel-like substance which holds moisture exceptionally well and is something found naturally in all our bodies.
Hyaluronic acid can retain over 1,000 times its weight in moisture. This makes it an ideal choice for making skin look plumper, fuller and better hydrated. Scientific studies have proven that hyaluronic acid can improve collagen production, maintain skin elasticity and even contains anti-bacterial properties.
Hyaluronic acid in lip fillers
You’ll find hyaluronic acid in many anti-aging products and moisturisers, but what we’re interested in here is how it’s used in lip fillers.
As we age, collagen and fat naturally decrease in our skin. This can lead to skin looking and feeling thinner and saggier. Our lips are just the same, so when we desire fuller, plumper lips, injecting hyaluronic acid can do that for us.
The substance traps water within the lips, creating a plumper, natural pout. Because it’s added to the lips in small amounts, you can choose to add more or less to create different finishes. Over time, the hyaluronic acid is reabsorbed by the body, and the lips slowly return to their previous state.
So, how long do lip fillers last?
There are lots of factors at play in terms of how long your lip fillers will last. Most important is your body’s levels of metabolism.
Younger, thinner people tend to have higher rates of metabolism than those who are older. If you take a lot of exercise, you’ll usually have a higher metabolism than someone who is sedentary. The rate at which your body metabolises the hyaluronic acid dictates how long your lip fillers will last.
As a general rule, most clients like a top up between four and six months after the initial treatment, in order to maintain their pretty lips. If you want to get the maximum benefit from your lip fillers, there are a few things you can do to make them last longer:
Minimise sun exposure
Use sunscreen
Eat healthily
Avoid too much heat
Don’t overdo the exercise (especially in the first couple of weeks)
Drink plenty of water
Studies have shown that combining lip fillers with injections of Botox can prolong the life of your treatment. Talk to us about other ways you can look after your lips to ensure you get the best from the procedure.
What if you hate your lip fillers?
If you really can’t stand the result of your lip fillers, there is always the possibility to erase them. Because lip filers rely on hyaluronic acid, it’s possible to get this substance to break down much faster than it would naturally using a special enzyme.
Injecting a substance called hyaluronidase can dissolve the filler in a matter of around five minutes or so. This can be a lifesaver if you’re working with an inexperienced practitioner who simply gets it wrong.
Here at True Face, through a combination of full consultation and our extensive experience in cosmetic treatments, we’re pretty sure you’re going to love the results. We discuss with you fully what you’re looking to achieve and will offer our expert advice so that you don’t end up with something that doesn’t suit your face or your style.
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