Lip Augmentation in United States

Lip Augmentation with 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 is the results that can last for many years.

Lip Augmentation with Fillers

During a lip filler injection, a topical anesthetic will be applied to your lips so you won't feel any pain. Then, a thin needle will be used to inject the lip filler into any or all parts of your lips, including the curve in the center of your upper lip (Cupid's bow), the edges of your lips (vermilion border), and your oral commissures (corners of your mouth).

The amount of lip filler injected depends on how much plumper you want your lips to be. On average, your doctor may insert 1 milliliter of lip filler into your lips.

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.

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 United States longer, at least a week or until your doctor says you can travel home.

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. 

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.

Lip augmentation, particularly lip fillers, has 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.

To see how lip fillers are applied and the speed at which the procedure can be completed, watch this short video.