A voluminous pout, comparable to the likes of celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Scarlett Johansson, are a coveted feature today. If you were not blessed by Mother Nature with the lips you want, or if your smile has lost volume over time, non-surgical cosmetic treatments can help. Before you schedule your first augmentation procedure, there are a few facts about lip fillers you need to know.
Best Candidates
Lip fillers may be a good choice for patients with the following concerns:
- You are self-conscious about the size of your lips
- You have tried topical solutions to increase lip volume without success
- You have noticed a decrease in lip volume over time
- Your lips tend to disappear when you smile
- Your lips seem out of proportion with the rest of your facial features
Patients should be in relatively good health and have realistic expectations about the outcome of their procedure. While lip injections do not require downtime, some patients find a day at home to allow swelling or bruising to subside is helpful.
Filler Options
There are many different dermal filler formulations today, but not all are the best choice for lip augmentation. It is important to choose a filler with smaller particles and a smoother solution to ensure your results are soft and natural. Common choices for this procedure include Juvederm and Restylane.
Micro fat grafting, which uses the patient’s own fat, is also an option for lip augmentation. This procedure involves removal of fat from one area of the body, such as the abdomen, hips or thighs, via liposuction. The removed fat is purified and prepared for injection into the lips. The main advantage to fat injections is longer-lasting results, but some surgeons prefer to use dermal fillers because they offer a softer appearance.
Procedure Details
Lip injections take just a few minutes to perform and are usually painless, thanks to a topical numbing solution that can be applied prior to treatment. Injections are usually placed on each side of the upper and lower lip, with careful focus on maintaining a symmetrical look to the mouth. Once the injections are completed, patients are allowed to return to regular activities.
Positive Results
Results of lip fillers can be seen a day or two after the procedure. Lips should look fuller, without uneven bumps or hard areas. Dermal filler results may last 3-6 months before a touch-up procedure, while fat injections may last much longer or even become permanent.
Lip fillers are one of the most popular non-surgical procedures performed by plastic surgeons today. To learn more about this treatment, contact Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery at (619) 464-9876.
