Rhinoplasty | Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty | Endoscopic Forehead Lift | Temporal Brow Lift | Submental Lipoplasy | Facelift | Adult Otoplasty | Lip Augmentation

The goal of surgical or nonsurgical lip augmentation is to increase the size and shape of the upper and occasionally the lower lip. The goal of lip augmentation is to provide harmony between the upper and lower lip, increase volume of the red lip and provide a sharp border at the skin mucosa junction. Most women will want a well developed or demarcated cupids bow as this aids in the application of lipstick.

UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY

There are various methods available to change lip size and shape. These include cheiloplasty, a surgical procedure in which the mucosa of the red lip is elevated and rotated superiorly. Fat grafts have also been used as an injectable material to increase lip size and shape.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY

Recently Restylane, a non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid manufactured by Cumed™ has become increasingly popular for lip augmentation. Restylane is a nonanimal based, fully biocompatible nonallergenic material. There is virtually no risk of animal based disease transmission or allergic reaction. The commonly reported side effects are temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These effects generally resolve within 2 – 3 days. Restylane has been used in more than 1.5 million treatments in over 60 countries and has an excellent safety record. The effect of lip augmentation with Restylane will last anywhere from four to six months with the frequency of augmentation determined by the degree of fullness that each individual patient desires. Lip augmentation using Restylane takes approximately 15 minutes and generally requires the application of both topical anesthesia as well as the use of a small amount of local freezing to maximize patient comfort. Results are immediate and the patient can return to normal activities the same day.