Pregnancy is a time in a woman’s life where she’s often said to have a natural glow, but some women may still be interested in appearance-enhancing treatments, such as lip fillers, at some point during those nine months. Treatments might be more likely if a woman was used to getting cosmetic treatments and procedures before becoming pregnant. However, it’s important to exercise precaution when considering any treatments or procedures during pregnancy. Before getting lip fillers, it’s important to know if the procedure is safe to have done during pregnancy.
What Are Lip Fillers?
Image via Flickr by wuestenigel Licensed CC BY 2.0
Lip fillers are a lip augmentation treatment designed to enhance your lips by making them fuller and plumper. They’re also known as dermal fillers. While many lip fillers can be injected into the lips and around the mouth, the most commonly used lip fillers contain hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the body. The purpose of injecting it into the lips is to help increase the volume of your lips. Another benefit of dermal fillers is that they can enhance the shape and structure of your lips.
Some of the most commonly used and popular brands of lip fillers that contain hyaluronic acid are:
- Restylane, Restylane-L, Restylane Silk.
- Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, JuvedermVolbella XC.
- Belotero Balance.
- HylaForm.
- Elevess.
- Prevelle Silk.
These lip fillers are injected with the same method to help you achieve similar results. Some lip filler formulations include lidocaine, a numbing agent, which acts as local anesthesia for your lips during the injections, to reduce pain, thereby making the procedure more comfortable.
What Are the Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers?
Hyaluronic acid filler injections contain a gel that shapes and supports your lips, adding volume and fullness. The benefit of hyaluronic acid fillers is that they’re customizable, allowing your doctor to have better control over the amount of fullness created in your lips. This way, if you want a natural look with only a slight enhancement, that’s achievable, as is more dramatic plumping if you so choose. Lip filler treatments can be done gradually, over a series of appointments, until you reach your desired result.
Hyaluronic acid fillers also create less bruising and swelling than other types of fillers. Another benefit to hyaluronic acid fillers is that potential bumps from treatment fade easily. Lumps or bumps created by the changes to your lips are temporary. There’s also less chance of an allergic reaction, as hyaluronic acid is a substance similar to naturally occurring in the body. The introduction of hyaluronic acid is unlikely to trigger a histamine response, as is possible with the injection of a wholly foreign chemical substance. Results will last around six to 12 months before you’ll need another treatment.
Are Lip Fillers Safe During Pregnancy?
The FDA doesn’t recommend getting lip fillers during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Hyaluronic acid injected into the lips doesn’t migrate from the local area, but it’s best to err on the side of caution. Also, although allergic reactions are considered rare occurrences, if you have an adverse reaction to your lip filler injections while you’re pregnant, treating your symptoms may be more difficult.
What if You Got Lip Fillers Before You Knew You Were Pregnant?
Most likely, you’ll be fine. However, you can have your fillers dissolved before they go away on their own. You should consult with your doctor and determine whether to get your fillers dissolved. If you get the green light to have your fillers dissolved, your doctor will inject a soluble protein enzyme called hyaluronidase into the same areas you received your initial treatment. Hyaluronidase breaks up the bonds that hold the hyaluronic acid molecules together to encourage your body’s natural cellular processes to reabsorb them.
However, because hyaluronic acid is unlikely to migrate from the injection site, it may be safer to leave it untouched, especially as there is the potential for an allergic reaction to the hyaluronidase itself. While it’s not recommended to get lip fillers during pregnancy, if you already had the procedure done, your safest bet may be to leave your lips alone and let the results fade naturally. Some lip fillers only last six months, so the hyaluronic acid will fade before delivery time and before embarking on breastfeeding your new baby.
What Can You Do During Pregnancy Instead of Fillers?
A relatively safer alternative to dermal fillers is called microneedling, which uses a dermaroller, which contains small needles that prick the skin. This process helps your skin generate new collagen and new skin tissue. This treatment aims to create firmer, smoother, more toned skin. However, doctors disagree on whether this is safe for a pregnant person. Some doctors claim it’s safe, and some say it’s not, so again, if you wish to exercise caution, skip it till after your delivery.
The safest option for pampering yourself during pregnancy is getting a relaxing facial with gentle organic products. You can see an aesthetician who can help you address any skin concerns that may arise during your pregnancy. Due to the significant hormonal changes that pregnancy brings, it’s possible to experience breakouts and melasma (skin discoloration), also known as the “mask of pregnancy.” Melasma appears for 15% to 50% of pregnant women, and it usually fades within a few months afterward, so don’t worry too much about it. Facials can treat your other skin concerns and give you some self-care time.
Nature’s Makeover
The idea of a natural glow and enhanced beauty during pregnancy is more than a myth. Due to the many changes your body goes through during pregnancy, you’re likely to see some changes in your appearance. During pregnancy, there’s a higher estrogen level in your system, along with increased blood flow, fluid, and swelling, all of which can contribute to naturally increased lip size. Even if you’ve never had lip fillers before becoming pregnant, this is the case. You can rest easy and let nature do its work while you await your precious arrival.
Many things can change in your body during pregnancy, so it’s essential to pay close attention to those changes and address them quickly as needed. You may notice your hair is different, your eyesight has changed, or your body feels out of alignment. Make a point to see your chiropractic or vision care specialist if you notice changes. The team at Northeastern Eye Institute would be happy to answer any questions about changes in your eyesight during pregnancy. Contact us today at 855-204-2130 or via our secure online contact us form.