Cosmetic Procedures: Can you Get Lip Filler at 18
Lip fillers have become extremely popular. They are the perfect way to achieve more voluminous lips and enhance your pout by adding volume to thinner lips or filling in fine lines.
Whether you want a dramatic or subtle change, dermal injections containing hyaluronic acid are the most popular solution for adding volume to lips. The results last six to 18 months; touch-up treatments are needed to retain the effect.
However, younger people seeking the cosmetic procedure may ask: “Can you get lip filler at 18?”
Can You Get a Lip Filler at 18?
Lip fillers are a cosmetic treatment approved by the FDA. However, the FDA deems lip injections safe for those over 21. The age restrictions imposed by the FDA for some cosmetic treatments have more to do with the realistic prospects of the patient. At 18, the body is still developing, making it more difficult to endorse some cosmetic procedures.
Therefore, having sound physical and mental health is essential for more invasive treatments like cosmetic injectables since injectable cosmetic procedures entail a semi-permanent commitment. At 21, you are more capable of making an informed decision about having lip fillers.
Yet, you can have the treatment at 18 or before 21 if you have parental consent.
Who Cannot Have Lip Fillers?
Your overall health remains vital to your decision to enhance your lips with lip fillers. Regardless of age, some people cannot have lip fillers. These include someone with a blood clotting disorder, anyone with severe allergies, or a person with a condition in the facial nerves.
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals also cannot have injectable cosmetic treatments like lip fillers.
It’s best to assess your health before deciding on a lip filler. Also, choose a qualified injector for your treatment, like a certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or injector working under the supervision of these specialists.
Potential Risks of Lip Fillers
Lip fillers have potential risks, primarily if the injector is unqualified or uses poor-quality materials. In their blog, Avellina Aesthetics mentions the following potential risks:
- Change of color, bleeding, tenderness, or discomfort on areas where lip filler is applied.
- Infection can occur if the therapist uses poor-quality materials or a non-licensed specialist does the injections.
- Vascular stress
- Lip asymmetry
- Migration can lead to facial bleeding, especially near the nose.
What to Expect from a Lip Filler Procedure?
The procedure entails injecting hyaluronic acid into the required areas of the lips to restore their volume or fill lines. Lip fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body.
Numbing cream prevents you from feeling any pain or discomfort. The treatment starts with the provider using numbing cream on the area. Expect to wait about 20 minutes before it takes effect. The lip filler injection to the prescribed areas follows it. The whole procedure takes no more than an hour, and you could even finish sooner.
Once completed, you can expect to resume your normal activities immediately. Any swelling that you may experience will subside within a few days.
Why Wait Before Rushing into Getting Lip Fillers?
Can you get lip filler at 18? You can only get it with parental consent; no clinic should allow you to get the procedure without it.
The San Diego Cosmetic and Laser Clinic gives the following reasons for supporting the age limit on cosmetic procedures like lip fillers:
- Your Safety – Hyaluronic acid is a molecule that helps retain moisture in the body, including the skin, eyes, and joints. It’s derived from natural sources for lip fillers, and the FDA has approved it after seeing evidence of its safety from extensive studies. However, its safety in younger people has not yet been established.
- Cost of Repetitive Treatments – Dermal injectables are expensive, and their results are temporary. Therefore, you must have the treatment regularly to maintain its effects. One of the main concerns of the FDA when approving cosmetic procedures is that younger adults may opt for cheaper options, placing their safety at risk. If your parents consent and you can afford the treatment, or they are willing to pay, you aren’t at risk if you choose a good quality option. If not, then it’s better to wait until you are older and have a job with a solid income so that you can afford the highest quality lip fillers.
- Unrealistic Expectations – Social media creates unrealistic expectations in every area, including body image, facial features, ideal vacation location, and what to wear on any given occasion. Teens are more vulnerable to being influenced by the people they follow on social media and the celebrities they admire. Medical cosmetic procedures are best decided on when you have developed some perspective and more realistic expectations, which most people gain as they move past early adulthood.
- Practicing Self-Love – At 18, all you can think about is having smaller lips, a gap in your teeth, or a big nose. Cosmetic procedures, like lip fillers, allow people to enhance their features or reduce the signs of aging. However, it’s very easy for someone starting these procedures too young to never learn about self-love, constantly finding something they want to change. Take some years to see how your features develop naturally. Many people who hated an imperfection at a younger age have grown to love it because it makes them exceptional. Many modeling careers have taken off because someone has unique features like gapped teeth, freckles, etc. The message of embracing your imperfections does not only include teens. Cosmetic procedures are not going away any time, and they continue to evolve. Therefore, it’s best to consider the reasons for wanting them before committing.
Pout Perfection or Risky Business? The Pros, Cons, and Expert Tips on Lip Fillers at 18″
Pros:
👄 Enhanced Aesthetics: Achieve fuller, more voluminous lips that amplify your natural beauty.
💉 FDA-Approved: Lip fillers with hyaluronic acid have received FDA approval, ensuring their safety.
🤑 Instant Gratification: Results immediately give you that sought-after plump pout.
Cons:
🚫 Age Restrictions: The FDA approves lip fillers for those over 21, making accessing the procedure more challenging for 18-year-olds without parental consent.
🛑 Health Concerns: Not everyone is eligible; preexisting health conditions may rule out the option of lip fillers.
💸 Cost Factor: This beauty comes at a price, and you’ll need touch-ups to maintain the look, adding to the long-term expense.
Expert Tips:
🔎 Do Your Research: Look for certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons with proven experience in administering lip fillers.
📑 Consult First: Always have a pre-procedure consultation to discuss your goals and any potential risks or side effects.
💭 Think Long-term: Consider how this semi-permanent change will fit into your life, especially as your body and preferences evolve.
With these insights, you’ll be better equipped to decide whether lip fillers at 18 are right for you.
Final Take
Can you get lip filler at 18? The FDA does not approve lip fillers for under 21s, but you can have them with parental consent at 18. However, if you are considering having cosmetic enhancements, remember that there are several considerations you should keep in mind. These are for everybody, regardless of age or gender, because it’s not a once-off treatment. Therefore, consider factors like your motivation, safety, expectations, and the expense of committing.
Pucker Up or Pause? Frequently Asked Questions on Getting Lip Fillers at 18
Can I legally get lip fillers at 18?
Yes, you can, but parental consent is usually required if you’re under 21, according to FDA guidelines.
How long do lip fillers last?
Generally, the effects last six to 18 months, but this can vary based on the individual and the type of filler used.
What are the potential side effects?
Possible side effects include swelling, tenderness, and in some rare cases, infection or lip asymmetry.
How do I know if I’m eligible for lip fillers?
Preexisting conditions like blood clotting disorders or severe allergies may make you ineligible. Consult a certified expert for an individual assessment.
Are there any age-specific risks for 18-year-olds?
The body is still developing at 18, which might impact the long-term look of the fillers. Also, younger individuals are sometimes more susceptible to social media pressures, leading to unrealistic expectations.
What’s the approximate cost?
Prices vary, but expect to pay several hundred dollars per session, plus additional costs for touch-up treatments.
How do I choose a qualified provider?
Look for board-certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons with positive reviews and an established record in administering lip fillers.
Are there alternatives to lip fillers?
Yes, some people opt for lip plumpers or even natural methods like lip exercises. However, results are generally less dramatic than what fillers can offer.
