Lip Augmentation Surgery: What You Need To Know

Lip augmentation has been used by many patients for a variety of reasons.  It can be used to enhance the appearance of small, aged, or deformed lips. It is also the perfect way for individuals to achieve that seductive, fully plump pout and helps provide a harmonious balance to the facial features which allow people to feel better about the way they look. 

The two most common methods of enhancement are non-surgical lip augmentation and lip augmentation surgery.  Non-surgical enhancements include the injection of a variety of substances into the lip region to increase the size.  Surgical lip augmentation in achieved by using injectable fillers, implants or more advanced surgical procedures of rolling or lifting the lip region.  The difference with synthetic implants is that the results are permanent.

Planning for Augmentation Surgery

Accurate preoperative planning between the doctor and patient planning is a very important step since even minor asymmetries are always clearly evident to the patient and observers. In addition, it is recommended that an accurate psychological evaluation be conducted that should focus on identifying patients with unrealistic expectations.

Preoperative digital imaging or photo modifications can help in illustrating postoperative outcome and in operative planning. 

Once this is completed, it should be predetermine where the incisions will be made for lip implant insertion or the tunnel which is made to accommodate the implant. The surgery is normally completed as outpatient and will last anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes.  Most patience are given a general sedation, however it is patience now only receiving a local sedations is increasing.

What Happens During Surgery?

A variety of materials are being used for lip augmentation surgery.  These include biomaterials such as fascia, dermis, and decellularized donor dermis (AlloDerm.  Synthetic materials such as Gore-Tex/PTFE have been used successfully and allow for a controlled application with ease of use.

Expanded tetrafluoroethylene is becoming more popular due to availability and ease of use by the doctor.  These substances are implanted in the subdermal plane at the vermillion border. 

Recovery from Enhancement Surgery

Immediately following lip augmentation surgery, the patient’s lips will swell and feel tender.  Most will be stiff and sore for a few says and will more than likely not want to move too much.  The swelling can last for up to a month and a half, however the residual swelling after 2 weeks is usually nominal and only noticed by the patient. Eating and drinking may be difficult during the first week. Patients should be encouraged to refrain from any strenuous physical activity for the first 2 to 3 weeks.