Lip Augmentation Lip Cosmetic Surgery
Lip
Augmentation is performed to enhance the size of one’s lips. It can be done
in a variety of ways, ranging from collagen injection which is short-lived
to lip implants which are longer lasting, and in some cases even permanent.
The newest type of lip implant involves the use of Alloderm, a material
made from human skin. It is inserted through tiny incisions located inside
each corner of the mouth.
The lips may maintain their increased size for over two years, making this
an excellent treatment choice. If a person prefers to use material from
their own body, an incision in the scalp is used to obtain material for
the lip enhancement. Goretex, a synthetic implant, can also be used.
Another popular option is injected fat which is not permanent, but is longer-lived
than collagen. To accent and define the upper edge of the lip vermillion
(where it meets the normal pigmented skin), collagen is usually injected
along this line. Collagen injections are placed just under the surface of
the skin, and create a defining, ridge that many people find attractive.
The drawback is that the collagen is slowly reabsorbed by the body, and
repeat injections may be required every 6-12 months to maintain this look.
To add volume or fullness to either the upper or lower lip requires insertion
of some tissue into that area. Many different things can be used for this
including fat injections, grafts or small pieces of tissue from another
area of your body (dermis-fat grafts or fascia), freeze dried skin (Alloderm),
Gortex, and other synthetic materials. The advantage of using living tissue
from your own body is that it is natural. The disadvantages are that another
incision may be needed to obtain it, and the graft may become partially
or fully reabsorbed by the body in time. The synthetic materials aren't
absorbed by the body, but are unnatural, and sometimes may be felt within
the lip if pinched. The procedures themselves vary in terms of complexity.
Collagen injections are the simplest of the procedures and are usually done
in the office with little inconvenience to the patient. Results are immediate
and swelling/discoloration is minimal if any. If volume is to be added to
the lip, an small incision is usually made at each corner of the mouth just
on the inside. A tunnel is created, and the graft is then placed within
the tunnel. If fat injections are used, a small amount of fat is suctioned
from another area of the body, then injected uniformly into the tunnel.
If you are having another procedure at the same time, a piece of tissue
may be "borrowed" from one area and transferred to the lip area. These procedures
can often be done in the office with either IV sedation, or with just local
anesthesia (numbing).
Risks and potential complications include bleeding and infection, as with
any operation. There can also be asymmetries, scarring, firmness of the
graft material, changes in sensation, and rarely extrusion or erosion of
a synthetic graft material. Finally, the lack of a permanent result in some
patients may be a possibility when using your own tissue. Overall, most
patients are very happy with the results of this relatively simple and uncomplicated
procedure to enhance their lips. Ask your plastic surgeon if you would be
a candidate for this procedure, and which technique would be best for you.
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