Board Certified Female Plastic Surgeon Specializing in Lip Augmentation with Fillers
Lip augmentation is an important adjunct to facial rejuvenation. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen and the mouth loses volume. The lips thin, the corners of the lip droop, and the curvy and attractive Cupid’s bow flattens. The upper lip elongates and the lower lip drops from gravity. Sun exposure can cause dryness, color changes, and brown spots. Vertical lip lines and wrinkles around the mouth occur from normal facial movement. As women age, they notice that their lipstick tends to “bleed” into these wrinkles, regardless of whether or not they are smokers.
Therefore, the lips cannot be ignored when it comes to comprehensive facial rejuvenation. To learn about options for restoring fullness to your lips with lip augmentation and lip fillers in Las Vegas call Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center at 702-260-7707 in Las Vegas to discuss lip augmentation.
What Is Lip Augmentation?
For both male and female patients, lip augmentation can improve genetically thin lips or excessive teeth or gum show with smiling and animation. Asymmetries of one or both lips can be improved upon with lip augmentation. Trauma, scars, or congenital deformities can be managed with lip procedures.
In the not so distant past, women were frequently enlarging their lips beyond normal proportions in response to visualizing beautiful women in the media such as Angelina Jolie and top models with naturally full lips. It seems the trend has settled down a bit as people have witnessed too many individuals having undesirable “overdone” lips with an unnatural duck-like appearance.
Think of actress Lisa Rinna, who is infamous for her distorted and unnatural lips from silicone injections. Numerous stories and images of “lips gone wrong” have helped to deter women from going overboard with lip injections.
The goals of lip augmentation are to provide a beautiful shape, with youthful, age-appropriate contours without sacrificing naturalness. The Cupid’s bow and upper lip philtral columns should be enhanced. There should be a natural fullness to the lower red lip. Anatomically, the lower lip is almost always naturally slightly fuller than the upper lip, so this balance should always be maintained. Ideally, no one should know that a procedure was done to enhance the lips. Results should be harmonious with your face, and not eye catching or disproportionate.
In addition, a beautiful mouth and smile is dependent on the condition of the underlying dentition, something that is often overlooked. Lip augmentation only goes so far if the underlying teeth are misaligned or in poor repair. Structural support of the lips with orthodontics and/or veneers if necessary should always been considered to maximize the result after lip augmentation. It is important to maintain an age-appropriate vertical anterior tooth display in rest position and normal conversation. Lip augmentation may not be aesthetically pleasing if the added volume hides all of the teeth when smiling.
Lip augmentation can be done as an isolated procedure or as part of any facial surgical procedure. Wondering how much it will cost? Dr. Hayley Brown performs lip augmentation for $800 per syringe. We will make sure you get the final cost estimate as part of your consultation at our office. Financing and payment options are available.
Lip Augmentation & Fillers
Lip fillers are probably the safest and most predictable method to enhance the lips. Plus, they are adjustable, forgiving, and correctable, should a patient desire a slight change. They can be performed in the office setting with little to no downtime.
There are many different injectable fillers available to enhance the lips and treat associated lip wrinkles and downturned corners of the mouth. Most fillers last around 6-12 months, as the lips are very mobile, so product around the mouth can be metabolized fairly quickly. Juvederm, RHA, and other hyaluronic acid fillers are the best products out there right now, as the results are natural, usually nonperceptible, controllable, long-lasting and safe.
Sculptra, Radiance, Artecoll, Artefill, Silicone and many other products are not safe to use around the mouth due to very high risks of nodules and complications.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Lip Augmentation With Fillers?
Lip augmentation with fillers may be a good option for those who wish to have fuller, more defined lips that appear naturally so. The ideal candidate should be in good physical health and have realistic expectations of what can be achieved through this procedure. Candidates should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Hayley Brown at Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center, to determine if using fillers for lip augmentation is appropriate for their desired look.
How Long Do Results Typically Last?
Results from lip augmentation with fillers can typically last anywhere from six months to one year, depending on the type of product used and how it was applied. Over time, however, lips will gradually lose their added volume as the body absorbs the filler material. Results vary based on lifestyle factors such as smoking habits, sun exposure, diet, and other activities that can cause premature breakdown of the filler product in the lips.
Is Lip Augmentation Painful?
Most patients find lip augmentation with fillers to be relatively comfortable. However, some discomfort may still occur during an injection session due to the nature of any needle entering the skin. Most products contain numbing agents that help reduce any discomfort associated with treatment. If you experience significant pain during an injection session, let Dr. Brown know right away so hse can adjust the technique or use different products accordingly.
Are There Any Side Effects Associated With Lip Augmentation?
The most common side effects associated with lip augmentation include minor swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection sites due to the presence of needles entering into the skin tissue. If these occur, they typically go away shortly after treatment has been completed, normally within one to two days. In rare cases, more serious side effects such as scarring or infection may occur.
How Much Does Lip Augmentation Cost?
The cost of lip augmentation will vary based on factors such as geographic location, type of product used, and the number of sessions necessary for desired results. Most treatments range between $800-$1000 for a single treatment using hyaluronic acid-based fillers. It could cost more depending on the exact product and how many syringes are used during treatment. During a consultation appointment at Desert Hills Plastic Surgery Center of Henderson, NV, you can speak to Dr. Hayley Brown about the expected cost of lip augmentation with fillers.
What Type Of Maintenance Is Necessary After Lip Augmentation?
In order to maintain optimal results from lip augmentation with fillers, it is recommended you avoid activities such as smoking and excessive sun exposure for at least 48 hours post-treatment. Use specialized skincare products formulated for use after injectable treatments, including sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Facial moisturizers containing ingredients like vitamins C and E help protect against free radical damage. Avoid harsher exfoliants like scrubs or retinol products until healing has been completed entirely, typically in about one week’s time. Regular maintenance visits every six months may also help extend results.
FAQ
How Long Does Lip Augmentation to Heal?
The amount of time it takes to heal from lip augmentation depends on the procedure you have done. If you decide to have lip fillers, you will have to wait approximately up to two weeks before the swelling goes down. If you opt for lip implants, you must wait about a week. Within this time period, you will have to have your sutures removed in four to six days. Dr. Hayley Brown will go over each procedure with you during your consultation with her.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate For Lip Augmentation?
Lip augmentation is a great option for those looking to enhance the appearance of their lips. However, this procedure is not for everyone, and patients must be deemed a suitable candidate by Dr. Brown.
You are an ideal candidate for lip augmentation if you meet the following criteria:
- You have thinned lips.
- You are in good health.
- You do not have an allergy to lidocaine or hyaluronic acid.
- You have realistic expectations regarding the procedure.
- You have a positive outlook on your goals.
What Are The Different Types of Lip Augmentations?
There are multiple variations of lip augmentations and lip fillers patients can choose from. The first option is lip fillers, which are the fastest and safest method. This involves the injection of a dermal filler, such as Sculptra, to help plump up the lips. Another type of lip augmentation is fat transfer. This is when a plastic surgeon takes fat from another part of your body, primarily the stomach, and puts it in the lip area.
Alternative options to help plump up your lips include lip lifts and lip implants. Each of these procedures can help you achieve your desired look. However, the results will vary. For example, a lip lift is permanent, whereas lip fillers are not.
Schedule a Consultation
To discuss your lip augmentation or lip fillers in Las Vegas options, please contact our Las Vegas office online or call 702-260-7707 today.