Lip Enhancement

Lip Enhancement is a surgical procedure in which the lips are implanted to augment the patient's lips to their requirements. The procedure is usually undertaken by those who feel dissatisfied with the fullness of their lips, and alternatively those who feel the surgery will result in a younger appearance through reducing fine wrinkles around the mouth. Lips are injected with fat or collagen transferred from another site in the patients body. Other patients choose implantable materials for example AlloDerm and SoftFrom.

When considering lip enhancement patients have a choice of which procedure to undertake. Both liquid collagen and fat are absorbed and require repeat treatments to sustain results. Regardless of material the surgical procedure can be considered to follow a similar process.

A natural or synthetic biocompatible material, or the patient's own fat, is injected or implanted in the lips. One injection is usually sufficient to produce the desired result, which may be temporary, depending on the material used. Injections may need to be repeated periodically. Proper placement of the injected material is important. A sheet is then inserted through tiny incisions inside the corners of the mouth. Once the implant is in place, it eventually becomes integrated with the natural tissues. AlloDerm, Gore-Tex, SoftForm and soft ePTFE are examples of synthetic implant options

Preparation

Before undergoing lip enhancement consideration and preparation are vital elements. Those who are considering the procedure should clearly outline their targets, and openly discuss this with their consultant. Those who are considering the procedure should be aware of the risks and complications that can arise, as well as the practical changes that are needed prior to surgery. Patients are required to stop taking medication which alters blood viscosity; including aspirin, birth control and hormone correction. In preparation of surgery it is also highly recommended that patients avoid smoking, to provide a quicker recovery.

After the operation

Following the operation patients should limit smiling and laughing in the first week, whilst not talking or chewing in the first two days. In the first week patients should also make sure that they don't sleep on their back and avoid strenuous activity to speed up the healing process.

You surgeon will also instruct you to apply ice packs in the first two days and apply certain applications. Patients are strongly advised not smoke for two weeks following surgery.

Recovering from lip enhancement

• Keep ice packs applied to your lips for the first 48 hours
• Limit talking and chewing should be limited during the first 48 hours
• Limit smiling and laughing for the first week
• Sleep in a semi-upright position for the first week or so (do not sleep on your stomach)
• To avoid unnecessary swelling or bleeding, do not bend over, strain, exercise or do any other activities that could increase pressure to your lips
• Avoid strenuous activities for 1-3 days
• Keep the lips clean to avoid infection (antibiotics may also be dispensed)
• For the large majority of adults who under go a facelift surgery the results will be a success with no unforeseen consequences. Despite this, the capacity for risks and complications remain, as is the case for almost all surgical procedures.

Risks and complications

• Depending on the type of implant certain lip enhancement patients have experienced allergic reactions to implants.
• Patients who have under went lip enhancement surgery may also run the risk of permanent scarring.
• Another risk that may affect patients is the functionality and feeling usually associated with lips. This may include a feeling of stiffness
• Swelling and pain may affect your lips as result of a Hermatoma. This will usually occur within forty eight hours of surgery and may require the removal of implants.
• Certain patients may experience a keloid, scarring, bleeding or lumpiness. A small level of bleeding should be expected by the patient.
• It is possible that the lip enhancement procedure could result in asymmetry or migration of the implant.
• Although patients should expect a certain level of pain associated with the implant, it is possible that this pain could be more intense than would be anticipated.

By nature, all medical procedures carry an element of risk. While the majority of patients do not experience any complication during our lip enhancement procedures, before embarking on any medical procedure, it is advisable to consult fully with the Mclean Academy so that our qualified staff can suitably discuss any risk or concerns that your procedure may pose.