Lip Plastic Cosmetic Surgery
As we get older the lips age with the rest of the face resulting in atrophy of the lips. The lips thin out, tiny vertical lines appear, the graceful cupid's bow of the upper lip begin to flatten, and the upper lip lengthens and hangs over the teeth. Others may have been born with thinner lips, and simply want a more defined cupid's bow and greater lip volume to balance the other features of their face. A cosmetic procedure or plastic surgery of Lips can restore your natural, plump lips with careful attention to overall shape, your cupid’s bow, and balance with your other facial features making your lips more beautiful and give you more self-confidence.
- Lip reduction / Lip-Plasty
Reducing the size of thick lips
- Are your lips too thick or too full? It is possible to reduce the size of your lips.
- Through a small incision the plastic surgeon turns the excess red of the lips inwards. The scar is hidden in the mouth and is therefore invisible.
- This procedure is performed under a local anaesthetic and last about an hour.
- Lip-Plasty recovery:
The lips will be swollen and bruised for about 2 weeks. You have to wait a few months before the scars from a Lip-Plasty fully mature. You may experience a little discomfort when moving the lips for a few weeks. After 6 weeks the definite result is visible.
- What is Lip Augmentation?
Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that can give you fuller, plumper lips and may reduce fine wrinkles around the mouth. The upper or lower lip may be treated alone, or both lips may enlarged at the same time. Lip augmentation can be achieved by injecting or surgically implanting materials into the lips. Some procedures are temporary, others are permanent.
- What are my options in lip augmentation?
- These days, an injectable dermal filler is the most commonly used method of lip augmentation.
- There are many types of dermal fillers that can be injected in your lips and around your mouth. But the most common fillers today are products that contain substances similar to hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body. It helps increase volume in your lips.
- If an injection is not effective because the red of the lips is too inverted then it can be enlarged by turning the red of the lips from the inside of the lips outwards.
- Is Lip Augmentation Right for You?
To answer this question, you must first ask yourself why you want to modify your lips. You should not undergo this procedure unless you truly want to modify your appearance.
If you are considering lip augmentation to make someone else happy or to try to fit an ideal image, you may want to think twice.
Also, it's important to have realistic expectations about the outcome. Enhanced lips may make your lips plumper and fuller, but you will still be you when you walk out of the doctor's office.
Your doctor can discuss with you the pros and cons of your lip augmentation options and help you decide which technique or product is best for you.
Before undergoing lip augmentation you should be in good health and a nonsmoker. You may not be a candidate for lip augmentation if you have:
- An infection such as oral herpes
- Diabetes
- Lupus
- Blood-clotting problems
If you have ever had a cold sore (oral herpes) any time in the past, you should tell your doctor before undergoing the procedure. If you have any known allergies or are allergic to lidocaine, tell your doctor before undergoing the procedure. Also, tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
- What to Expect During the Procedure
Injectable lip augmentation techniques can be performed quickly in your doctor's office with little to no downtime. Fat injection is the exception, since the procedure requires a small area of liposuction to remove the fat from another part of your body before the injection can take place.
Before the injections, a topical or local numbing agent may be applied to ease discomfort. Sometimes injections can be given before the treatment to completely numb the lips. This is similar to the anesthetic injections that you get at the dentist to numb your mouth. After carefully marking the areas to be injected, very fine needles are used to inject the substance into your lips.
Following injection, ice may be given to ease discomfort and control swelling. But no firm pressure should be put on the treatment area.
Lipstick or other lip products are best avoided immediately after the procedure. You should be able to notice a difference immediately. After you have healed, your lips should feel natural.
- Side Effects and Risks
Side effects of hyaluronic acid fillers are temporary and should only last a few days.
- Lip Augmentation recovery
Injections: Recovery takes about 1-2 days. Bruising and swelling may last as long as a week. Grafts and flaps: Recovery takes about 1-2 weeks. During this time, you may experience some drooling. You may also experience some temporary stiffness in your lips.
For faster recovery:
- Keep ice packs applied to your lips for the first 48 hours
- Limit talking and chewing should be limited during the first 48 hours
- Limit smiling and laughing for the first week
- Sleep in a semi-upright position for the first week or so (do not sleep on your stomach)
- To avoid unnecessary swelling or bleeding, do not bend over, strain, exercise or do any other activities that could increase pressure to your lips
- Avoid strenuous activities for 1-3 days
- Keep the lips clean to avoid infection (antibiotics may also be dispensed)
