Lips are a distinctive facial feature, and thus, special care is taken when evaluating them. In conversation, we look at a person’s mouth more than their eyes. Because of their importance in conveying meaning through language and expression, lips are frequently the subject of cosmetic enhancement. Lip augmentation options range from non-invasive procedures like lip fillers to more invasive surgeries like lip implants.
A temporary choice such as dermal fillers is an excellent method for patients to ‘test’ different lip sizes and make any necessary adjustments before committing to more permanent ones.
The success of any lip enhancement depends on maintaining the lips’ natural appearance. The medical professional’s strategy and treatment must consider the patient’s dimensions, shape, symmetry, proportion, and balance. However, most women find that simply “plumping” their lips is insufficient to get the desired appearance. If you want the best possible outcome, having a facial plastic surgeon evaluate and treat you is best.
We will discuss lip implants and the process below.
Should You Consider Lip Implants?
Lips shrink and swell as part of the natural aging process. As time passes, the top lip’s red section thins and the skin-covered area grows longer. The red lip and the cutaneous lip below the nose, which includes the so-called “Cupid’s bow” and neighboring “philtral columns,” experience volume loss. Both age-related skin changes and the repeated acts of the underlying muscles over many years cause vertical lines to appear on the cutaneous regions of the upper and lower lips. These changes make the mouth and lips look older.
Anyone who wants a permanent solution for augmenting their lips should consider getting implants if these situations apply to them.
● displays a moderate degree of lip symmetry
● has plenty of natural lip tissue to cover the implant and a dislike for repeated treatments
● favors a long-term solution to lip augmentation
You should visit a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if lip implants are right for you.
If you are a good candidate for lip implants, the surgeon will take your measurements, brief you on what to expect during the operation, and set up an appointment.
Lip Implant Procedure
Your surgeon or medical professional will have you complete a few preoperative steps before your lip implant procedure. Antiviral drugs may be prescribed for those with oral herpes. Similarly, if you smoke or take blood thinners, you’ll be asked to quit doing so in the days leading up to surgery to reduce the risk of severe bleeding and bruising.
Surgical Appointment
Lip augmentation is a quick and easy surgery that can be done in the doctor’s office. The lips will be numbed, and then your surgeon will sterilize the region.
Your doctor will follow these steps to insert your implants after sterilizing the area has been completed.
1. A cut will be made at the inside corners of the mouth.
2. After making the cuts, a pocket (or tunnel) is formed using a clamp.
3. The implant can be implanted after the tunnel has been completed and the clamp has been released.
4. Small sutures close the incision when the clamp is removed, and the implant is left inside the lip.
The operation takes about 30 minutes, and you can drive yourself home afterward if there are no issues.
Recovery
Lip implants often require 1–3 days of downtime for healing. However, your surgeon will advise you to refrain from applying force to or pulling on the lip area for 7–14 days after surgery. The implants can move out of place if you open your mouth too wide or squeeze your lips too tightly.
After a week or two, scar tissue will form, permanently anchoring the implant. Some situations allow for the occasional use of painkillers. Reducing post-treatment swelling and scarring can also be aided by using ice packs and keeping the head elevated.
Potential Risks
You must be aware of and prepared for any surgical treatment’s potential risks and consequences. Furthermore, there are risks to every procedure. One weighs the risks and benefits of surgery before deciding to go through with it. During the consultation, all potential dangers are discussed.
Infection, implant displacement, scar contracture, etc., are all possible complications following a lip implant treatment, just as they would be following any other type of facial implant procedure. Several measures are made to lessen potential harm. Most patients have trouble-free recoveries.
Dislodging implants is a known possibility, especially in the first weeks after surgery. You will be given instructions on what to avoid doing to reduce the likelihood of implant displacement. Lip implant recipients often report feeling their lips and grin are “tight” after surgery.
Most people find that stretching and time alleviate the discomfort. Some people have this feeling frequently, leading them to beg for their implants to be taken out. Surgery to remove lip implants typically takes no more than 5 minutes in an outpatient setting. Some people who have had lip implants may choose to switch to a larger or smaller diameter implant later based on their personal aesthetic preferences.
Takeaway
If you’re looking for a permanent solution for fuller lips, cosmetic lip implants are an option. The implantation of lip implants is a relatively risk-free technique, yet, like any cosmetic operation, it is not without its potential complications.
If you’re interested in lip implants or other service options, contact our clinic, the Aesthetic Center of Plastic Surgery.