Lip Fillers
Fuller, plumper lips have become a sought-after look for many people. While some patients may have inherited “thin” lips, others may have lost some of the natural volume in their lips with aging. There are many over-the-counter products on the market that claim to plump lips; however, at Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery, we offer a more dramatic and lasting non-surgical lip enhancement through the use of fillers. A successful lip enhancement depends on the skill of the provider so as to not look “over filled.” As a highly skilled facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Minton can inject fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane into the lip area to create a naturally looking fuller lip and diminish fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth.
Ideal Candidates
You may be an ideal candidate for a lip enhancement if you have naturally thin lips or aging has caused you to lose some of the collagen in your lips over time.
As with all medical procedures, excellent candidates are those in good overall health and who have informed, realistic expectations.
Preparation
An initial consultation with Dr. Minton is the first step to any procedure. There he will discuss your health history. Medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided as they can increase the likelihood of bruising.
The Injection Procedure
The procedure for a lip enhancement is fairly simple and relatively painless. Dr. Minton uses a very thin needle to inject the filler into the lip and surrounding area (if needed). The number of injections depends on the desired plumpness and number of fines lines surrounding the mouth wrinkles—all of which Dr. Minton will cover in the initial consultation. Dr. Minton may anesthetize the lip and surrounding area before injection to help alleviate any minor discomfort.
After The Procedure
The great thing about a lip enhancement using fillers is that there’s no downtime. You can get back to your normal activities almost immediately, though there may be some initial redness for a few minutes. Temporary bruising may occur, but applying ice packs tends to help. Bruising and any swelling will disappear within a few hours or just a few days. You will begin to see results immediately. Fillers used for the lips, such as Juvederm and Restylane, will last 4 to 9 months on average.
Lip Enhancement
Frequently Asked Questions
Both Juvederm and Restylane are injectable gels comprised of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies. Hyaluronic acid adds hydration and volume to our skin. Whereas Juvederm has a smooth consistency, Restylane gel is more granular. The jury is still out as to which filler lasts longer. Dr. Minton can recommend which injectable is right for you.
Fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane are a very safe treatment for lip enhancement and carry very few risks or complications. However, it should not be used on women who are pregnant or nursing. Juvederm and Restylane should not be used with some medications, which is why it’s important to give Dr. Minton information about any and all medications you are taking.
After the initial consultation, a lip enhancement treatment only takes about 15 minutes.
The effects of a lip enhancement with fillers are temporary, but they will generally last 4 to 6 months.
Sometimes “touch-up” injections are needed to get the best results. If you aren’t 100% satisfied with the procedure, Dr. Minton encourages you to come for a follow-up visit.
Unlike surgery, the effects of a lip enhancement are not permanent, so it is not considered an alternative to surgery such as a fat injections and implants, but it can prolong the need for surgery. Additionally, it can be used as a way to “preview” the results of more permanent procedures.
Since about 2000, fewer and fewer lip enhancements are being done with collagen because the process is more laborious compared to using fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane and collagen tends to break down faster. There is also higher risk for allergic reaction when injecting collagen. Silicone can provide permanent lip enhancement but will need to be surgically removed if the results are undesirable. That being said, for minor augmentations or procedures such as lip “lining” silicone can be a great option and Dr. Minton can discuss this with you during your consultation.
Certain patients may be candidates for surgical procedures such as a “lip lift” or even placement of a permanent lip implant and Dr. Minton can often perform these under local anesthesia in the office.
Have More Questions?
Our skilled, double-board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Minton is available to discuss lip enhancement in greater detail during a consultation at our Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery office in Savannah. Arrange your consultation by contacting us today. Follow Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery on Facebook to learn about special offers!
