Plump up the volume with Lip Augmentation

What is lip augmentation?

Lip augmentation, or lip enhancement is a procedure using a variety of surgical and non-surgical techniques to enhance the appearance of the upper or lower lips. Materials used can be either permanent or temporary and include dermal fillers, fat transfers and lip implants. Patients seek lip augmentation for fuller more shapely lips, to address unwanted vertical lines and wrinkles around the lips or to rejuvenate the appearance of deflated or thin lips resulting in a sad, angry or old appearance.

Who is a good candidate for lip augmentation?

Men or women desiring fuller or more shaped lips tend to be the most frequent candidates for lip augmentation. Some patients seek enhancements on lips that have deflated or thinned with age. Other desire more volume along the red portion of the lip as well as a more defined border or to address unwanted vertical lines or wrinkles.

What risks come with lip augmentation?

Like any other surgical or non-surgical procedure there are risks. With animal-based fillers, the primary concern is an allergic reaction. It has been reported that even patients that have tested negative to the allergy test sometimes have reactions. However, dermal fillers such as Restylane have minimal side effects aside from prolonged swelling and inflammation which can treated very easily. Permanent fillers such as silicone carry risks such as hard bumpy scars, infections and extrusions.

Implants can be rejected by the body's tissue, resulting in removal. Unwanted movement and migration is also possible but are a lot less likely if precautions are followed after the procedure.

Fat transfer can result in lumping in the fat cells, causing them to group together in one area. However, this can be resolved through massage and/or steroid injections.

Before agreeing to any procedure you and your practitioner must discuss the risks and benefits of the different options.

How will my lips feel after the augmentation procedure?

After any of the procedures most patients notice swelling and pain. You should be provided with pain medication, however it may still be difficult to eat and drink at first. In most circumstances, it takes about one week for the swelling to subside and pain with pressure may take up to three weeks.

What is recovery like after lip augmentation?

A very small percentage of patients develop bruising and swelling from filler treatments lasting beyond a day. Swelling and bruising is more likely in a fat transfer or a permanent implant. This may last from three to seven days after which patients become publicly presentable and most return back to work.  Most patients are instructed to minimise the use of the lips and mouth for several days to several weeks in order to maximise the results of the procedure.

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