What is lip augmentation?
The purpose of lip augmentation is to resize, reshape or enhance your lips or the area around your lips. You can add fullness to thin lips, correct any drooping of the lips or help eliminate wrinkles around the lips.
What does lip augmentation involve?
Lip augmentation surgery can involve either topical, general or local anesthesia, depending on what exact procedures are being performed. You can have lip augmentation through injections which usually have a temporary result or through actual cosmetic surgery where the result is more permanent. Typically, lip augmentations take 30 minutes to two hours for the procedure and two to three hours for recovery. Injections are made at the corners of the lips and stitches are used as minimally as possible for the surgery option. Lip augmentation procedures are done at your surgeon's office or an outpatient center. You will go home the same day you have your procedure.
The lips are injected with a material that will enhance the size and reshape the lips. There are a variety of materials that can be used such as synthetic collagens and natural collagens. Another option is to use the patient's own fat (fat grafts) from another part of their body, such as the abdomen. A natural collagen injection tends to last about six months to a year, whereas injections composed of natural fat last longer. Approximately 50% of people who choose natural fat from their own bodies have a permanent result. For either option, it is best to consult with your plastic surgeon before coming to a decision.
After the procedure you can expect some mild discomfort for one to two days and there will be swelling and some bruising for one to two weeks. You may need to miss a couple of days of work and prepare for a diet change while you recover. When you have your consultation with the doctor, ask about what you can eat after your procedure. You should plan on eating soft foods during your recovery.
As with any surgery or medical procedure, there is always the risk of complications and infection. Talk to your surgeon about the risks, but know that the risk of infection from lip augmentation is very low.
Who can have lip augmentation?
Any healthy person who has a desire to change their lips can have lip augmentation surgery. If you have ever looked in the mirror and complained about your lips or wished your lips were different, then it is worth a consultation. However, people with active cold sores, herpes or other illness such as cancers or diabetes, may not qualify. During the consultation with your surgeon, be sure to discuss any other medical conditions you may have.
As with anything, consider the cost when deciding whether or not to have lip augmentation. Most insurance companies do not cover cosmetic procedures. In recognition of this, many plastic surgeons have payment plans and finance options available so that it can be affordable to any one desiring lip augmentation.
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