Injections can be either temporary or permanent, depending on the material used and patient preference. Proper placement  of the chosen substance is crucial to the ultimate effect and may be injected into the inside corners of the mouth or inserted  via tiny hidden incisions. Injectable materials include autologous (one’s own) or donated tissue, as well as synthetic  biocompatible substances (e.g., Radiesse®) very similar to that found naturally in the body. An operation to insert a  natural collagen sheet implant, similar to a strand of spaghetti, may be performed with well-tolerated substances  such as Gore-Tex and AlloDerm.

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Patients will be provided with detailed instruction for post-operative care at the time of surgery. Pain should be minimal and minor swelling will likely occur. Final results may take up to a few days to ascertain and depending on desired results, subsequent injections may be necessary.

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What is lip augmentation?
Lip augmentation is a procedure that plumps the lips to give them a fuller appearance, as well as reduces wrinkles around the mouth. If your lips are innately thin or you have lost lip volume due to aging, lip augmentation is an option for you. Options for lip augmentation include either natural or synthetic injections, surgical implants, and laser lip rejuvenation.

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What types of techniques are there?
The type of technique used for your lip augmentation procedure depends on if you want the injections to be permanent or temporary. Placing the different substance for your lip augmentation is important to the overall aesthetic effect. It can be injected into the corners of the mouth or through very small incisions. Injectable materials used include autologous or donated tissue, or synthetic a substance such as Radiesse. Gore-Tex and AlloDerm may be used if the procedure calls for the insertion of a natural collagen sheet implant into the lip.

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What postoperative expectations should I have?
Depending on which technique you and Dr. Kim decide on may determine the overall healing process. However, there will be some swelling and your lips will be very tender. Because of the swelling and pressing on the nerves in your lips, you may be numb for several days. Eating or drinking will probably be difficult for several days (expect to spill a lot). Dr. Kim will prescribe a pain medication that will help alleviate any discomfort you might have. In about a week or so, your sutures will be removed and you will be able to see how your lip augmentation has given your lips a fuller appearance.

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What are the risks involved with lip augmentation?
The type of risk depends on the technique used. Overall, the risks are very small no matter what technique you decide to go with.
 

Some of the risks include:

• Allergic reaction

• Numbness

• Asymmetry

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Migration (for substances such as Gore-Tex and AlloDerm)

• Scarring

• Nerve damage

• Sloughing of skin
   

Am I a candidate for lip augmentation?
Nearly all adults in generally good health are candidates for lip augmentation. If you are unhappy with the volume of your lips because they are naturally thin or have lost some of their plumpness through aging, this may be the procedure for you. Having reasonable expectations of how your lips will look after this procedure is also important.

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If you are interested in, or have questions about, the lip implant procedure, and you are in the Atlanta, Georgia area, please contact Kim Facial Plastic Surgery for an initial consultation. Dr. Kim is committed to combining your goals and realistic expectations with his skilled expertise for a safe and positive outcome. Please call our office @ (770) 458-4255.