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Lip Augmentation


A Woman getting fillers for Lips

Lip Augmentation: Achieving Fuller Lips

Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that provides fuller lips. Full lips have been seen as an aesthetic ideal and a symbol of youth for centuries. Lip augmentation with fat injection or dermal fillers enhances the lips and beautifies the appearance of the face.

Lip augmentation, shaping, smoothing out wrinkles on the forehead, around the nose, mouth corners, and creases between the lips and the chin, can be achieved without the need for any surgical intervention by injecting fillers under the skin over time or structurally developed depressions.

The filler used contains hyaluronic acid, which gives vitality, brightness, moisture, and firmness to the skin. Since this substance is one of the building blocks of the skin, it can be safely applied to any desired area of ​​the face and body.

Success in Lip Augmentation

Patients naturally with thin lips or experiencing age-related volume loss in the lips typically achieve very good results from the procedure. If requested, the cosmetic surgeon will show lip augmentation results achieved with injectable lip fillers or fat transfer in the form of previous and after patient photographs.

How is Lip Augmentation Done?

Lip fillers are used for lip augmentation, shaping, or smoothing wrinkles around the lips. These fillers are hyaluronic acid-based. The application takes about 15-20 minutes. Prior to this, an aesthetic cream is applied to ensure a painless application. The injection is performed with a fine needle or cannula. After the procedure, the person can return to their daily life immediately. As a result, thin lip structure is filled out, and asymmetries can be corrected.

When Does Lip Augmentation Settle?

The results of lip augmentation are immediately noticeable after the procedure. Swelling and edema that may occur within a few days after the procedure may disappear. Lip shape settles completely approximately 10 days later. If the application is done for the first time, another application may be required after 15 days. The permanence of lip augmentation varies depending on tissue structure and the filler used, but it is approximately 9-15 months.

Am I a Suitable Candidate for Lip Augmentation?

Thin lips are a source of concern for many women. For patients who want their lip appearance to improve and their thin lips to become fuller, the results can be a good method. Lip augmentation can increase lip volume and reduce visible lines by filling age-related wrinkles around the lip edges. Most women are good candidates for this procedure, but anyone considering the procedure should be informed about the risks and benefits of lip augmentation before making a decision. If you are in good general health, have a positive attitude, and have realistic expectations, you may be a good candidate for this procedure at our partners clinic.

Ages 18 and Above

Individuals with completed growth; Generally, surgery is performed on individuals aged 18 and older. Physically Healthy

Physically healthy individuals without diseases that prevent surgery Realistic Goals

Individuals with a positive outlook and specific but realistic goals for improving their appearance.

Lip Augmentation Procedure Pre-Operation

Before lip augmentation surgery, patients should receive preoperative instructions from their doctors. For procedures involving fat transfer and lip implants, patients should:

Pre-Operation

  • Stop taking certain medications, herbs, and vitamins like blood thinners several weeks before surgery, and if a procedure requiring surgery such as fat injection is to be performed, avoid eating after midnight on the day of surgery. There is no such need for fillers.

On the Operation Day

  • Wear comfortable clothes for your surgical appointments. Do not use makeup, jewellery, or contact lenses on the day of surgery. Ask a family member or friend to drive you home.

After the Operation

  • Lip augmentation procedures with dermal fillers are less invasive than liposuction and lip implant placement. Provided they do not use any pain relievers during driving, patients can drive themselves to their appointments.

Lip Implant Procedure

Lip implants provide permanent lip augmentation with more refined results compared to dermal lip fillers, making them a good option for individuals with thin lips. Lip implant surgery is relatively straightforward and usually takes about an hour to complete. Your surgeon will first make small incisions in the lips. Incisions are usually made at the corners of the mouth, but depending on the specific technique used, they can also be applied elsewhere on the lips. The surgeon will then create a tunnel to place the implant. Properly creating this tunnel is crucial to ensure the correct placement of the lip implant and achieve an even, natural-looking result. Then, the surgeon will insert and pass the implant into the lip. Finally, the lip implant will be cut to the correct length and the incisions will be closed.

Lip Augmentation Procedure with Fillers

Doctors most commonly use injectable lip fillers to give lips a youthful, full, sensual appearance. Due to the wide variety of materials and injection techniques used for lip augmentation, there are many options available to meet individual needs. Advances in lip augmentation have made some methods using these fillers as permanent lip fillers very effective.

Injection Techniques for Lip Augmentation

Lip augmentation with injectable lip fillers provides pleasing results in as short as 30 minutes. Anaesthesia is typically not necessary for the procedure as the filler usually contains lidocaine or another topical aesthetic. Types of Lip Fillers: Permanent and Temporary Lip Fillers Injectable lip fillers provide temporary results as fillers eventually break down and the body absorbs the filler. The duration of results varies for each individual but averages typically four to six months. Individuals considering permanent lip fillers with lip silicones are advised to first try injectable lip fillers to see if the fillers provide the desired cosmetic benefit.

Collagen-Based Lip Fillers

Collagen, the most commonly used injectable filler worldwide, comes in two forms: bovine-derived collagen and human-derived collagen. Bovine collagen is derived from the tissue of cows raised in monitored, disease-free closed herds. As there is a 3% chance of an allergic reaction to bovine collagen, an allergy test is required before treatment with this lip filler. Human-derived collagen is obtained from cadavers or excess skin removed during surgeries. The biocompatibility of human-derived collagen eliminates the need for a pre-treatment allergy test and makes these lip fillers an excellent option for those unable to tolerate bovine collagen.

Hyaluronic Acid-Based Lip Fillers

Hyaluronic acid is a clean, biologically degradable substance naturally found in the body’s connective tissues and skin. Hyaluronic acid binds to water molecules injected into the lips. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers not only soften lips but also provide benefits ranging from strengthening collagen in the lips. An allergy test is not required for these lip fillers.

Lip Augmentation Procedure with Fat Transfer

Lip augmentation with fat transfer involves taking fat from one area of the body and injecting it into the lips. Only the body’s natural tissue is used during fat transfer, so rejection or allergic reactions rarely occur. The effects of the procedure manifest themselves over six months to more than a year.

In the lip augmentation procedure with fat transfer, fat is first harvested from a region of the patient’s body (usually the abdomen or hips) using liposuction. This allows for the removal of excess fat from an unwanted area. The fat is then injected into the lips with a syringe and cannula, minimizing tissue damage. Injections leave small incision marks, approximately 0.2 centimeters in diameter, similar to needle punctures, which are nearly imperceptible when healed. Lip augmentation with fat transfer is typically performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the surgeon’s and patient’s preferences. The procedure is ideal for patients who wish to reduce fat in one or two areas of the body and plump their lips.

Post-Lip Augmentation Procedure

Lip augmentation through the application of lip fillers, fat transfer procedures, or placement of lip implants is generally performed in the doctor’s office.

What to Expect After Lip Fillers?

Lip augmentation through the application of lip fillers is done in the doctor’s office, while fat transfer procedures or placement of lip implants are typically done in the operating room. The length of recovery after lip fillers depends on the specific type of lip augmentation procedure performed. If fillers are used, there is no need for any downtime from work or school. Unless a general sedative is used to complete the procedure, most patients can return to their daily routines within a day. Swelling and bruising may be expected after any lip enhancement procedure. If fillers are used for augmentation, these effects typically last about a week. Discomfort during lip filler procedures is minimal and rarely requires management with prescription pain relievers.

Returning to Normal Routine

The recovery process following lip filler injections, fat transfer, or lip augmentation with silicone typically requires patients to rest throughout the day before returning to normal activities. Post-operative discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Recovery after lip silicone procedures usually requires at least one week, and for many patients, this process can last up to two weeks. Stitches placed outside the mouth are removed approximately 10 days after surgery, while stitches inside the mouth dissolve at the same time. Lips may remain numb until the healing process is complete. Additionally, lips can remain firm for up to three months after the procedure.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

You can gather information by asking your surgeon questions about your pre- and post-operative concerns in accordance with plastic surgery safety procedures, and following these recommendations and asking questions can help you plan your procedure:

  • Training: How many years of plastic surgery training have you had?
  • Hospital: Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? If so, in which hospitals?
  • Suitability: Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
  • Expectations: What is expected of me to achieve the best results?
  • Procedure: Where and how will you perform my procedure?
  • Recovery Period: How long can I expect to wait for recovery, and what kind of assistance will I need during recovery?
  • Previous Patients: Do you have before and after photos I can look at for the procedure, and what are the reasonable results for me?
  • Risks and Complications: What are the risks and complications associated with dermal fillers, lip implants, or fat transfer?
  • Precautions: How are complications addressed?

    Lip Augmentation Risks

    Although there is generally a low risk of complications associated with lip fillers, your reaction will depend on the filler you choose and your healing ability. Among the milder side effects associated with lip fillers are impaired lip circulation due to filler entering the bloodstream, redness, bruising, swelling, mild discomfort, sensitivity, and infection. With careful approach, these symptoms can be minimized and should disappear within a few days. A more serious risk is an allergic reaction to animal-derived lip fillers, but this is very rare.

Risks of Lip Augmentation with Fat Transfer

Lip augmentation with fat transfer is a relatively low-risk procedure. However, as with any surgical procedure, some side effects may occur. These may be related to the area where fat is harvested (abdomen, legs, etc.) or the injection site (lips), as well as potential risks associated with anaesthesia, including infection, bleeding, and swelling. Another aspect of this procedure is that while some of the injected fat volume becomes permanent, some of it may dissipate. In addition to adhering to technical details that the plastic surgeon will pay attention to during fat harvesting and injection, it is essential for the individual to follow post-operative recommendations, such as not smoking, to maximize longevity.

Risks of Permanent Lip Augmentation

Compared to other cosmetic surgeries, the risk of complications from lip implants is relatively low. However, it’s a good idea to be aware of potential complications before undergoing any surgery. Some of the risks associated with permanent lip augmentation include implant rejection, infection, implant migration, scar formation, and lip stiffness. However, these risks can be significantly reduced by selecting an experienced surgeon to perform the lip implant procedure.

Questions and Answers About Lip Fillers

Who is not suitable for lip fillers?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have severe allergies, this procedure may not be suitable for you. People with certain connective tissue disorders may also have a higher risk of side effects.

Are there any side effects of lip fillers?

Side effects are rare but may include redness, swelling, pain, itching, bruising, and colour fading at injection sites. These effects typically resolve spontaneously or after 1 to 2 days of treatment.

What can I expect on the day of treatment?

Lip filler injections can be performed with minimal preparation. The doctor will prepare the area to be treated and take measures to minimize your discomfort. The procedure will take less than 20 minutes, and you will be given instructions to follow after leaving our partner clinic.

Does lip filler hurt?

Injections in the lips can be uncomfortable; however, with numbing creams, the application can be almost painless. Especially in sensitive patients, local anaesthesia can completely numb the upper and lower lips for comfortable application.

Will my lips swell after treatment?

After the lip augmentation procedure, there will be some additional swelling due to the procedure and the filler retaining water. However, swelling is typically minimal and difficult to discern. Since swelling will decrease the day after the procedure, you may notice that your lips appear smaller immediately after the injection. Patients rarely experience bruising or swelling that reveals they have undergone lip augmentation.

How long does lip filler last?

Hyaluronic acid lip filler typically lasts approximately 9 to 15 months. The exact duration of lip filler longevity varies between patients and depends on the type and amount of filler used. Since Hyaluronic Acid is completely absorbed and broken down by the body over months, it is recommended to reapply every 6 months to maintain results.

What is Lip Augmentation?

Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that enhances the size and shape of your lips. There are basically three ways to increase the size of your lips. Injectable fillers provide non-surgical, usually temporary support for your lips, while surgically placed lip implants and fat transfers offer a permanent solution.

How does a consultation for lip augmentation go?

During a lip augmentation consultation, the surgeon will listen as you explain your concerns to improve your lips and aesthetic goals. Then, they will determine if you are suitable for the lip augmentation process by learning your medical history and examining your lip shape. The surgeon will also answer any questions you may have and inform you about potential risks.

When does swelling subside after lip fillers?

Your lips will initially be quite large and swollen; as the swelling decreases during the first week after the procedure, the final result will become visible.

Is lip augmentation reversible?

The lip augmentation procedure with implants can be reversed; that is, the implant can be removed during a subsequent surgery. Much of the lip augmentation done with injections is already temporary, so the effects fade over time. However, it is possible to dissolve them by injecting a specific mixture if requested. Removing permanent fillers is more difficult, so consider this when making your decision.

Can dermal filler procedure results be corrected if they are below expectations?

If you are not satisfied with the results you have achieved after the entire healing process is complete or if you want them to look a little better, there is good news; a skilled aesthetic plastic surgeon can often correct or enhance the appearance brought by dermal fillers. The best approach to addressing the issue depends on the type or severity of the problem. In addition, the type of filler initially injected is also important.

Should massage be applied to the areas where the dermal filler procedure is performed?

Moderate symptoms such as swelling or mild asymmetry can often be improved or resolved by massaging the area. Your specialist can perform this massage or give you instructions on the appropriate technique.

Can Juvéderm and other hyaluronic acid fillers be dissolved?

Hyaluronidase is not perfect. This enzyme can dissolve more filler than desired, and as a result, you may need a different filler treatment for the desired look. Additionally, since products tend to be made from animal by-products, some patients may be at higher risk for allergic reactions and therefore not good candidates for treatment. However, in most cases, hyaluronidase can also be a lifesaver for a patient who has spent months with the results of poorly administered filler injections.

The best thing about filler procedures is being able to achieve the result instantly.

You can stop the process during the procedure to measure progress and get a preview. Also, at the end of the procedure, you can communicate your assessments for achieving the result. These checks are an important part of the treatment. Because adjustments regarding symmetry and fullness can be made there before you leave that room.

How to Avoid Overfilling with Lip Fillers?

Clearly Communicate Your Expectations.

Know what you want but also be open to your expert’s advice. You should discuss with your expert about the aesthetic outcome you desire and ensure they understand what you need. At this stage, you can use terms like “fuller,” “natural-looking,” or “but not overly plump.” Highly trained and experienced professionals will select the filler product that is suitable for your lips. Thus, this operation will be tailored to you.

Experts recommend knowing which filler will be injected and ensuring you choose the right one. The appropriate one contains hyaluronic acid and is an FDA-approved gel for lip augmentation. Ultimately, you don’t want the filler injected into your lips to be a cheek shaping product. You can also prefer new generation hyaluronic acid gels such as Volbella, which provide less swelling and less artificial fullness.

Avoid bringing photos of celebrities at this stage.

It may be appealing to show a photo of a celebrity whose lips you really like as an example. However, having those lips is not always possible. Clearly, another person’s lips—even if they look great on them—may be a disaster for you. The structure of lips you admire may have many features. But the main point here is that imitating someone else’s lips, like those of Angelina Jolie or Kylie Jenner, may not work well on another face. Because facial structure, skin quality, and age are extremely important factors. These factors should be considered when getting lip fillers to achieve natural, beautiful results.

Make sure your expert understands potential complications.

Usually, fillers cause few complications aside from swelling and bruising. However, the expert who will fill your lips should be prepared for all eventualities.

Make sure the person performing this procedure is an expert and knows how to deal with complications. When the process does not proceed as expected or a complication is observed, your expert should have hyaluronidase and be able to dissolve the filler.

Ask about the method your expert uses for lip fillers.

Not all injection methods are the same. Although there are many techniques to achieve different lip looks such as the Eros bow aesthetic in Rihanna’s lips experts have said that one thing should remain the same, regardless of the look you prefer.

What should not change is that the injection should be made in small amounts to all areas that need to be done. Injection of filler in only a few areas in larger volumes should be avoided. Although the same amount of filler is used overall, when more weight is given to the filler in some areas, an overfilled lip appearance may occur.

Stand in front of the mirror and check.

We’re not telling you to look in the mirror during the injection. Because some of us will prefer not to see the needle. However, before leaving there, you need to check your lips.

Feel free to contact us if you have any inquiries or any additional questions.

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