Have you noticed your lips look thinner than they did when you were younger? Perhaps they’ve lost their shape, or seem to be less full. Or, maybe you were born with naturally thin lips and wish to have a plumper, more attractive mouth.
What is Lip Augmentation?
Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that can give you fuller, plumper lips. At one time, implants and fat injections were used to plump lips. Then, collagen, once the most common used filler, was the injection of choice.
Today, injectable dermal filler is the most commonly used method of lip augmentation. After carefully marking the areas to be injected, very fine needles are used to inject the substance into your lips.
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.
Dr. Robert Brueck can perform injectable lip augmentation with little to no downtime. Dr. Brueck will discuss with you the pros and cons of your lip augmentation options and help you decide which technique or product is best for you.
How Dermal Fillers Work to Augment Lips
_0.jpg)
Lip fillers utilize hyaluronic acid to improve the size, shape, and symmetry of the lips. Hyaluronic acid is found throughout the human body but, as we age, it begins to diminish. Capable of binding over 1,000x its weight in water, when injected into the lips, hyaluronic acid restores moisture, adds volume, and enhances the appearance of the treatment area.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are safe, well-tolerated, and can produce reliable and predictable results. They are also 100% reversible if results do not match expectations.
Do Lip Fillers Hurt?
Topical anesthetic helps to ensure patient comfort during treatment. Following injections, you may experience some soreness at the injection site for a few hours, but this should subside on its own. We will discuss options for addressing this mild discomfort as appropriate.
Lasting or serious pain is extremely rare with lip fillers.
Good candidates for Lip Augmentations
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, or blood-clotting problems.
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. If you have any known allergies or are allergic to lidocaine, tell Dr. Brueck before undergoing the procedure. Also, mention any medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
How Do I Prepare for Lip Fillers?
You will need to avoid blood thinners, including alcohol, for at least 24 hours before your injections. You will also need to avoid certain topical products that can irritate the skin, such as retinoids, glycolic acid, and similar “anti-aging” products.
During your initial consultation, we will carefully assess the herbs, supplements, and medications that you use, and discuss your lifestyle choices to help ensure you are fully prepared for your lip augmentation procedure.
What To Expect During Treatment
Prior to lip augmentation, the treatment area is numbed with a topical anesthetic. This helps ensure your absolute comfort during treatment. Once you are comfortable, we will carefully inject filler into precisely targeted areas of your lips to help ensure consistent and natural-looking results.
The process takes around 30 minutes to perform and most people can resume normal activities right away, though some residual soreness, redness, and swelling are possible for a few days post-treatment. We will discuss what you can expect during and after treatment to help you plan appropriately for your procedure.
How long is recovery from Lip Augmentation?
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.
Also available are Silastic lip implants that are permanent. This is a simple procedure done with a little sedation and following your procedure you can enjoy your favorite popsicle.
How Long Do the Results Last?
Lip augmentation with dermal fillers can last for six or more months, depending on factors unique to your body. Touch-up treatments can be used at regularly scheduled intervals to help ensure continuous results. Should you choose to discontinue treatment, your lips will simply return to their natural appearance.
Schedule a Client Consultation
Find your ideal lip enhancement option by calling Beauty by Brueck at 239-939-5233 today. Dr. Brueck serves patients in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Punta Gorda, and nearby areas of Southwest Florida. Contact us today!
