Lip Augmentation: What you need to know about it

Who doesn't like beautiful, full lips, right? Some people are born with beautiful lips. But with age, or for those who have naturally thin lips, there are now various ways to achieve the look they want. That's what we call `Lip Augmentation`, a cosmetic procedure that gives full, youthful lips. Since this is a topic that is being discussed by many people in Sri Lanka right now, let's talk about it clearly and simply.

What is Lip Augmentation in simple terms?

Simply put, `Lip Augmentation` is a cosmetic procedure that is performed to give your lips a fuller, more defined, and more youthful appearance. It is usually done in a doctor's office or clinic. There are several methods to choose from, depending on your needs and desired results. Some methods are temporary. That is, they use things like ``Fillers`` to temporarily give your lips a fuller appearance. Other methods involve making a small incision in the lips or face, which provides longer-lasting, sometimes permanent results.

What are the main ways to make your lips look beautiful?

Before choosing the method that suits you, it is very important to know about these options. Let's see what the main methods are. I have put this information in a table like this to make it easier to understand.

Let's talk a little more about these lip fillers.

Let's learn a little more about the `Lip Fillers` that many people choose. Doctors mainly use fillers containing hyaluronic acid . This is not really something to be afraid of. `Hyaluronic Acid` is a substance that is naturally present in our body. Therefore, the risk of allergies is low. Restylane® and Juvéderm® are two popular types of such fillers.

Some fillers also contain a numbing drug called lidocaine to reduce pain. This greatly reduces the discomfort and pain felt during the injection.

How long do these results last?

This is a problem that many people have. The length of time the results last will vary depending on the method you choose.

• Lip Fillers: Usually last about 6 months to a year . After that, the body absorbs the substance on its own. You can get it again if you want.
• Fat Grafting: This is longer-term. Results last for at least 5 years .
• Lip Lift: This is a surgery that provides permanent results.
• Lip Implants: This is also permanent , but you can have the implant surgically removed at any time.

So, what method is best for me?

There is no single answer to this. Because the best method for each person is different. The method that suits you will depend on factors such as your expectations, the natural shape and size of your lips, and so on.

Consider, if you want a permanent result, `Lip Implants` or `Lip Lift` may be a good option. However, if your lips are very thin, or are asymmetrical, implants may not be right for you.

Therefore,The best thing to do is to meet with an experienced plastic surgeon about this, tell him or her your thoughts, discuss them together, and choose the method that is best for you.

Who would be the right person to do something like this?

Before undergoing this treatment, your doctor will decide if you are a good candidate for it. Generally, you must meet the following criteria to be a good candidate:

• You must be in good health .
• If you are a smoker , you should be able to quit a few weeks before treatment.
• There cannot be an active infection such as oral herpes (cold sore) at the time of treatment.
• You cannot have a chronic condition like diabetes or lupus.
• You should have realistic expectations about the results you will get (meaning you shouldn't expect to have lips like a movie star right away, what's important is a natural look that suits your face).

How should I prepare before treatment?

Your doctor will give you clear instructions about this. Generally, they will tell you to do the following a few weeks before treatment:

• Quit smoking: Smoking delays the healing process.
• Stopping blood thinners: These increase the risk of bruising.
• Avoid taking painkillers like aspirin and supplements like multivitamins and fish oil.

What actually happens during treatment?

Before the treatment begins, your doctor will numb the area so you don't feel any pain. This is called `Local Anesthesia`. This means you are conscious but don't feel any pain. However, if you are having several cosmetic surgeries at the same time, you may be given `General Anesthesia`.

Now let's see what happens in each method.

When applying lip fillers...

This is a very quick procedure. The doctor uses a thin needle to inject the filler into your lips. This usually takes between 10 and 30 minutes .

When performing a fat transfer...

Since this uses your own fat, first you need to take some fat from an area like your stomach, using a method called liposuction . Then the fat is cleaned and the surgeon injects it into your lips. The entire process can take about an hour to an hour and a half .

When getting a lip implant...

This surgery usually takes about 30 minutes .

1. First, the lips are pursed.

2. Make two small incisions at the corners of the mouth.

3. Using a special instrument, a small tunnel is created from one incision to the other, from the inside of the labia.

4. The implant is pulled through that tunnel and placed precisely.

5. Finally, the incisions are closed with stitches.

When doing a lip lift...

This usually takes about an hour .

1. First, numb the area in question.

2. An incision is made under the nose.

3. A small strip of skin is removed.

4. The upper lip is pulled up and shaped.

5. The incision is closed with stitches.

What should I do after treatment?

After the treatment, you will receive several tips to help your lips heal quickly and achieve the best results. Some of them are:

• Eat light, bland foods (e.g. soup, yogurt) for the first few days.
• Using an extra pillow to keep your head slightly elevated while sleeping.
• Avoid excessive lip movement (e.g., laughing hard, drinking through a straw).
• Apply an ice pack to your lips for a few days (to reduce swelling).

Aren't there risks and complications?

As with any medical procedure, there are risks and complications. While these risks are slightly higher with surgery, non-surgical procedures like fillers also have risks. So it's important to talk openly about this with your doctor.

Common possible risks and complications:

• Allergies (such as redness, itching)
• Bleeding
• Bruises
• Infections
• Lip tightening or curling
• Scarring
• Swelling
• Unequal lips on both sides

How long will it take to recover and when can I go back to work?

The recovery time will vary depending on the treatment you undergo.

• Lip fillers don't take long to heal. In most cases, you can return to normal activities the same day or the next day.
• In the case of surgery , it can take a few days to a few weeks for bruising, redness, and swelling to subside.

However, after any `Lip Augmentation` treatment, your doctor will advise you to avoid exercise and strenuous activities for a few weeks.

If you have these symptoms, call your doctor immediately!

If any of these problems arise after treatment, do not ignore them as normal, but talk to your surgeon immediately.