Lip Augmentation Surgery
Many people are concerned with their aesthetic appearance of their lips. They are not satisfied with the appearance of the lips. Lip surgery is an effective solution which improves the look, increases confidence and your self-esteem.
What is Lip Surgery?
The advancements in cosmetic surgeries have given rise to a number of procedures to enhance the aesthetic appearance of your lips. Lip surgery has a number of procedures which classifies it into different types. Lip augmentation surgery is the most common type of surgery. Other procedures include: lip reduction surgery, lip lift surgery, cleft lip surgery, and lip reconstruction surgery.
It is always advisable to get your Lip surgery done from the best and the most experienced professional as any failure can leave a lifelong scar.
Lip augmentation surgery:
Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure which gives plumper and fuller lips. It temporarily or permanently improves the size and shape of your lips. The most commonly used method for lip augmentation is using injectable dermal filler.
There are two main types of lip augmentation: using a synthetic implant or using your own body tissue. Synthetic implants like dermal fillers are used to enlarge lips. The most frequently used lip fillers are hyaluronic acid fillers or gels such as restyling. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in your body. Its amount can be controlled by having injections over a period of time.
Other synthetic implants like GORE-TEX and alloderm can also add volume to your lips. The other procedure involves using your own body tissue such as fat or dermis graft. It is long lasting and the procedure takes more time as it takes time to extract tissue. Fat can be harvested from your body by liposuction. It is processed and cleansed by spinning in a high speed centrifuge before injecting to your lips. Before the injections, a topical or numbing agent is often applied to ease discomfort.
Holding ice to the lips also helps to numb the area. Very fine needles are used to inject the substance into the lips. Lipstick or other lip products should be avoided after the procedure. The results are noticeable immediately getting prominent with time and your lips become natural overtime.
Lip reduction surgery:
Less commonly used, this procedure is employed to reduce the volume of your lips. It involves removing skin tissues from the lower or upper lips, or sometimes both. It is done to reshape the entire lip area. Local or general anesthesia is used to numb pain. The surgeon makes an incision in a horizontal line in the pink inner portion of your lip, to minimize scarring.
The surgeon then removes excess fat and tissues from the lip to reduce its overall volume. After the targeted tissues are removed, the surgeon will close up the incision with sutures, which usually fall off within a few days. Another lip reduction procedure which involves slimming down only one of the lips. This procedure is known as “Brazilian” technique. The procedure focuses on the shape of the lower lip. The surgeon removes a larger portion from the centre of the lower lip.
Lip lift surgery:
This makes your lips appear fuller without implants or fillers. The surgeon removes- a small strip of skin under your nose or below your mouth to close the gap between the nose/top lip and the chin/lower lip. This causes the lip to roll out the lip slightly, exposes more of the pink inside, making it appear fuller. It can also adjust the corners of your lips, reduce frowning or simply shorten the distance between the upper lip and nose. This outpatient procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
Cleft lip surgery:
Cleft lip along with palate repair is the most common combination. The surgical procedure corrects a gap in the upper lip formed during fetal development. It restores the appearance and function of upper lip and palate. On the whole, this surgery addresses a facial deformity which includes upper lip, nose, palate, and the maxilla.
Lip reconstructive surgery:
It addresses the repair of the lip after trauma or accident. It takes into account both appearance and functionality. It removes or minimizes scarring. It smoothes out lips and improves symmetry.
Who can go for Lip Surgery?
A normal healthy person is a good candidate for lip augmentation surgery. You could be rejected if you have an active infection such as oral herpes, diabetes, lupus, or blood clotting problems. Also, inform your doctor about allergies and medications you have currently or in the past.
Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases limit your candidature, especially if you have frequent mouth sores. Any infections should be treated first before going for lip reduction surgery.
How long does it take to perform Lip Surgery?
The time taken to perform varies according to the surgery undergone. Surgeries involving tissue extraction take more time.
Side Effects of Lip Surgery
Side effects could be pain or possible infections. The doctor prescribes medication to heal quickly. If there any infection, contact your doctor at the first notice.
Is Lip Surgery Painful?
Lip surgery is not painful as local or general anesthesia is used before performing the surgery.