Also known as a Lip Enhancement, a surgical procedure aimed at improving the fullness and appearance of the lips by enlarging them. Simple filler injections can also be used for short-term effects, whilst implants offer a more long-term solution to less defined or naturally thin lips.
Whether you want fuller lips with more volume or to balance your lip shape, dermal fillers are ideal for lip enhancement. If you are worried about lines around the lip area and notice your lipstick ‘bleeding’ into these lines, often having lip filler injected can help to soften these fine lines. Lip filler is a very popular treatment option for women.
It’s important to have realistic expectations about the outcome. Enhanced lips may make your lips plumper and fuller, but you will still be you when you walk out of the doctor’s office. Click the image to see more Before and After photos.
Your doctor can discuss with you the pros and cons of your lip augmentation options and help you decide which technique or product is best for you.
The Procedure
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Prior to lip augmentation, you will need to discuss with your doctor your expectations and the best option for you. Your doctor will review your medical history and your overall health condition. It is important to tell your doctor of any allergies or any medications that you are taking. Avoid certain medications such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers since they may lead to bruising. If you are an active smoker, you may need to stop for a certain period of time before and after the procedure since smoking can be a complicating factor. On the day of the surgery, wear loose comfortable clothing. If possible, wear button-down so you do not have to pull it over your face.
During the consultation for lip fillers, your doctor will also take pictures of your lips to determine the symmetry and shape of your lips. Your doctor will then determine which areas of your lips need to be fuller and plumper. With lip fillers, your doctor will most likely apply topical anesthesia to your lips. If your doctor injects the numbing medication, you may feel some mild discomfort. However, following the injection, the actual lip filler procedure will be painless. Your doctor injects the lip fillers into the upper and lower lips using very fine needles. There are several types of lip fillers, including Juvederm Ultra, Restylane, Captique, Elevess, and Hylaform. All of these types are injected the same way and will give you similar results. Once injected the gel in the lip fillers will support and shapes the tissue of the lips. Lip fillers are popular because it offers better control over how much lip volume is created, carries smaller risk and side effects, and the injection can be given gradually on different appointments. However, lip fillers only last between six to eight months as it is only a semi-permanent solution. If you want a more permanent option, you can opt for lip implants.
Before you undergo a lip implant procedure, your doctor will determine what size of lip implant would be best for you. During the procedure, your doctor sterilizes the skin around the surgical area. Then the lips are anesthetized with local anesthesia. Your doctor will make an incision in each corner of your mouth. Then, a tunnel in your lip is created using an instrument known as a curved alligator clamp. The implant is grasped into the lip tunnel and positioned underneath the lip fat above the lip muscles. The last step is closing the incisions with absorbable sutures. The implants are usually made of soft, pliable silicone rubber or biodegradable substance. Lip implants offer a semi-permanent lip enhancement for people who want a more lasting solution with minimal maintenance. The benefit of lip implants are the results which can last for many years.
There are also other methods to perform lip augmentation, including fat grafting, tissue grafting, or local flap grafts. However, they are not commonly performed since they have a greater risk of complications.
Length of Stay in Destination
For lip fillers, the whole treatment takes only 15 to 30 minutes and you may go home straight after the procedure. Lip implants may take longer, at least around 30 minutes. Plan to stay in the area longer, at least a week or until your doctor says you can travel home.
Recovery Time
For several hours after the procedure, your lips will be numb. You will need a minimum of three days off from work. You should not do any exercise for a few days after filler injections and for a few weeks after lip implants. In general, your recovery can take up to two weeks before you are allowed to go back to your normal routine.
Aftercare
Following the procedure, you may use ice to ease discomfort and control swelling and avoid using any lipstick or lip products for several days. It is also advised not to eat anything hard at least until you have full sensation in your lips. You can eat plenty of soft foods, such as pudding, oatmeal, yogurt, or anything that does not require chewing. Your doctor may prescribe ointment or cream to put on the treated areas.
Success Rate
Lip augmentation, particularly lip fillers have a high success rate. Many patients have said that the procedure has boosted their self-image and self-confidence. Remember that you will need to undergo another lip filler injection after six to eight months, or depending on the case, your lip filler may also last for 9 to 12 months. There are several side effects, complications, and risks to be aware of before you undergo lip augmentation.
Side effects of fillers that should only last a few days:
- Bleeding from the injections sites
- Swelling and bruising
- Reactivation of cold sores or fever blisters
- Redness at the site of injections.
If the symptoms above do not subside after a few days, you need to call your doctor. There are also more serious side effects or risks, such as severe and prolonged swelling, lip asymmetry, lumps in the lips, ulceration, allergic reaction, tissue loss, and infection. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of those symptoms.
Alternatives to Lip Augmentation Procedure
If you do not want to undergo implant or filler injections, there are several alternatives. One of the newest alternatives is lip threading, which passes miniature threads or sutures through a small tube to elevate the skin and create tension. You can also opt for topical lip plumper’s, usually in the form of lip gloss made with either hyaluronic acid or collagen. It will give you a tingly sensation that causes your lips to swell.
To see how lip fillers are applied and the speed at which the procedure can be completed, watch this short video.
To check prices or to book a Lip Augmentation Procedure in Thailand or anywhere else in the world, head on over to MyMediTravel now!