FAQs About Lip Augmentation Cosmetic Surgery
- How many techniques are there to augment the lips?
There are many techniques to augment the lip Some included are:
Lip implants:
- Advanta
- Dermis grats
- Gore-Tex
- Tendon Grafts
- AlloDerm
- Fascia Grafts
- SoftForm
- UltraSoft
- What Types of injectables are out there and what are the differences?
The benefits of an injectable is the volume it can give the lips. The poutness it can give is significant compared to the implants which give a more subtle, defined lip. The downfall is, you really need an experienced injector. This is imperative, especially with the permanent products!
Most available injectables are temporary. Collagen, which has been the industry leader for a very long time, usually lasts only 3 to 4 months and requires a skin/ allergy test. Fascian lasts a little longer although not by much. It is made up for fascia lata, strips of the tough covering that surrounds the outer thigh muscle. It is harvested from cadavers. It reportedly lasts longer than collagen.
Cymetra is a particulated, injectable version of AlloDerm, LifeCell’s product. AlloDerm seems to last a lot longer itself, but the injectable is somewhat “broken down” already. There are a few injectable products which are permanent, sucha s Artecoll, Aquamid, Metacrill, Silicone oil, etc. Artecoll is made from PMMA beads suspended in bovine collagen the polymethylmethacrylate is formulated into microspheres and suspended in a mixture of which 0.3% lidocaine for comfort and bovine collagen as well. The method of operation is that the PMMA is delivered into the dermis by the collagen vector, the collagen is then broken down by the body over tie, yet the PMMA microspheres are left behind to be encapsulated by the body’s own collagen. These microspheres are “networked” together by your body’s collage structure, therefore creating augmentation. Aquamid, Bio-Alcamid, Argiform, and other polyacrylamide implants are made from a polymer that holds moisture.
- Are there any permanent options in lip augmentation?
There are permanent and reversible options like Gore-Tex, SoftForm, UltraSoft and Advanta soft tissue augmentation implants made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). These implants are made from a white material. ePTFE has been used for decades in the body for all sorts of applications. These are the most popular and the only FDA approved, synthetic implants which are considered permanent, yet they possess the benefit of being removed in the event of a problem.
There are permanent injectable permanent options which include, Artecoll, Metacrill, Aquamid, Silicone oil, etc.
The downfall with thes implant are their permanent nature.
- How is lip augmentation with lip implants performed?
The surgery is not at all complex nor does it take a substantial amount of time to perform. You’re injected with local shots of Lidocaine for pain relief and epinephrine, a vasoconstrictor, to restrict the amount of bleeding and bruising. After making the necessary 4 incisions at each corner of the mouth, the surgeon inserts the implant using either an implant pre-threaded on trocar or using a pair of alligator forceps. After insertion, the surgeon cuts the implant to the size best for the patient’s individual lip and trims the ends of the implant if necessary. The incision areas are then sutured with a thin, either dissolving or non-dissolved suture material.
- What should I expect post-operatively?
You should expect to be swollen, tender and very full-lipped post-operatively. You may also difficulty drinking or eating without spilling as well. There will be pain, especially to pressure. You may feel numb in the lips for several days from the swelling putting pressure on the nerves in your lips. Your pain relievers prescribed by your doctor should alleviate any discomfort.
You will have your sutures removed in about 5-7 days. You will be accustomed to the extreme swelling and once this swelling subsides you may wish for a little more fullness – this is normal. For a reality check, compare your before with an updated after before passing judgment.
- Is it quite painful? Is there much bruising?
It takes about a week for most of the swelling to subside, although it will be sensitive to light to medium pressure for about 3 weeks. There is really not too much bruising with average cases, although it should be looked upon as individual. Some patients are prone to bruising more than others.
- Is Lip augmentation reversible?
Lip augmentation with most injectables is temporary so, yes, figuratively, it is reversible. Lip augmentation with an ePTFE implant is reversible. Permanent injectable are more difficult to remove, so consider this when you make your choice.
- I have heard that the risk of infection is quite high in lip implants, is this true?
The reason the risk of infection is high is the incision site and location of the procedure – as well as it is a synthetic material.
Although many implants are made of a well-tolerated material such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, infections can and do happen to the best of us. The mouth is a very dirty place on the body and is a prime habitat for bacterial growth. Plus, your mobile tissues take longer to heal than those of which are not very mobile. If you try and keep your mouth clean, rising regularly with Listerine and not “pick” at the incision site, your wounds will have less of a chance of becoming infected. Good oral hygiene is imperative and any cavities and other dental work should be tended to well before any lip augmentation procedures.
