What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural structural component of the human body and is identical across all tissue types and species. Injectable hyaluronic acid is a moldable gel used to naturally fill wrinkles or restore lost volume in various areas of the face, such as the lips. The hyaluronic acid used for lips has been specially processed to be soft (so it is not noticeable), elastic (so it follows the lips’ movements), to minimize post-treatment swelling, and to last as long as possible.

How is the treatment performed?
The treatment is performed under local anesthesia, similar to that used by a dentist, or with the application of a special anesthetic gel and ice, and is painless. Depending on the anatomy of the lips and the aesthetic concern being addressed, hyaluronic acid is injected either along the lip border to enhance definition or into the body of the lips to increase their size. The key to achieving a natural result is to perform the treatment gradually and complete it over 2–3 sessions, so that there is no sudden dramatic change and to minimize swelling during the first hours after the procedure.

What should I expect after the treatment?
After the treatment, mild swelling may occur and typically lasts 24–48 hours. To minimize it, it is recommended on the day of treatment to avoid exercise, laser hair removal in the lip area, and consumption of very salty foods (e.g. chips).

How long do the results last?
Hyaluronic acid is biodegradable and disappears without leaving residues. The results in the lips last 6–12 months. However, it is recommended to repeat the treatment with a very small amount every 3–4 months to maintain a stable result.

How safe is hyaluronic acid treatment?
Hyaluronic acid has been used safely in medicine for many years. The material is produced through biosynthesis, is not of animal origin, and therefore eliminates the risk of disease transmission from other species. Additionally, because injectable hyaluronic acid is identical to the body’s own hyaluronic acid, allergic reactions are extremely rare and no sensitivity test is required beforehand.

Lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid is extremely safe, as the increase is performed gradually and there is no risk of creating an unnatural result. Furthermore, the result is fully reversible. In the unlikely event that a patient feels too much material was used, it can be dissolved within a few hours using hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid, without affecting the body’s natural hyaluronic acid.