Are you unhappy with the current shape and volume of your lips? If you are, you may be a good candidate for lip augmentation. Lip augmentation has surged in demand in recent years as many women strive to achieve the ‘perfect pout. Injectables and implants can both give you the enhanced lips you desire, but what will work for your lips.
What is Lip augmentation?
Lip augmentation or lip enhancement is a cosmetic procedure that is designed to restore shape and volume to the lips. The procedure is often requested by people with naturally thin lips or by individuals looking to reverse the effects of aging on the lips.
Two of the most common methods for lip augmentation are injectables, specifically dermal fillers, and implants.
Injectables or Implants: What Will Work for My Lips?
Lip augmentation with injectables
Juvederm is one of the most popular and natural injectables used for lip augmentation. It is a dermal filler that is derived from hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a substance that naturally occurs in the body, and helps keep the skin supple and moisturized. The HA molecules in Juvederm are easily broken down by the body in the months after treatment.
When Juvederm is injected into the lips the HA attracts and retains water, so the lips are able to hold more water and appear fuller and plumper.
The nice thing about Juvederm is that it is reversible, so if you don’t like the way your lips look; it’s possible to completely erase the results. The plastic surgeon or dermatologist can inject the lips with an enzyme known as hyaluronidase, which dissolves the Juvederm filler and allows the lips to return to their natural state.
Ice is normally applied to the lips after lip augmentation, but the lips may still be slightly swollen for about 24-48 hours. Patients are generally able to see results the same day.
Lip augmentation using injectables takes approximately 15-20 minutes, and there is zero downtime. The results typically last 6-9 months.
Lip augmentation with implants
Implants are also a popular choice for lip augmentation. The implants used for lip enhancement may be made of various materials, but silicone implants are the most popular choice.
Lip augmentation with implants is done under local anesthesia. The implant is inserted through several tiny incisions made inside the corner of the mouth, and is carefully positioned to ensure the results look natural and attractive.
The lips will be somewhat bruised and swollen after the procedure, but these side-effects usually resolve within a few days.
In order to get natural looking results with implants, the surgeon must select implants that match the shape of the patient’s lips, and is proportionate with the other facial features.
Determining whether injectables or implants will work for your lips will depend on the type of lip enhancement results you are looking for.
Implants are a long-lasting lip augmentation solution, whereas fillers are temporary and typically last about 1 year. So if you’re on the fence about the type of results you desire, fillers may be the better option for you. However, if you are interested in permanent lip enhancement, implants are likely to work very well for you. Just be aware that little can be done to fix the implants if you are unhappy with the results.
Fillers not only add volume to the lips, they also add shape and structure. So if you would like to improve the shape of your lips in addition to increasing volume, injectables would be more appropriate.
If you are considering lip augmentation with injectables or implants it’s important to have the procedure done by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon with a lot of experience performing the procedure. There are risks associated with lip augmentation, so be certain to discuss these with your doctor before making the decision to proceed.
Are you interested in lip augmentation?
Contact Lakemont Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, Winter Park, FL to learn more about lip enhancement with injectables and implants. Lakemont also serves the central Florida area.
Call (407) 410-3832 today to schedule a consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Scott Greenberg, MD.