Guide to Long-Lasting Lip Treatments

Picture it: crop tops, low-rise jeans, baguette bags, and platform shoes. And to seal the deal, you finish the look with neon hair clips and unapologetic hairstyles. We are now going full circle – and in case you haven’t got the memo, the 2000s is here for its bedazzling (pun intended!) comeback. 

Of course, we will not forget one of the best Y2K beauty trends: plumped-up lips. It has since encouraged a growing love for lip fillers. Major props to Kylie Jenner as well, who became one of the catalysts of this growing movement. And we hate to rain on this parade, but there are far better lip treatments that last longer than lip fillers. What are they, you ask? Check them out below.

Longer-lasting Lip Fillers

Lip fillers give you an effortless, beautiful pout, and it’s valid to go to whatever lengths to keep that for as long as possible. But your body will naturally break down these fillers over time. As such, your best bet is to invest in hyaluronic acid-based lip fillers like Juvederm and Restylane. Juvederm can last up to a year, while Restylane can last up to 10 months. Another viable option is Vollure, a Juvederm product that lasts up to 18 months. Its ‘vycross’ technology has a highly cross-linked formula that is harder to break down.

Fat Transfer

Fat transfer to the lips is almost like liposuction. Your doctor will extract fat from another body part – typically from the thighs, abdomen, or buttocks – and reinject it to the lips using a fine cannula needle. It looks more natural than lip fillers, and the results last from 3 up to 12 years. There are also fewer risks of allergic reactions since the procedure uses your own cells instead of synthetic formulations. The only downside here is that it is more invasive. You will typically be going under the knife, so you will most likely need anaesthesia. 

Tissue Grafting

The procedure is a little similar to fat transfer, only it uses collagen tissues to transform your lips. Instead of only fat, collagen tissues and a thin strip of fat or your skin are extracted and inserted into the lips. This results in a plumper, fuller appearance.

Lip Implants

If you are really striving for permanence, then lip implants are the way to go. This permanent lip augmentation treatment uses soft plastic implants like silicone and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. However, the latter seems to be the better choice here, as they respond better to live tissue. Plus, it is softer and easier to compress, making it feel more natural on your lips.

But while it seems like the best option, especially since you will save more money on yearly touch-ups, lip implants are not for everyone. It is only recommended for those with relatively symmetrical lips and enough lip tissue to stretch over and conceal the implant.

The Takeaway

Your lips are an essential part of your face, and if it makes you feel insecure, you can always make the call to change it up. While these options are safe, it’s better to do your research and get a thorough consultation before doing anything. Reversing the treatment may be difficult (if at all possible), so make sure you’re a hundred per cent on board before you kiss your natural pout goodbye.