Lip Augmentation

Your lips are one of the most notable parts of your face. Hollywood often portrays full lips as a sign of beauty, youth and sensuality. But as with everything else they are not immune to the effects of aging. As we age, our lips often become thinner and more prone to wrinkles.  According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over a million women had some form of lip augmentation in 2010.

Who is a good Candidate? You may be a good candidate for lip augmentation if you have any of the following:

  • lip stick bleed lines or wrinkles
  • desire a more pronounced cupid’s bow on the upper lip
  • thin lips form either aging or genetics

How is the Procedure Done? Where is it Done? What is the Recovery Time?

There are numerous techniques in enhancement or augmentation of lips, some permanent and some temporary. Dr. Proffitt individualizes each procedure. Most lip procedures are performed under local anesthesia in our office.

Injectables

Common Injectables are Juvederm and Restylane. A topical anesthetic is applied to the area to help numb your lips and make you more comfortable. Injectables are a temporary enhancement and usually last about six months to one year. You will have some mild swelling and will be asked to massage your lips for the first couple of days following your procedure.

Fat Injections

This procedure involves removing a small amount of fat tissue from the abdomen, thighs or buttocks of the patient with a small cannula and syringe. The fat is purified by washing with saline and then centrifuging. The purified fat is injected into the lips. A local anesthetic is injected into both the donor site and the lips to make the patient more comfortable. Dr, Proffitt prefers this method of enhancement because it has more permanent result than Injectables. Fat injections do require a small incision at the corners of the mouth and sutures are removed after one week. Some swelling is to be expected but application of ice for 24 hours will greatly reduce any discomfort. Lipstick may be applied the next day. You may be instructed to massage the area for the first few days.

Lip Implants

Recently new implants with the consistency and texture of normal lip tissue are being used. In this procedure an implant is inserted into the lips through a small incision in the corner of the mouth. This gives a more permanent result. Implants have a reported 96% satisfaction rate in the most recent study. As with all types of lip augmentation, some swelling is expected but is managed easily with ice.

Surgical Enhancement

This procedure involves the surgical elevation and rotation of the red part of the lip and is a permanent result. There will be scars as with any surgical procedure and more down time. However this procedure may also be performed in our office under local anesthesia.

What are the Risks?

  • If you have a history of fever blisters, you will be at an increased risk of a breakout with all 4 different techniques. A prescription for a prophylactic medicine is advisable.
  • Some irregularity is normal for the first few days and helped by massaging.
  • Redness and bruising at injection sites
  • Bruising at harvest site for fat injections
  • Swelling of the lips that will dissipate after the first few days

To learn more about lip augmentation by Dr. Randy Proffitt, call our office on the gulf Coast in Mobile, Alabama at (251) 344-0322.