What is Lip Augmentation?
Lip augmentation enlarges the lips through the use of a cosmetic lip filler or lip implants. Often performed in conjunction with face lift, brow lift, rhinoplasty, and cheek implant or chin implant procedures, lip augmentation methods enhance lips to create a look desired by both women and men.
Lip Implants
One lip augmentation method involves the use of lip implants. Lip implants are shaped like a small tube and filled with synthetic material. A small needle is used to insert the implants into the lips through tiny incisions during this cosmetic surgery procedure. One benefit of this method of lip augmentation is that the results are long-lasting. Unlike injectable lip fillers, the implants are not absorbed into the body, but remain fixed in place.
Lip Augmentation with Fat Transfer
Lip augmentation with fat transfer is a revolutionary method for improving the volume of the lips. With this form of cosmetic lip surgery, the doctor carefully prepares fat liposuctioned from one area of the body for injection into the lips. Since the tissue used in this method comes from your own body, it is less likely to be rejected by your body, and the result is supple, natural-looking lips.
Lip Augmentation Recovery
The extent of your recovery will depend largely on which lip augmentation method you choose. For lip fillers, only a topical anesthetic to numb the injection site is typically required, and recovery consists of mild discomfort for one to two days. The healing period for lip implants and fat transfer is longer and may involve several weeks of recovery.
Risks and Benefits of Lip Augmentation
Very few patients experience significant complications with lip enhancement, but like all surgical procedures, risks do exist. Bleeding, infection, and swelling are a possibility with any surgery. Side effects more closely associated with lip augmentation include lumping, scarring, numbness, cold sores, and asymmetrical lips.
The benefits of a lip augmentation procedure include fuller, shapelier lips, and a more vivacious, youthful appearance. Many patients experience long-lasting results that look completely natural.