Whether you were born with thin lips or you find the current trend of full lips appealing, you’ll be happy to know that two popular options enable you to benefit from a bolder mouth with well-defined lips that harmonize perfectly with the overall look of your face.
On the one hand, you have lip plumpers or lip plumping treatments. Available in the form of lip-gloss or lip balm, these specially designed cosmetic products contain active ingredients that stimulate blood flow to the lips, temporarily increasing their volume.
On the other hand, in the field of cosmetic medicine, you have volumizing injections that can plump and define your lips on a longer-term basis.
Lip injections vs lip plumpers: what are the advantages and disadvantages of each method? Below, you’ll find some more detailed information that just might help you determine which one is the best solution for you.
Lip plumpers: a temporary, non-invasive solution
Available at your local pharmacy, lip plumpers are the ideal solution for those who aren’t ready to commit to a cosmetic procedure. Without injections or side effects, they owe their success to their ability not only to plump up your lips but also to keep them hydrated. The active ingredients penetrate the skin, stimulating the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid.
The non-invasive nature of lip plumpers is certainly one of their main advantages. Other advantages include their incomparable ease of use and their decidedly more affordable price tag in comparison with that of injections. Consequently, these products offer a perfect way to determine if fuller lips truly make you feel more comfortable in your own skin.
The fact that the results are only temporary may be advantageous because, if you don’t like the way these products make your lips look, you have the assurance of knowing that the effects will wear off within a few hours. However, it can also be a disadvantage. Even though these products produce a noticeable plumping effect, the volume they create isn’t as significant as that offered by lip injections. They simply give your lips a fuller appearance and some supplemental hydration. Finally, the absence of side effects doesn’t mean that there’s no risk of allergic reaction or irritation. If these problems occur, you should immediately stop using the product.
Injections for fuller lips that look natural and last longer
Lip-filler injections have enjoyed a high degree of success. Besides producing very good results, they also qualify as a non-invasive treatment, as the practitioner mixes a dermal filling agent (hyaluronic acid gel) with a local anesthetic (lidocaine) directly in the syringe.
Hyaluronic acid is generally the agent of choice because it is naturally present in the body. Since it’s possible to precisely control the quantity of the filling agent administered, it’s easier for the practitioner to fine-tune the volume of your lips in order to ensure that they harmonize well with the rest of your features. While the results aren’t permanent, they will still last for 6 to 12 months. To maintain the volume of your lips, you’ll simply need to schedule an appointment once or twice a year.
You should be aware that you can also get a Botox injection in the upper lip, which will raise it a few millimeters, thus giving it a fuller appearance.
Not satisfied with the results?
No problem! A specific enzyme exists to dissolve the hyaluronic acid and return your lips to their natural state. This will no doubt give you some additional reassurance regarding the procedure. Of course, the cost of hyaluronic acid injections is higher than that of lip plumpers. In general, the average price of injections to increase the volume of your lips is between $375 and $700 per syringe. Keep in mind that the final price will depend on several factors, especially the quantity of hyaluronic acid that will be necessary.
As far as disadvantages go, you’ll likely experience a certain amount of sensitivity and inflammation lasting for several days following the procedure. While rare, allergic reactions and temporary bumps may also occur.
The best method for achieving full lips
Lip plumpers and lip injections differ primarily in terms of their durability, their price tag and the amount of volume they produce. If you can’t decide which solution is the most appropriate one for you, don’t hesitate to meet with the team at Dr. Mario F. Bernier’s Aesthetic Surgery and Medicine Clinic. They’ll be able to ascertain your needs and give you the reassurance you’re looking for.
Sources:
Elle. Lèvres pulpeuses : des solutions gonflées [Full lips: plumping solutions]. 2009.
Noovo Moi. Gonflement des lèvres par injections : 8 bonnes choses à savoir [Lip plumping through injections: 8 good things to know]. 2023.