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Lip Enhancement
The "pouty," full lip has never been more
popular and attractive than today. Thinning and retraction of the lips
are an integral part of the aging process. The upper and lower lip gradually
rolls inward lengthening the distance from the nose to the pink lip. Because
people have realized the importance of lips in the aged appearance, lip
enhancement and rejuvenation procedures have become important in overall
facial rejuvenation and beauty restoration. Furthermore, many women are
enhancing their lips at a more youthful age to enhance overall beauty.
The Procedure
Simple and more complex procedures, with
very little recovery time, are performed under local or with light twilight
anesthesia. The lip may be enhanced using the patient's own fat, inserted
materials or with a lip rolling technique.
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| Before lip
augmentation |
After lip
augmentation and permanent lip liner |
If the patient's fat is used, it is first
taken from another part of the body. It is then concentrated and then placed
within the substance of the lip. Initially, the lip is swollen and 'overdone.'
Gradually, a portion of the fat goes away leaving the final amount of surviving
fat to enhance the lip. Two or three procedures at two or three month intervals
are usually recommended for optimal results. The result is permanent and
may be enhanced further at any time in the future.
If other materials are used to enhance
the lips, tiny, slit incisions are made at the corner of the mouth and
the material is tunneled under the skin of the lip resulting in enhancement
of the lip. Several material options are available to enhance the lips
including Gore-Tex, Alloderm, and others. These will be discussed further
at your consultation.

The lip enhancement procedure allows rapid
rejuvenation of the aging lip. A small segment of white lip along the pink
lip is removed and the pink lip advanced and rolled outward. The new advanced
lip is sutured and ointment applied.

After Care
Cold compresses are critical to minimize
swelling. Pain medication is needed for a brief postoperative period. The
patient cleans the suture lines with peroxide and applies ointment. Avoiding
excessive smiling and manipulation is necessary. The patient is instructed
to drink through a straw and is to avoid eating or drinking hot or cold
substances. The patient usually resumes using lipstick within one week. |