Procedure name:
Lip Augmentation

Anticipated result of the procedure:
Lip augmentation is used to enhance the appearance of small, aged, or deformed lips. It is the perfect way to achieve that seductive, fully plump pout and helps provide a harmonious balance to your facial features so that you feel better about the way you look.

Procedure Description:
After the predetermined incisions are made for lip implant insertion, a tunnel is made to accommodate the implant. Implants may be your own fat or synthetic materials (AlloDerm, Goretex).

Length:
Anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 ¼ hours.

Anesthesia:
General or local with sedation.

In/ Outpatient:
Usually outpatient.

Temporary Side Effects:
Directly following lip augmentation, your lips will swell and feel tender, stiff and sore for a few says and will more than likely not want to move them too much.

Recovery:
After lip augmentation, you may be swollen for up to a month and a half, however the residual swelling after 2 weeks is usually nominal and only noticed by you. Eating and drinking will be difficult during the first week. You should refrain from any strenuous physical activity for the first 2 to 3 weeks.

Duration of Results:
Synthetic implants stay permanently. Your face may still age over time around the implants. Fat grafts may partially reabsorb or completely disappear over time.

Risks:
With lip implants the risk of bacterial infection is possible. You should immediately notify your surgeon if you see any discolored or foul smelling drainage. Permanent loss of sensation in lips is also a risk, as well as permanent skin changes.

If you develop a postoperative infection with a synthetic implant the implant must be removed, the infection dealt with, and then you must wait for several months before an additional surgery can be performed to re-implant. Infections usually occur within the first few weeks.

• Fat grafting

Top Duke specialists:
Jeffrey R. Marcus, MD
Michael Zenn, MD

FAQS

Will lip augmentation help with the wrinkles around my mouth?
Lip augmentation is a change in the size of the lips and some wrinkles within the lip will improve. To improve the wrinkles and lines around the mouth, one would more apt to be thinking of a skin resurfacing procedure or Restylane injections. Skin resurfacing is the removal of the outer layer of the skin - using abrasion, chemicals or a laser - resulting in smoother, younger-looking skin with less wrinkles such as crows feet, face lines, lines around the mouth and laugh lines. Restylane improves wrinkles by filling them and plumping them out.

I want to dramatically change the appearance of my lips. Can I do that?
This is an excellent question because it leads to evaluating realistic expectations. This question can only be answered on an individual basis, but the best results are seen in patients whose lips have become thinner over time. Those who have always had thin lips can see improvement, but it may be more limited.