Over the past few years, one little procedure has been
gaining some ground as the new must-have treatment on the block. In fact, 2013
saw lip enhancement take the top of the list of most requested non-surgical
procedures around the world. As that same treatment stays at the top in 2014,
you might be considering a lip plumping treatment yourself. The idea of soft,
supple, and instantly rejuvenated lips can be very tempting indeed. If so,
there are a few things you might want to know before you pick up the phone to
book your appointment.
#1 – Lip Enhancement Doesn’t Need to Involve Surgery
A lip
enhancement, or lip augmentation, is performed to add volume to your lips,
whether they are thinning as part of the aging process or have just never been
as plump as you’d like them. Unlike
other facial procedures, lip enhancement can be entirely nonsurgical and very
simple. While surgical implantation of an implant is an option, many patients
instead opt for the nonsurgical route with injectable fillers. During this
procedure, your plastic surgeon may first inject lidocaine to numb the area
before then injecting a dermal filler into the lips. There is no incision, no need
for general anesthesia, and little to no recovery time. Plus, the whole
procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes. The nonsurgical benefits of lip
enhancement make it a popular choice among women of all ages and for many
different reasons.
#2 – Lip Enhancements Is Performed With Many Different Injectable Fillers
Dermal fillers
include a range of related substances that can be used in cosmetic procedures
to enhance certain areas or diminish others. Injectable fillers can be used as
an anti-aging technique instead of surgery or facial implants, as well as for
procedures like lip enhancement. Delivered by needle injection, dermal fillers
can restore volume to areas where it has been depleted due to aging, like
thinning lips or cheeks. When applied in other areas, dermal fillers add volume
to smooth away visible wrinkles and fine lines. Plastic surgeons commonly use
dermal fillers along the jaw line, in the hollows beneath the eyes, and to fill
smile lines around the mouth, frown lines between the eyebrows, creases through
the forehead, and also to fill depleted lips.
One of the most common ingredients in dermal fillers is
hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring protein found in the human body. Because
of this, side effects are very rare. It is also safe for the human system to
break this down and process it. While there are many different options
available, JuvedermÒ
injectable gel and RestylaneÒ
are particularly popular choices for lip enhancement.
#3 - Lip Enhancement Delivers Fast Results
Another huge benefit to the lip enhancement procedure is how
quickly you will notice the changes. Dermal fillers work right away to add
volume and suppleness to your lips, so you’ll walk out of the clinic with a new
pair of lips! While some patients do experience some itching or irritation near
the injection site, this is very rare and will most often subside on its own
within a few days. Some minor swelling of the lips is normal for the first day
or two, but there is no long recovery or rest time associated with nonsurgical
injectable fillers for lip enhancement. While it may take a week to 10 days
before you can see the full results of your treatment, you should notice a
difference right away.
#4 – Results of Lip Enhancement with Fillers Are Not Permanent
Unfortunately, lip enhancements achieved with fillers do not
last forever. Because the body breaks down the dermal fillers gradually over
time, you may find yourself wanting to get a booster of Juvederm, Restylane, or
whatever filler was used. It won’t happen right away, however, so don’t be
afraid that your results will disappear as soon as you fall in love with them.
Most dermal filler results will last several months, typically 3 to 6 on the lower
scale and over one year on the higher end. The staying power of your own
plumped lips will depend on the injectable filler your surgeon uses and how
your body processes it. Discuss this with your doctor for a better idea of how
soon you’ll be visiting for a touch up.
#5 – You Do Have Options for Your Lip Enhancement
For some patients, a simple injectable lip enhancement
treatment is not the right choice. Other options do exist to help plastic
surgeons achieve the results their patients’ desire. For example,
Sternocleidomastoid muscle and fascia grafts can be applied to the lips to add
volume and contour. During this process, muscle grafts are taken from the back
of the neck, typically during a simultaneous facelift
surgery, and then shaped to fit the patient’s lips. They can help to alter
that shape or just enhance it with additional volume. The surgeon then
transplants this muscle tissue through a small incision in the corner of each
side of the mouth. Because they are taken from the patient’s body, there is no
risk of tissue rejection or other negative reactions. Obviously, this is a
surgical option and very different from an injectable filler treatment;
however, these grafts offer patients a long-lasting solution for their lip
concerns.
The PermaÒ
Facial Implant is yet another surgical alternative to an injectable lip
enhancement. Approved by the FDA in 2007, PermaÒ Facial Implants are made of a soft silicone that gives
the lips a natural look and permanent plumpness. Your facial plastic surgeon
will insert the implants into the lips under local anesthesia in a procedure
that lasts about 30 minutes. Patients typically experience swelling for up to
two weeks, but there is very little risk of additional side effects or
complications. PermaÒ lip
implants will not limit your natural smile, thanks to their softness and smooth
surface. This procedure is ideal for someone looking to achieve permanent
results.
Schedule a Lip Enhancement Consultation
If you can’t decide if lip enhancement is right for you or
which kind of lip enhancement you’d like, t’s best to speak directly with an
expert in all varieties of this procedure. Contact the Aesthetic Surgery Center
to book an appointment with Dr. Anurag Agarwal or
Dr. Richard Maloney, double board certified facial plastic surgeons. They have
been featured on many of the major news networks, including ABC News, NBC News,
and FOX News, as a recognized expert on a variety of facial plastic surgery
topics. Drs. Agarwal and Maloney believes that educating and communicating with
their patients is the key to helping them achieve the natural-looking results
they want in a healthy way. Book your appointment at the
Aesthetic Surgery Center, located at 11181 Health Park Boulevard #1115 in
Naples, Florida, by calling (239) 594-9100.
