Lip Augmentation

• Permanent Lip Augmentation
• Collagen Lip Augmentation
• Recovery

Permanent Lip Augmentation

One of the most telling signs of age are the lips. As we age, we loose bulk and definition to the upper lip. The middle portion of the lip which has the upturn to it is called Cupid's Bow. With ongoing age, a flattening of Cupid's Bow is most commonly seen. When evaluating the upper and lower lips, an aesthetically pleasing look is usually a one-to-one height ratio between the vertical height of the upper lip to the vertical height of the lower lip measured at Cupid's Bow. While several temporary injection fillers are utilized to augment the lips, permanent lip augmentation can be performed utilizing fat transfer.

The Procedure

Fat transfer lip augmentation is routinely performed as an outpatient procedure in the office or surgery center. This is usually performed under a local anesthetic. Through the aid of computer imaging, the predetermined size of the lips are agreed upon by you and your surgeon. Tiny stab incisions are made in the upper lip and lower lip. A special instrument is then utilized to inject the fat into the upper and the lower lip. It is very common for patients to come to the office on Friday, have their lips augmented, and return to work on Monday.

Before	After

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Collagen Lip Augmentation

As we age, we start to notice fine lines around the mouth as well as decrease in definition and bulk to our lips. An increasingly popular and remarkably simple treatment for facial lines and wrinkles is known as collagen injections. This is a very simple in-office procedure. The only preparation required is a test injection in the forearm similar to a TB. test. Once it is determined the patient is not allergic to Bovine collagen, the patient may return to have continual augmentation performed every 3-6 months, as they desire.

The most common areas of injection involve the upper and lower lips, the marionette line or nasolabial folds as well as fine lines around the upper and lower lips or on the cheeks.

The Procedure

As this is an in-office procedure with little to no down time, many patients seek lip augmentation prior to significant events such as dinner parties or weddings. Most patients simply want to look their best on a weekly basis. Patients are first shown computer imaging in order to determine the best proportion of the lip augmentation as well as to reveal what is realistic for the patient to expect from the results. Ice is then placed on the injection areas, and a very fine needle is utilized to inject the collagen into the areas previously mentioned. A slight overfill is performed to the degree of 10%. Over the course of the next 24-48 hours, slight swelling subsides. Patients may apply make-up to the area of collagen injection immediately upon leaving the office.

Before	After

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Recovery

Most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. No sedation or local anesthetic is required, and it should be stressed that you can resume normal activities immediately. You can even drive yourself home or back to the office. Some patients will experience a slight temporary bruising at the injection site. This can also be covered with make-up.

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