Lip Augmentation
What happens after you meet your surgeon?
After you've discussed lip augmentation with the doctor, you will most likely speak with the patient care or surgical coordinator to receive a quote and to schedule a day and time for your surgery. Many practices will perform the surgery either within a nearby hospital, accredited office-based surgery center, or an ambulatory surgery center outside of the office. Once you book your procedure you may be asked to get certain lab work performed, receive a medical evaluation from your internist or surgeon, stop smoking prior to surgery, and discontinue the use of aspirin, herbal supplements, and other drugs that may increase bleeding.
You should also leave your doctor’s office with a solid understanding of lip augmentation, detailed instructions on what to do the night before and morning of surgery, post-operative care instructions, and consents to sign and return regarding anesthesia and your lip augmentation procedure. You will want to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you following surgery, for at least the first night. Sometimes there are post-op care facilities focused on plastic and cosmetic surgery patients.
Lip Augmentation or enhancement is commonly performed using injectable cosmetic facial fillers or a fat transfer from another part of the patient's body. Facial fillers include Human- or Bovine-Based Collagen and Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm. Collagen injections or fat transfers are sometimes combined with other injectables such as Restylane or Juvederm. Laser lip rejuvenation is another non-invasive procedure where a laser is used to tighten the collagen and tissue beneath the lips in a manner similar to laser liposuction.
Collagen adds definition to the lips giving them a fuller appearance. Collagen is primarily used to treat the border of the lips and can be injected just under the surface of the skin using a fine needle without need for anesthetic. Collagen results are considered immediate with little to no recovery time. However, Collagen injections are not permanent. Collagen is broken down and naturally absorbed by the body, so typical results can normally last from 3-6 months on average. Patients can be allergic to Collagen, so your doctor will perform a skin test prior to treatment. Treatments will need to be repeated to maintain the results of a Lip Augmentation using Collagen.Patients desiring a more dramatic lip enhancement or more permanent results may require a surgical approach involving lip implants, a dermal fat graft or a V-Y lip augmentation also known as a lip "lift". Patients looking to enhance the shape of their lips through a lip "reduction" would also be looking at a surgical procedure.
Lip augmentation is an outpatient procedure with non-surgical procedures taking approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour to perform. More invasive, surgical procedures typically take 1-2 hours to perform.
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How Do I Find The Right Doctor or Surgeon?
Deciding to renew your appearance is a big decision. And finding the right doctor to perform the procedure is important. Your doctor should explain the procedure, the benefits, the potential risks and complications, and answer all your questions, so you can decide if a procedure is right for you. Click here to find the top doctors in your area today!