Lip Augmentation
Lip augmentation injections are an incredibly popular cosmetic enhancement procedure. There are several reasons why this is so. Lips are a defining facial feature and are a connection to the sensual side of our lives so, they get lots of attention.
A closer look at lip anatomy
Volume, border definition and balance are distinct goals. Your provider assesses the whole lip and surrounding face before recommending treatment.
The Cupid’s bow and lip border contribute to definition.
The lip body contributes to fullness and shape.
When the lips are lacking the right amount of prominence, other features can seem out of proportion, so some expert attention is needed to help out. Lips can be enhanced or augmented in a quick procedure, most often with a synthetic filler, that can last up to 6 months.
Full, pouty lips are viewed as youthful and sensual. For some people, full lips seem to wither with time. Some people are born with thin lips and as a result, are unhappy with their smile. Our lips are vulnerable to the effects of aging, just like the rest of the skin on our face and body.
In time, the pink part of the upper lip can fade and the distance between the nose and the lip border can seem to distance. Daily substances of food, saliva, and environmental toxins contribute to pale, aged lips over time.
What Can Lip Augmentation Do?
Lip enhancement is also known as lip augmentation. Lip augmentation is a procedure to give you fuller, more voluminous lips. No longer is lip augmentation giving results of an overinflated balloon or a duck lip. Today’s injection choices provide much more subtle and natural lip enhancement.
Candidates for Lip Augmentation
You may be an excellent candidate for lip augmentation if:
- You were born with thin lips
- Your lips are thinner than they used to be, due to aging
- You feel less confident about yourself due to your lip appearance
- Increasing the volume of your lips would help balance your face shape
- When you smile, your lips seem to disappear from sight
Injectables for Lip Enhancement
Hyaluronic acid fillers are commonly used for lip enhancement. Products have different indications, duration and risks; the material should be selected for your anatomy and treatment goal. Even a naturally occurring substance can cause complications when injected.
Injectables can improve the look of your lips by adding structure, shape, and volume. Once skillfully injected, the gel will support the shape of the lip tissues. With injectable fillers, the clinician has control over the lip volume, by carefully and skillfully injecting the appropriate amount of substance. The filler can be delivered gradually and built up until the desired fullness is reached.
The most popular injectables lip fillers include:
Juvederm:
Juvederm is a popular dermal filler from Allergan, makers of many other products used in medical aesthetics. It is also used to correct smile lines and marionette lines in the lower face. Injecting Juvederm into the lips can plump and add definition and also minimize the so called smoker’s lines around the mouth.
Silk:
Restylane Silk is one of the products discussed in the original guide. Ask Donna which lip filler is currently available and appropriate for you, including its approved uses and risks.
What to Expect with Lip Augmentation
Donna Ennis, ARNP, assesses your lips and discusses the amount and type of change you would like. Comfort measures may be used, but tenderness, swelling and bruising can occur. Appointment length and recovery vary. Review the risks, including rare vascular complications, before treatment.
Your clinician will skillfully mark the areas to be injected in order to achieve your desired shape and fullness. Then, very fine needles are used to inject the filler into the appropriate areas. Once all the filler is injected, you will be able to notice an immediate increase in your lip volume. There is little downtime, but you may need a few days for full recovery. You may have mild discomfort and mild swelling for a few days after your procedure. After healing, your lips will feel natural and they will look naturally enhanced.
