Plump pout has always been synonymous with being youthful. Many have been drawn towards admiring those who have luscious perfect lips matched with high cheeks. People, especially women, who desire to achieve such good look, would go as far as undergo operations. With the innovation of technology, the possibilities of a younger-looking and healthier us is achieved.
So What is Lip Augmentation?
It is generally the procedure of enhancing the lips with the use of biological or synthetic products, or surgical restructure. There are plenty of ways to achieve the desired lips. These may also even help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines around your lips.
Who are the Best Candidates for Lip Augmentation?
Not everyone who wishes to have that perfect lips can undergo lip augmentation. One should be of great physical and mental health with no previous existing medical health conditions, with elastic skin, and with good realistic expectations of the outcome of the procedure. Discipline is an important aspect one must have to comply with postoperative advices and protocols if you want to achieve a good positive outcome.
If everything stated above fits perfectly for you, and you wish to resize, alter, reshape, or lift your lips, Lip Augmentation might be just right for you. But to make sure, better consult a professional so that he’ll be able to give you full disclosure of the procedure and what might be best for you. Bear in mind that they are no God that can do miracles on your appearance, but as skilled and professionals as they are will try to make everything work for you.
Those who might need lip augmentation are those who have asymmetric deflated lips, sagging or dropping upper lip, wrinkled lips from aging or smoking, small lips, and those who need reconstructions.
What are the Types of Lip Augmentation?
There are different types of lip augmentation available nowadays. It is best that you research all available types before deciding on undergoing one.
- Injected – An injected lip augmentation can be performed as an out-patient operation done either in an out-patient centre or the doctor’s office. The client is usually sent home after the augmentation on the same day.
- Topical anesthesia is used an injected directly to the lip area. Artecoll, a type of lip augmentation, is a synthetic material that is injected to the lips for a plump look. Take note that synthetic materials have higher chances of having allergic reactions but Artecoll’s effect lasts longer.
- Autologen is another type of injection used for lip augmentation and is made of the client’s own collagen that is extracted from another part of the body. It is then injected to the lips. There are no known allergic effects of this type of injection although the results are just temporary.
- Implants and Surgeries – Local anesthesia is used for this type of lip augmentation. Depending on how complex the procedure is, this can be done on a centre or the doctor’s office.
- Fat Grafting – this is a surgical procedure done by inserting fat that is extracted from the client’s body to the lips to achieve fullness. Although the result varies from person to person, the effect usually is permanent.
- Alloderm – This is created from a post-mortem human and is inserted inside the lips through tiny incisions. The effect is temporary that lasts up to 12 months.
- Gore-Tex and SoftForm – lip implants that offer permanent results and are made of synthetic materials but there is a high risk of allergic reaction.
How much does a lip augmentation cost?
Costs of lip augmentation vary greatly depending on the procedure performed, the surgeon doing the operation, and the location of the patient. The type of lip augmentation chosen by the patient will mostly determine how much the augmentation will cost. The average cost would range from $300 to $5,000 with the rate of injectables per session amounting to over $300 while non-injectables are approximately $1300 per lip.
For permanent results but reversible effects, cost of the procedure averages from $1,000 to $2,000 per lip. Since this usually results to a permanent augmentation of lips, multiple procedures (and payments!) are not needed. Aside from the operation itself, other factors are added for the fees such as the anesthesia used, operating room fees, surgeon’s fees, medications, and laboratory works.
How long does it take to recover?
Depending on how you take care of yourself and which procedure you underwent, the recovery period might be long or short. There might be swelling or bruising for some that may last up to two weeks but most people who undergo injections are fine after a day or two.
Are there risks with Lip Augmentation?
With all operations, there are always risks but doctors try their best to minimize it as much as possible. Lip augmentation, when compared to other elective surgeries, poses fewer risks that usually depends on the type of augmentation done.
Human-derived and cadaveric grafts or tissues are supposedly absorbed by our body when injected or inserted but infectious diseases are usually the main concern with this type of augmentation.
Synthetic implants may pose risk of irritation and infection but this can be readily removed and is reversible. Excess scar tissue that is formed from infection is also a possibility for this type of augmentation.
Silicone oil is generally not an approved injection for cosmetic purposes. However, off-label use of approved medical device is not prohibited.
Bleeding is also a possibility that may require you to go back to your doctor. Discuss any concerns with your doctor so as to be properly addressed and taken care of. If you experience any swelling and extreme discomfort that is associated with pressure and pain, contact your doctor immediately. This is usually a cause for alarm and will usually need use of antibiotics and implant removal.
Preparation is needed before and after the procedure. Talk about how you are going to go through the operation and what you will be expecting after so as to prepare yourself being independent at home.
