Lip Augmentation: Techniques, Benefits & Potential Risks

A luscious lip with an accentuated border, not only enhances facial features, but also makes one look sensuous and appealing. The perceived ideal size of lips has varied over time. The current trend is towards thick and fuller lips. Not surprisingly, many are turning to cosmetic implants and surgeries to get thick and luscious lips.

What is lip augmentation?

Lip augmentation, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to give you fuller and plumper lips, while reducing fine wrinkles around the mouth.

Procedure:

Injectable lip augmentation can be performed quickly. Before the injection, a topical or local numbing agent is applied to ease discomfort. Injections can also be given to completely numb the lips. This is similar to anesthetic injection that dentists give to numb the mouth. Then, very fine needles are used to inject the filler into the lips. Ice cubes are later applied to control swelling.

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Lip Augmentation Options: 

1. Collagen:

Collagen is a natural injectable substance which provides support to the skin. Bovine, a collagen derived from the cow, is mostly used for this treatment. The effect lasts for three to four months and must be repeated to maintain the desired shape. It is a good option for people who do not want a permanent result.

2. Hylaform:

It is created from a substance found in the body known as hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid fillers can improve the appearance of the lips by defining shape, structure and adding volume. There is no risk of developing any kind of reaction from this filler, but it is only a temporary fix.

3. Alloderm:

Alloderm is a natural collagen sheet, made from donated cadaver tissue. It is inserted through tiny incisions made inside the corners of the mouth. Once the implant is placed, it eventually becomes integrated with the natural tissues of the lips. This material lasts for not more than a year.

4. Radiance:

The filler used is made of calcium based microspheres, which is suspended in a water based gel. Radiance provides immediate and extended results, as it stimulates the production of collagen and encourages tissue regeneration. Radiance lip augmentation lasts up to two years.

5. Autologen:

The filler is made from patient’s own collagen, extracted from another part of the body. It gets easily reabsorbed by the body, so repeated treatments are necessary to maintain the shape of the lips. There are no risks of allergic reactions, but the result lasts only for a few months.

6. Fascia:

Fascia filler uses a specific connective tissue harvested either from your own body, or from a deceased person’s tissue. This filler can be used both as an injection or surgical implant, and has to be repeated every year.

7. Fat Grafting:

It is a surgical method of inserting the patient’s own fat into the lips. There is no risk of infection or reactions from this filler, but the result will vary from person to person. This is a form of permanent lip augmentation.

Gore-Tex, SoftForm and soft ePTFE are other synthetic implant options.

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Side-effects: 

• The side-effects of lip augmentation are temporary and last only for a few days.
• Allergic reactions can range from prolonged redness to swelling or itching.
• Other possible complications include prolonged bleeding, lip asymmetry, and extrusion of the implant.
• Normal swelling or bruises last from three days to a week.
• Visit your doctor immediately, if you develop a fever or experience extreme swelling. 

Important Points to Remember: 

• People who are allergic to local anaesthesia should avoid lip injections.
• Those suffering from conditions like cold sores, blood clotting problems, infections, diabetes or lupus, which can slow healing process should also stay away from lip augmentation.
• People with a history of serious allergies, with a reaction to the pre-treatment collagen skin treatment or with active inflammatory skin conditions or infections should not consider lip augmentation.
• It is very important to choose an experienced doctor for the treatment. Find out about their training, certification and professional affiliation before going ahead with the procedure. The practitioner should be well versed with the risk, result and recovery time involved with the treatment.
• Lipstick or other lip products should be avoided for a few days.
• Recovery time depends on the procedure. It usually takes a couple weeks to recover completely.
• If you’re a smoker, you may be required to stop smoking for a few weeks before the procedure.
• Avoid eating solid foods immediately after the treatment.

Hope you find this article helpful! Do leave us a comment.