Full, luscious lips have long been universal symbols of youth, beauty and sensuality.
Plump lips especially with an accentuated border make for a pleasing focal point on one’s overall appearance.
Unfortunately, not all of us are blessed with naturally full lips. Aging also diminishes the youthfulness of our lips – the V-shaped area of our upper lip flattens out giving it a thin & asymmetric look, fine lines or in some cases smoker’s lines become visible and overall, our mouth begins to droop.
Lip Augmentation can rejuvenate aging lips or enhance it to make it fuller and more defined. Options range from laser treatments to injectable fillers but for those who are seeking a permanent enhancement, surgical lip augmentation is the procedure of choice.
Permanent lip augmentation involves the use of synthetic lip implants. Cosmetic Surgery of America surgeons offer state-of-the-art options in implants for lip augmentation. These include Gore-Tex, SoftForm, soft ePTFE and the latest FDA approved saline-filled facial implant VeraFil.
These synthetic implants would:
- make lips fuller and more supple
- enhance and give definition to the lips
- restore youthfulness to the lips
- correct fine lines on the lips
- maintain the lips’ soft and natural feel (suppleness varies for each material)
- provide permanent but reversible results
- not be absorbed by the body unlike other lip enhancing materials
- maintain its size and not shrink
Based on your aesthetic goals, your Cosmetic Surgery of America surgeon will recommend which implant would be best for you.
Click here to request a FREE Consultation.
Q & A
Is it possible to add volume to my lips without changing its size?
Yes. The latest lip implants, particularly VeraFil, are permanent but adjustable implants. If you are seeking a more voluminous look to your lips but do not want to alter the size, your surgeon can customize the amount of saline during implantation for this effect.
Are there any risks involving lip implants?
As with all synthetic implants there is a risk of allergic reaction. In this case, the implant could be taken out easily through a small incision.
Are there other surgical lip augmentation techniques other than the use of synthetic lip implants?
Yes. AlloDerm, a dermal graft/implant is also widely used for lip augmentation. This collagen sheet is inserted through tiny incisions on the inside part of the lip and also provides natural results. Alloderm implants, however, are not permanent and material cost may be high. Some surgeons find Alloderm to be ideal for upper lip enhancement as it is known for its supple feel and the may choose to use another material for the lower lip.
Fat grafting is another surgical method to augment/enhance the lips. It involves the insertion of your own fat into the lips to give it fullness. Results for this procedure are often short lived and must be repeated for maintenance. Although it is possible that the body will reabsorb it, some patients choose fat grafting because they are most comfortable with using the fat from their own body.
Feel free to ask your Cosmetic Surgery of America surgeon about alternative options & techniques to make an educated decision about your surgery.
How is a lip implant inserted?
After making 4 inconspicuous incisions, 2 on each lip at the very corners of the mouth, the surgeon will insert the implant by pulling it through the lip from one end to the other. After insertion, the implant is cut to the size the patient’s individual lip needs to be augmented. The end of the implants are trimmed and rounded with small, intricate cuts to ensure proper healing and to avoid friction to the inside of the lip. The incision areas are then sutured.
How long will the procedure take?
Lip Augmentation surgery varies depending upon the technique and the surgeon’s skill. It usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes. Your surgery may take longer if other procedures are being performed in conjunction with your lip augmentation. Your surgeon would be able to give a better approximate upon consultation.
Can I recover at home?
Yes. Lip augmentation surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with light/deep sedation. Typically, you will be allowed to return home within a few hours of the surgery.
What should I expect postoperatively?
Discomfort is usually minimal but swelling, tenderness, bruising and numbness on the lips are expected after surgery. Cold compresses & head elevation during the first 24 hours will help ease the discomfort. These can also be controlled with medication prescribed by your surgeon. During recovery, you may experience some problems with drooling. Swelling will subside after a week but it is not uncommon for the lips to feel unnaturally stiff for 2-3 months post-op.
Click here to request a FREE Consultation.
Coming soon... 