Are Kylie Jenner's Lip Fillers Safe?

Augmented lips are the talk of the town, but are temporary lip fillers safe? This question might be on your mind lately, seeing as how Kylie Jenner recently admitted to getting lip injections. Perhaps this has sparked an interest in you, but if you are curious about the procedure, it's important to take the time to consider the impact.

Temporary lip injections—or dermal fillers—although not forever, will be a part of your face for anywhere between 3 and 18 months. While that doesn't seem too permanent, it's crucial you do your research and learn all of the facts before you go wild and follow Kylie's suit. Lip plumping tactics have been known to go terribly awry, a la the #KylieJennerChallenge.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved facial dermal fillers for use in adults over the age of 18 and women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. For lip augmentation, the FDA has specifically approved the use of hyaluronic acid with lidocaine in patients over 21. Age is definitely a consideration when deciding on a facial injection. Are your features still changing and is your body still maturing? If so, be careful about putting things in your face too soon. Age aside, the real question is, are temporary lip fillers safe?

FDA medical officer, Janette Alexander, M.D. urges potential lip plumpers to know the risks of dermal fillers before having any treatment.

Avoid lip fillers if:

• Your skin is inflamed or infected (including bad acne breakouts or cold sores)
• Your sweet, tender skin is prone to scarring or you have a bleeding disorder
• You have a history of severe allergies, especially to bacteria or lidocaine (the hyaluronic acid that comprises the filler is often created from bacteria fermentation or rooster combs. true story).

Possible Side Effects

Common, short-term side effects can include

• Bruising, swelling, pain, itching, and redness (these aren't so bad!)

Less common side effects (per the FDA) include:

• Raised bumps that may need to be surgically removed, infection, open or draining wounds, sores, or necrosis—tissue death (these all sound pretty rough!)

Rare horror story side effects of include:lip injections

• scarring, blurred vision, partial vision loss, and blindness if the dermal filler is inadvertently injected into a blood vessel. These rare instances are more likely to occur with injections near the eye and forehead area
• Severe allergic reactions can also lead to anaphylactic shock, so be sure to talk to your medical doctor before going bananas

Find the right doctor for the job

This might not be the time to rely on Groupon! Do your research and find a trained professional for the job. This is your only face, after all. WebMD recommends a dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, or facial plastic surgeon. The experts at that site suggest thoroughly doing your homework and reviewing before and after photos of a doctor's work. Schedule an appointment to have a consultation and discuss health conditions and allergies you may have.

On that note, some common sense advice provided by the FDA: don't buy dermal fillers online or get injections by someone who is not licensed to do so. You don't want to end up on the evening news or Botched.

If you're rethinking your plans to get a little lift in your lips, consider the alternatives and mess around with makeup tips on how to get Kylie Jenner lips. You'll be amazed at the magic a little highlighter, contouring, and color creates. If you do decide lip injections are for you, you've got the facts now and can make an informed choice.

And, as always, consult your medical doctor before undergoing any type of procedure.

Images: Getty (3)