What Is Lip Augmentation?
Lip augmentation is a quick, in-office procedure that creates fuller, plumper lips and reduces fine wrinkles around the mouth. It is done by injecting fillers that enhance shallow contours, soften facial creases or improve the appearance of recessed scars. These signs of aging occur over time as a result of sun exposure, heredity and lifestyle.
Lip augmentation is a good option if you:
- Are physically healthy
- Do not smoke
- Have a positive outlook and specific but realistic goals in mind for the improvement of your appearance
Reasons for procedure | What to expect | Call your doctor | Resources
Reasons for Lip Augmentation
Lip injections can:
- Plump thin lips
- Enhance shallow contours
- Soften and reduce facial creases and wrinkles that occur when frowning or smiling
- Improve the appearance of recessed scars
- Restore facial contours
What to expect before your Lip Augmentation
Prior to the procedure. A consultation with your plastic surgeon is held prior to your procedure. Be prepared to discuss why you want the lip augmentation procedure, your expectations and medical conditions. In addition, your doctor may review your health history, discuss options, take measurements and photos, and review outcomes.
Anesthesia. Most doctors use a topical anesthetic cream and may also administer local anesthesia.
How are Lip Augmentations performed?
During lip augmentation, injections are done to the following areas: the outer mouth (laugh lines), edge of lip (lipstick lines) and inner lip.
Your cosmetic surgeon will carefully evaluate your facial appearance and skin tone, and examine the areas of your face to be augmented. The injection sites will be cleansed with an antibacterial agent, and numbed using ice or a topical agent. Filling wrinkles or recessed scars involves multiple injections.
Some fillers used are more appropriate than others for a targeted area. Injectables include two basic classes:
- Fillers, to restore lost volume
- Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, to lessen the appearance of wrinkles
Fillers work by filling the lip or wrinkle with volume and are gradually digested by the body. Botox injections weaken the underlying muscles to decrease their overlying dynamic movement. Examples of fillers include collagen lip injections, hyaluronic acid, hydroxylapatite, your own fat and polymethylmethacrylate.
What to expect after your Lip Augmentation
Following injections, any markings will be cleansed and ice may be offered to alleviate any temporary, minor discomfort. Makeup may be carefully reapplied so long as care is taken not to apply pressure to the treatment area.
The results are immediately apparent. Your initial appearance after treatment may include:
- Mild swelling or bruising
- Temporary numbness or redness
- An “over-filled” appearance to treated areas
The results of lip augmentation are not permanent, and if treatments are not repeated, the face and lips return to the original condition. The fillers, over time, can change and may clump. Removing them surgically may be necessary to correct this condition.
Patients may immediately return to normal activities after lip injections.
How long does the procedure take?
A few moments per site.
Will Lip Augmentation hurt?
Some discomfort may occur.
What are the risks?
Mild swelling, numbness and other symptoms occurring right after treatment can be alleviated by applying ice and will improve within a matter of hours or just a few days. Where fat is used, these conditions may persist for a few weeks.
Possible complications. Complications are rare, but no cosmetic surgery procedure is completely risk free. If you are planning to have lip augmentation, your plastic surgeon will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
- Visible lumps
- Clumping that may require surgery to correct
- Allergic reactions
- Minor swelling
- Infection at the injection site
- Acne-like skin eruptions
- Asymmetry
- Bleeding, bruising and swelling
- Temporary paralysis of other muscle groups
- Skin might die
- Skin rash, itching
- Skin redness
- Skin sensitivity
- Under- or overcorrection of wrinkles
- Reduction in the effectiveness of future injections
Call your doctor
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occur:
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding or any discharge from the
injection site - Pain that you cannot control with medications
In case of an emergency, call 911.
Schedule a Consultation Today!
To learn more about Lip Augmentation or any other service we provide, or to determine whether you are a candidate for the procedure, be sure to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable doctors! Call us at (508) 334-5990 or click here to send our staff a Consultation Request Form. Our practice looks forward to serving you!
Resources
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/
American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
https://www.surgery.org/
VISIT the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) site for more information on lip augmentation. more >>