Lip augmentation is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing the volume of the thin upper and/or lower lip.
Since ancient times, lips have been one of the signs of sensuality and sexuality, and they were carefully emphasized with cosmetics even in ancient Egypt. With age, lips become thinner, which makes the patient look unattractive.
Age-related changes appear on our face first. Lips are no exception, as they begin to lose their fullness, become thin, and their natural color fades. Plastic surgery can successfully restore the natural fullness of the lips and give them sensuality.
Advantages of lip augmentation:
- Lip augmentation is a safe and effective surgical procedure
- Lip augmentation is a minor operation that allows you to achieve a PERMANENT effect of fuller lips
- Lip augmentation allows you to restore the aesthetic balance of the face
- Lip augmentation allows you to lift drooping corners of the lips
- Lip augmentation eliminates the tired curve of the lip line
- Lip augmentation can restore the fullness and juiciness of the lips
- Lip augmentation restores their natural appearance!
Our choice is permanent lip augmentation using the V-Y method. However, let's take a look at all the main methods.
There are several options for lip augmentation: surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. The cosmetic injection method is the most popular. The disadvantage of this method of lip augmentation is that the product must be re-injected, sometimes after 3-4 months, or in the best case after six months.
- Lip augmentation with implants
- Lip augmentation with synthetic fillers that do not dissolve
- Lip augmentation using the V-Y method
- Lip augmentation with your own fat, facial, or scar tissue
For a permanent effect of voluminous lips, implants consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) are used. They are available under various names - Girtex, SoftForm, UltraSoft, and Advanta. This material, resembling porous rubber, has long been used in vascular surgery to replace blood vessels. It is easily implanted, which is also its disadvantage. As a foreign material, it has an increased risk of infection and reduces lip mobility. These factors significantly limit the use of this material for lip augmentation. In case of infection as a reaction to a foreign material, removal of the synthetic implant is very difficult.
Lip augmentation with implants is not a complicated procedure and does not take much time to perform. Lidocaine containing adrenaline is injected into the lip area for local anesthesia to achieve vasoconstriction and reduce possible hematoma. Four small incisions are made in the mucous membrane of the lip, through which the plastic surgeon inserts the implant using a special instrument. The excess implant is cut off and the incisions are sutured with a cosmetic self-absorbing suture.
Lip augmentation using the V-Y method is the most effective method for permanent lip augmentation. The operation takes about an hour and is performed under local or intravenous anesthesia. After careful preliminary marking of the incision lines, an incision is made in the mucous membrane of the lips from the inside.
The mucous membrane of the lips is separated as shown in the figure and sutured in a new position. This technique produces a lasting and permanent effect.
There are, of course, synthetic non-absorbable injectable preparations that can produce a significant increase in lip size.
These include Artecoll, Metacrill, Aquamid, and silicone. The use of these drugs for lip augmentation is associated with an increased risk of necrosis, granuloma, chronic inflammation, palpability, extrusion, and infection. When choosing these drugs for lip augmentation, you should carefully study the instructions!
In plastic surgery, a safer and more effective method of lip augmentation is used - lipofilling. It involves implanting the patient's own fat cells into the lips. Fat cells are removed in a special way from areas where they are in excess and injected into the lip tissue using thin syringes.
During rejuvenating procedures such as a facelift, part of the removed SMAS is used to augment the lips. The result in this case is more long-lasting than with a simple injection of fat cells. Alternatively, in younger patients, the lips can be augmented with scar tissue left over from previous surgery.
All these methods have their advantages and disadvantages. In most cases, it is a minor procedure with virtually no contraindications. Lip reshaping is very popular because it is easily tolerated and has a refreshing and rejuvenating effect, significantly improving the patient's appearance.
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FAQ
In short, pain is manageable. Severe pain after surgery today is the exception rather than the norm. Modern anesthesia, pain management, and recovery protocols make the first days much easier than most patients expect. Most often, discomfort is felt as pressure or tightness. However, it is important to understand that complete absence of sensation is an unrealistic expectation. My position is clear: if a person is afraid of any discomfort, it is better to postpone surgery. The decision must be conscious and well considered.
No. Rehabilitation is part of the surgery, not a separate stage afterward. It is during the recovery period that the final result is formed, tissues stabilize, and the risk of complications decreases. Without proper rehabilitation, even a technically perfect operation may produce a weak outcome. There are procedures with an easier recovery (for example, “weekend lifts”), but surgery without rehabilitation does not exist.
The final result does not appear immediately. It develops gradually over time. Swelling, tissue firmness, and sensations change step by step. During the first weeks, the result is definitely not final, and this is completely normal. The timeline depends on the treated area, the extent of surgery, and individual characteristics of the body. Plastic surgery does not tolerate haste. A good result takes time.
It depends primarily on the type of work you do, not only on the surgery itself. After some procedures, it is possible to return to work within a few days (for example, after “weekend lifts”), while others require weeks of recovery. It is important to consider not only how you feel, but also the safety of the healing process. Returning to activity earlier than recommended increases the risk of complications. It is better to return later than to deal with the consequences of rushing.
Yes, scars always remain. This is part of the natural healing process. However, their appearance changes over time: they become lighter, softer, and less noticeable. Their location and proper care play a crucial role. Careful planning and patience are essential.
When the risks outweigh the benefits, or when the decision is driven by emotions. I refuse if I see that the body is not ready, expectations are unrealistic, or the person does not understand the recovery process. Refusal is also part of treatment. Safety is more important than any desire.
Yes, and it has a significant impact on the outcome. Honest answers, a list of questions, and a willingness to listen save time and help you make the right decision. A consultation is a diagnosis, not a sales pitch. A good consultation is half the success.
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Materials on the topic
How to Lift the Corners of the Mouth Without Fillers: The Secret to a Younger-Looking Face
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