Lip augmentation is used to enhance the appearance of small, aged, or deformed lips. Duke's expert physicians offer lip augmentation at the state-of-the-art Duke Aesthetics Center in Durham, North Carolina.

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 Details

After 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).

Lip augmentations may also be done with fat injections. Fat can be harvested via micro-liposuction and injected into the lips.

The procedure usually only takes 30 minutes to one hour and is performed on an outpatient basis.

As a non-surgical option, lip augmentation can be accomplished using fillers such as Restylane or other emerging products.

Recovery

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

After lip augmentation, you may be swollen for up to a month and a half, however the residual swelling after two 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 two to three weeks.

How Long Will the Results Last?

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.

Physicians

Physicians offering this service include:

• Levinson, Howard
  • Surgery / Plastic Max & Oral Surgery
  • Pathology
• Richard, Michael J.
  • Ophthalmology / Plastics Ophthalmology
  • Surgery / Plastic Max & Oral Surgery
• Woodard, Charles R.
  • Surgery / Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
• Woodward, Julie Ann
  • Ophthalmology / Plastics Ophthalmology
  • Dermatology
• Zenn, Michael R.
  • Surgery / Plastic Max & Oral Surgery

Locations

This service is available at:

• Duke Aesthetic Center
  3475 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705