Lip Augmentation Reviews

Introduction

The following is a presentation to explain the lip augmentation procedure, which describes how you can best prepare for your procedure, how it may be performed, and your recovery process along with before and after photos of some of our patients. An interesting question and answer section can also be viewed. This presentation is not intended to take the place of a physician's consultation.

Lip augmentation may be performed on most adult males and females to help create fuller lips. Augmentations can also help reduce wrinkles around the mouth when present.

Implant Method
Incisions can be made inside the mouth or on the outside edges of the lip. You can expect this method to take approximately one hour or so.

The implant will be fed through the lip. Once inserted, it will be trimmed and the incisions will be closed.

Your surgeon may recommend the addition of Alloderm® to bulk up and increase the fullness of your lips. This material is long-term and will gradually be replaced by your body's own collagen. Gore-Tex(TM) and Advanta® are the only approved synthetic, permanent implants.

Procedure
What happens during the procedure?

There are two common methods: injections and implants.

Injection Method
Injections are placed in predetermined locations to plump and make your lips fuller. This method takes approximately thirty minutes.

Some injectable lip augmentation products are: Collagen including Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast, Isolagen, Radiance, Hylaform, Restylane, Perlane, and Fat. Results using these products are temporary and may last from three months to three years. Examples of permanent and irreversible injectable lip augmentation products are Artefill(TM) and DermaCellagen(TM). The latter products are currently in the FDA approval process. Your surgeon will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each one of these materials for your specific situation.

It is generally safer to under-inject than to over-inject no matter which product is used, therefore there is a possibility that you will be coming in again to 'finish up' your desired look.

Preparation
Preparing for treatment.

Your initial consultation is extremely important. Be prepared to provide your complete medical history and inform your surgeon of any vitamins or medications (including over-the-counter) that you are taking. Your surgeon will discuss with you options such as whether injections or implants are best for you. You will also discuss where incisions or injections will be placed and your recovery process. You should be able to speak freely with your surgeon about your goals and desired outcome.

Review With Your Surgeon:

Do Not Take Aspirin® Or Products Containing Ibuprofen for two weeks before or after your procedure. These medications thin the blood, interfere with normal blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. Instead, use medications containing acetaminophen, such as Tylenol®.

Discontinue Smoking for two weeks before and after surgery. Smoking constricts small blood vessels and inhibits the healing process.

Avoid Alcohol for two weeks before and after surgery.

Decreasing Salt intake will help diminish swelling after surgery.

Stop Taking All Vitamins And Herbs two weeks prior to surgery.

Fill Your Prescriptions before your surgery date, especially any pain medication your doctor has prescribed for this procedure.

Post Treatment
What to expect post treatment.

For the Injectable Method

Work: You may return to work immediately after your procedure although you may decide to wait a day or so for swelling to subside.

Swelling And Brusing: Soreness will eventually go away. Slight bruises are common.

Make-up: You may apply make-up as soon as your lips feel better.

Recovery: Recovery time is 24 hours to three days.

Results: Final results can generally be seen after a day or so.

For the Implant Method

Work: Most patients return to work approximately two days after surgery is complete.

Swelling And Brusing: You may have some stiffness, burning, numbness and pain. This is normal. If discomfort persists, contact your surgeon immediately.

Make-up: You may apply make-up as soon as your lips feel better.

Recovery: Rest easy following surgery. Raising your blood pressure can increase swelling and cause bleeding so try not to exercise for at least three weeks. If you feel warm, take your temperature. A high temperature could indicate an infection. Avoid chewing, pursing your lips or excessive mouth movements for the first week following placement of the implant.

Results: Final results can be seen after several days.