Lip Enhancement

Lip Enhancement is a surgical procedure in which the lips are injected or augmented with a dermis-fat graft, to improve the look of the patient's lips. The procedure is usually undertaken by those who feel dissatisfied with the fullness of their lips and alternatively those who seek a younger appearance by reducing fine wrinkles around the mouth. Lips are injected with hyaluronic acid or fat transferred from another site in the patients body.

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. When a fuller effect is desired, a dermis-fat graft taken from the abdomen, is placed in the lips, via a small stab incisions.

Before undergoing a lip enhancement procedure, 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 avoid unnecessary smiling and laughing in the first week, whilst not talking or chewing in the first two days.

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

Recovering from lip enhancement

• Keep ice packs applied to your lips for the first 48 hours
• Talking and chewing should be limited during the first 48 hours
• Avoid unecessary 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 lip augmentation 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

• Patients may run the risk of permanent scarring.
• Some loss of function and feeling can occur in the lips which may include a feeling of stiffness, this is usually temporary.
• Swelling and pain may affect your lips as result of a Haematoma. This will usually occur within forty eight hours of surgery and may require drainage.
• Certain patients may experience a keloid, scarring, bleeding or lumpiness. A small amount of bleeding should be expected by the patient.
• It is possible that the lip enhancement procedure could result in asymmetry.

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 consultfully with the McLean Academy so that our qualified staff can suitably discuss any risk or concerns that your procedure may pose.