Everything You Need to Know About Lip Augmentation Surgery

Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure used to make the plumpness and fullness of the lips better. As per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more tha 30,000 people have received lip implants in 2018. Today, in this post, we will explore the lip augmentation surgery, its pros and cons, etc. So, let us get started!

What is lip augmentation?

Lip augmentation is the treatment that uses plastic implants to plump your lips. There can be two types of implants used for the treatment:

• Silicone
• Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene

While both these options are safe, several studies found that the Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene is more favorable when it comes to tissue response. This option is also quite easier to compress than the other option. It means you may feel less noticeable and more natural after the procedure. In addition to plastic implants, you will have two more options and they are:

• Fat Grafting: This procedure uses fat that has been transferred from your abdomen to fill the lips
• Tissues Grafting: It uses a skin implant from the lower stomach area to fill your lips

Who can go for lip augmentation surgery?

Lip augmentation is a long-term solution for those who:

• Have enough lip tissues to stretch and hide the surgery
• Have symmetrical lips
• Prefer to go with permanent lip augmentation surgery
• Have an aversion to frequent procedures
• Want to save money

If you feel that you are a good candidate for lip augmentation, then you should meet a certified surgeon for the right guidance and assistance. This consultation is necessary to help your surgeon determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure or not.

The procedure of Lip Augmentation Surgery

Once you have scheduled your surgery, you will need to prepare for the following:

1. Surgery Prep

If you take blood thinners or smoke, then you will be asked to stop doing everything before the surgery. In the case of oral herpes, you should take antiviral medications.

1. Surgical Steps

This is an in-office procedure. Your surgeon will sterilize the area and numb the lips by using a local anesthetic. When this procedure is performing under general anesthesia, it is not required. Once the sterilization and anesthesia are done, your surgeon will take the steps mentioned below to insert the implants:

• Incisions will be made on the corner of your mouth
• A clamp is inserted into that incision and a tunnel or pocket is created
• Once the pocket has been created, the clamp will be opened by your surgeon and the implant will be inserted
• After this, the clamp will be removed but the implant will stay inside your lip and the incisions will be closed with small sutures

When there is no complication, the whole procedure will only take around 30 minutes and then you can drive home after that.

1. Recovery: The recovery time for lip augmentation surgery is around 1 to 3 days. However, most surgeons suggest for 7 to 14 days. They also recommend you avoid pulling or putting any sort of pressure around the lip area. It may include excessively compressing your lips, opening your mouth wider, etc. It may take one or two weeks for the skin tissues to start scarring and holding the implant correctly. In several cases, pain relief medicines are also given to patients. Head elevation and ice packs can greatly help you minimize swelling and scarring.

Is Lip Augmentation Surgery Safe?

Even though it is typically safe, some risks may include the following:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Allergy to anesthetic or implant

You must note down that the risk of any side effects is generally minimal after the surgery and you can resume normal activities after recovery. But in some cases, the implant may move or shift. If it happens, you may need to undergo another surgery to repair the implant. Not everyone likes the way they look after the surgery, if you are also one of those people, you can ask your surgeon to remove the implants.

What is the cost of lip augmentation surgery?

This is a cosmetic procedure. It means the cost of the surgery will not be covered by your medical insurance. When it comes to average cost, it may range somewhere around US$ 2,000 to US$4,000. However, the actual cost depends on the procedure chosen for the surgery. To know the exact expenses, you should consult with a professional surgeon.

How to find a professional cosmetic surgeon?

This surgery requires a board-certified and highly-skilled plastic surgeon. And when you are looking for one to perform the procedure, you should look for one who has the following:

• Experience in lip augmentation surgery
• 'Before and After' photographs of previous clients for viewing
• Ability to provide you with an in-depth consultation for lip surgeries
• Great etiquettes for follow-ups to make sure that you are recovering well or as expected

Pros and Cons of Lip Augmentation Procedure

When pursuing any cosmetic surgery, you should know the pros and cons associated with the procedure. So, look at the following points to know the pros of lip implants:

• It is a safe procedure and has minimal risks in the long-term
• It is a long-term yet permanent solution
• Since it is a long-term solution, it will help you save money over time

The cons of this procedure have been listed below:

• It is quite an expensive option
• It may take longer for recovery
• Some potential cosmetic surgery-related risks are always there
• When you are not happy with the implant, you will need to undergo another surgery for the removal

Key Takeaways

Lip augmentation surgery is an outstanding option if you are interested in the long-term solution. It is safe but certain risks are always there. So, you need to connect with a professional and licensed surgeon to ensure safety and desired results.