Lip Augmentation Guide – Here’s What You Should Know

What to Know When Considering Lip Augmentation

Thin lips are often a concern for many women. Lip augmentation by use of fillers or implants can help increase lip volume and reduce the appearance of age related lines and creasing along the border of the lips. This augmented look of the lips brings a new youth to the face and new confidence to the patient. Most healthy individuals are ideal candidates for lip augmentation, however; anyone considering the procedure should be informed of the benefits and possible risks.

Who is Considered a Good Candidate for Lip Augmentation?

Lip augmentation is recommended for those who want to plump thin lips to create a fuller appearance. Some techniques help improve uneven lips and correct the overall shape of the mouth. However, if you would like thinner lips, it is recommended to speak to a plastic surgeon about lip reduction. If you are an adult who is in good health and have realistic expectations for this procedure, then you’re most likely a good candidate for lip augmentation.

Pre-Operation Instructions
You should request full pre-operation instructions from your surgeon, however, patients who are undergoing lip implants or fat transfer to the lips should:

If you’re a current smoker it is suggested to stop smoking at least six weeks prior to surgery.

Stop taking certain herbs, vitamins and medications two weeks before surgery. Talk to your surgeon about what is safe to continue taking.

Avoid eating or drinking after midnight on surgery day.

Arrange a ride back home after surgery.

Avoid wearing any jewelry, contact lenses or makeup on the day of surgery.

Those who are undergoing dermal fillers will find that the procedure is less invasive and they will not need any pain medication which could impair driving, therefore they can drive themselves to and from the office.

How is a Lip Enhancement Procedure Preformed?

There are many techniques for performing lip augmentation. Your cosmetic surgeon will describe and offer you options that fit your aesthetic goals. It is important that the prospective candidate informs their surgeon of any preexisting allergies they may have in order to avoid an allergic reaction to the materials used. There are three main methods of performing lip augmentation, lip implants, lip fillers and fat transfer. Lip implants and fat transfer procedures provide permanent lip augmentation whereas dermal filler is used as a temporary means to enhance the fullness of the lips and is broken down by your body over time.

Non-surgical Procedures
Injections with fillers can be performed right in the office. The surgeon will prepare the area to be treated and may apply a numbing cream. Next, the filler will be injected into the lip as needed in order to create extra volume.

Surgical Procedures
Your lip augmentation procedure will be performed in an operating room, either in a hospital, an ambulatory facility or an in office surgical room. The procedure will typically last at least thirty minutes and may take as long as two hours.

Medication will be delivered prior to the surgery.
General anesthesia is often used, however; local anesthesia may be desired in some situations.
If you are receiving a fat transfer procedure, liposuction will be performed prior to your injection.
After your surgery is completed, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be closely monitored until you are released.

Recovery
The downtime from a non-surgical method is very minimal. You may experience bruising or swelling that will diminish over a few days. Surgical procedures will require more recovery time and swelling and bruising may be present for up to three weeks. However, most patients find that they can return to their daily activities within a day after their procedure.

If you’re interested in learning even more about lip augmentation and enhancement in the Manhattan, NYC area, please contact the office of Robert M. Schwarcz, MD, FACS for a consultation today!