Lip Filler Myths… BUSTED!

When people hear the words “lip injections,” they immediately think DUCK LIPS! All it takes is seeing one bad ‘over-the-top’ lip job (OK, a lot of bad ones) on reality TV at the moment, for people to swear off injectables all together.

The stigma surrounding cosmetic procedures, even non-invasive ones like temporary injectables and fillers, is still very much a thing despite all the advances being made in the field. People are doing it, but still don’t want to talk about it. Also what is extremely surprising is how misinformed people are about cosmetic injectables. Please read on as we address some of the misleading myths around dermal lip injections.

Myth 1: Lip fillers stretch your lips out. Once you start getting the treatment, you’ll have to continue forever or else your lips will deflate and sag.

This is furthest from the truth. You can choose to never have your lips done again and not show signs of ever getting lip fillers. This is because injecting hyaluronic acid (a substance that naturally exists in our bodies) into the skin actually stimulates collagen production, leaving your skin hydrated and healthy.

However, if you plan on maintaining your look, you do have to get touched up; usually lips are touched at 6 monthly intervals for those who would like to maintain or build up on their #lipgoals, otherwise some clients wait for the product to wear out then reinject every 12 months; it is up to the individual. Keep in mind this, however, product does break down much more quickly in the mouth area due to frequent movement from chewing, talking, or smiling etc.

Myth 2: I can’t wait to show off my sexy new pout tomorrow!

Think you’ll get your lips done today and pose for that perfect selfie tomorrow? Think again. Lips are at high risk of bruising as they are very vascular; they generally also swell a lot as fillers are hydrophilic and draw in water. Clients will often leave the clinic looking great, but wake up quite swollen that night or the next day. We often give our clients an ice pack to apply several times over several hours.

Myth 3: You can always tell when someone has had fillers because they never look natural.

The problem usually is not the filler, but the injector. Do your research and make sure you book with an advanced cosmetic specialist (doctor, nurse, plastic surgeon) who knows what they are doing, and listen to their advice. Lip fillers range in thickness and viscosity depending on the results aimed to achieve. As injectors we would like to enlighten the best version of you, whether that is in the most naturalist form, or the enhanced version.

Myth 4: I want my lips to look just like e.g. Kylie Jenner!

Patients will often bring in photos and for their lips to look exactly like the women in the pictures, this is great, and I encourage patients to do this as it gives the injector an idea of the clients #lipgoals in terms of size, shape etc. However, provided that these expectations are not unrealistic, as every lip is capable of only so much change before it starts to look inharmoniousness to the rest of the face. It is best to work with your natural shape and enhance it in ways that complement your existing lip frame.

Myth 5: If my lips turn out bad, there’s nothing I can do to fix it.

It is true that some fillers (such as poly-l-lactic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite) take a year or two to break down, so until that day comes, you might be stuck with your results. But if you use a hyaluronic acid (HA) filler, which is highly recommended as this is the closest form to the natural hyaluronic acid that is produced in our tissues; thus ensuring the results will look very natural. It is important to note that these dermal fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase which works instantly if you decide you don’t like the look of your new lips, and your lips will return back to normal.

Find out more about our Lip Filler treatments or book an appointment with our Cosmetic Nurse Specialist on 9370 1997 to discuss enhancing the best version of you.