Lip augmentation: lip enhancement options
There are several different methods available for lip augmentation or enhancement. The methods can be divided into surgical and non-surgical procedures.
o Non-surgical lip augmentation– Fillers such as Restylane (TM), Juvederm (TM) and others can be injected into the lips to create a youthful and full lip. Filler injections not only make the lips plump, but also loosen the skin on the lips, which has the effect of diminishing lines and wrinkles on the lips.
When injected correctly, the fillers turn the pink part of the upper lip upward, decreasing the distance between the pink lip and the nose. This helps to create a more youthful appearance on the lip, as the lip tends to bend and lengthen as we age. The only downside to fillers is that they need to be repeated at least once a year, sometimes within six months.
o Surgical lip augmentation– There are several surgical methods to enhance the lips. The most common are:
1. Fat injections– Fat is extracted from another area of the body, such as the hips. The extracted fat is treated in a way that improves “take” or survival after transplantation. The fat is then injected into the lip to plump and plump the tissue. Fat injection works, but there is prolonged swelling and bruising after fat injection. Since 50% of the fat will dissolve, the surgeon must over-correct the injection. It may take three to six months for the final result to be seen.
2. Lip augmentation with lip implants– There are several implants that can be used. These implants are small and soft and very different from breast implants. Small pieces of Gortex (TM) have been used for many years. The newer implants are like little long balloons that are inserted into the lips. The results of lip augmentation with lip implants can be excellent and permanent, unlike fillers. However, implants present a risk of rejection by the body. If implants are rejected and need to be removed, significant scarring and deformities can occur.
3. Lip lift surgery– There are two common lip tightening procedures. The best is a newer technique performed on the inside of the upper lip, so there is no visible scar. During the lip lift procedure, small flaps of mucosa (pink tissue in the mouth) are grouped together to push the lip out and up. The results can be excellent and the lack of visible scars is a great advantage.
Older lip tightening methods used an external incision under the nose. The skin was removed from the upper lip near the nostrils of the nose, thus pulling the upper lip up. While this technique improves age-related lip lengthening, scarring is unacceptable in my opinion.
Why do people get lip augmentation?
o Modern concepts of beauty– Today, full and voluminous lips are considered an ideal component of facial beauty. The popularity of Angelina Jolie’s face as an American example of a beautiful face is often centered primarily on her full lips. We are now a multicultural society, very different from fifty years ago when the Caucasian face with thinner lips dominated beauty magazines. Hispanic, African American, and Asian concepts of beauty have always included full lips, and modern American beauty ideals have embraced this characteristic as our multicultural society has evolved.
o Full lips look younger-As our face ages, noticeable changes occur in our lips. As we age, skin laxity develops on the face and the lip begins to sag, lengthen, and turn inward. The pink part of the lip, the beautiful Cupid’s bow, the curved part of the upper lip, becomes less evident as the lip turns inward. Also, lip wrinkles, lip lines, and lipstick lines develop as we age. These lines are the result of years of puckering action of the lip muscles and create an aged appearance in the mouth.
Botox (TM) helps increase lips
o Botox (TM) eliminates wrinkles – Botox (TM) relaxes the muscles of the lips that cause puckering and therefore lip lines. If a patient has lip wrinkles, I usually inject a filler, such as Restylane (TM) or Juvederm (TM), and also a small amount of Botox (TM).
o Botox (TM) raises your mouth– Botox provides a lip lift when the Detrussor muscle (the muscle in the chin that pulls the lip and mouth down) is weakened. As we age, the mouth turns downward, especially at the corners. This contributes to the marionette and double chin lines. A small amount of Botox (TM) relaxes the muscle that pulls the lips down and lifts the lips at the corners of the mouth.
How much does lip augmentation cost?
o Filler injections– Filler injections cost between $ 400 and $ 750 depending on the amount of filler used.
o Surgery– Lip implantation surgery can cost between $ 1500 and $ 5000 depending on the surgery involved, the type of implant and the duration of the procedure.
Who should increase my lip?
o Fillers– My own opinion is that you should consult an expert who is experienced in lip injection techniques. Typically this would be a board certified plastic surgeon. Many board-certified dermatologists also make fillers.
The key is to find a doctor who has experience creating a beautiful lip with fillers. It is not easy to achieve a perfect result. Experience and technical skill are important. Ask the doctor to show you photos of his work. Ask how many injections in the lips have been done. Trust your instincts about the answer you get.
o Lip enhancement surgery-My own opinion is that a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in lip surgery should be consulted. The lips are a complex vital structure of the face with very important aesthetic and functional components. Therefore, I believe that you will be better served if you are looking for a board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in lip surgery.
I always recommend seeing two surgeons before deciding. Ask how many lip procedures the doctor has performed and ask to see the results.
Lip enhancement can add beauty and youth to your face. Modern filler injections are easy and a wonderful way to start. I always recommend that my patients try filler injection and possibly Botox (TM) first. If you love the result but want a permanent solution, then we consider the surgical option.
