Lip Implants

Lip augmentation is a popular and common procedure in cosmetic surgery. Patients with thin, straight lips can benefit from augmentation to produce full, luscious lip contours. Multiple options exist including temporary and semi-permanent injectables (Artecoll, Derma Deep, Derma Live, Restylane, Perlane, fat, collagen) and permanent implants. The permanent implants used at the clinic are the Advanta ePTFE lip implants. They provide a softer, more natural look and feel compared to prior implants and produce long lasting aesthetic results.Who is a Good Candidate?
Lip augmentation using implants is most commonly performed on patients 18 years of age and older. As in any surgery, a patient should be in good general health and have realistic expectations about surgery. Your age, skin type, ethnicity, degree of skin elasticity, individual healing, and lip structure are important factors.

Before the Surgery

During your initial consultation, the doctor will cover all areas of concern, including the procedure, anesthesia, pre and post-operative care, risks, and answer any other questions you may have. After assessing your face, he will tell you where he will make the incisions.

After your initial consultation, the doctor will do a complete physical examination and do some blood work at a second consultation. Photographs will also be taken, which will allow you to better see the physical changes once the operation is complete. The doctor will again review with you all the important issues regarding the surgery including pre and post-operative care, expectations and fees. He will also tell you what medications to avoid, such as aspirin, as it increases bleeding. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to avoid smoking two weeks before and after the procedure as it can seriously affect the healing process.

The Surgery

The surgery is performed in our fully equipped surgery center under intravenous sedation and local anesthetic. The patient sleeps comfortably through the procedure and wakes up in the recovery room without the ill effects of general anesthetic.

At surgery, small incisions are made at the corner of the mouth. The implant is then advanced across the lip with a special instrument that creates a tunnel for the implant. Once in place, the skin is molded over the implant, and the ends are trimmed and buried. The incisions are then closed with sutures. The surgery lasts 45 minutes.

After the Surgery

The procedure is performed as a day surgery. After approximately one hour in the recovery room, patients are ready to be picked up by a responsible adult. The patients are instructed to apply ice to the lips for the first two days after surgery. Swelling and bruising will be noticeable and patients will require four to five days off work. Slight swelling will remain noticeable to patients for several weeks. Sutures will be removed five days after surgery. Scars are barely noticeable. Patients will continue their antibiotic and pain medications for one week after surgery.

The risks associated with lip implants include the following: reactions to anesthesia, infection, bleeding, hematoma, migration, extrusion, asymmetry, under or over correction and minor scarring. These will all be discussed with you at your consultation.

The Results

Advanta ePTFE permanent lip implants provide patients with a cost effective, long lasting augmentation. Your new, luscious lips will have a soft and natural look and feel. Please book a free consultation at our office to discuss this surgical option with our physician.