Fuller, Plumper lips for Valentine’s Day

By: Dr. Silvia Rotemberg,

Lips begin to get thinner with age.
Lip augmentation can give you plumper, luscious and younger looking lips.

What are the options for lip augmentation?
There are two options: surgical and non-surgical lip injections. The advantage of non surgical lip augmentation is the volume which it gives to the lips. Fat injection and implants can be used but it requires anesthesia, the results vary and there is a greater risk of complications.

What are the most common dermal fillers for lip augmentation?
The most common dermal fillers today contain hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body. Once injected it binds to water to give support and shape, restoring lost volume, smoothing out lines and wrinkles, and giving the lip a much younger and attractive look.
The most common hyaluronic acid fillers used are: Restylane®, Perlane®, Juvederm Ultra®, Juvederm Ultra Plus®, and Belotero®.

What are the advantages of Hyaluronic acid fillers?
Using Hyaluronic acid your doctor can control the amount of volume injected, to give you the size of lips you want. You can start with a small volume, and gradually increase the size of your lips as you wish.
If you feel any lumps or bumps after the procedure, it can be dissolved easily.
They are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Some of them are mixed with Lidocaine as a local anesthetic, so notify your doctor if you are allergic to Lidocaine.
It provides instant results that are long lasting and natural looking.

How long does the treatment take? And is it painful?
The injection process can take about 15-30 minutes.
They have a very fine needle. Some dermal fillers have lidocaine in the syringe, and the discomfort is minimal. We can add topical anesthetic for a few minutes prior to the procedure, or give a dental block to numb your lips completely.
Following the injection, ice is applied to the area to help with swelling and bruising.

How soon can I expect results?
Immediately upon treatment you will see results.

How long is the recovery?
There is very minimal to no downtime associated with hyaluronic acid fillers. Most patients return to their normal daily activities right after their visit. You should avoid strenuous exercise after the procedure.

What should you tell your doctor before considering lip augmentation with fillers?
You should tell your doctor if you are taking any blood thinners, aspirin and anti-inflammatory medication. These medications will increase your risk for bleeding and bruising.
If you have a history of cold sores, and or take any medication that affect your immune system you should discuss it with your doctor.