Lip Augmentation

Lip enhancement using hyaluronic acid is the most requested procedure due to its quick, less-invasive and temporary effect. Lips are enlarged by direct injection of filler in the desired places (also used for correction of lips asymmetry). The effect maintains for 3-6 months - because of the natural dissolving and absorption of the hyaluronic acid from the tissue.

Lip implant is inserted through small incisions in the corners of the lips. Implants are mostly made of silicone (a material similar to that used in breast augmentation). The surgery takes less than 1 hour and is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. After enhancement with lip-implants, small swelling for 2 days or bruising can occur. Results are immediately and permanent, implant can be also removed.

Fat transfer (fat grafting) is one of the more invasive injectable procedures providing permanent results. Fat is harvested from own body (thighs, abdomen) using liposuction, after processing (centrifugation, washing or sedimenation) the fat is applied to lips. Several injections are used to achieve satisfactory and desired results due to resorption of the fat tissue. 

Several methods are applicable for surgery treatment:

• Lip lift (enlargement of the lip by removing loose skin under the nose - expose more teeth when smiling), 
• vermillion advancement (incision along the border of the lips and removing a strip of skin to enlarge colored portion of the lips), 
• dermal graft (advancement of the lips forward from incision inside the mouth).

Before the procedure, some preoperative instructions have to be maintained: 

• Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs (like aspirin) causing increased bleeding
• Stop smoking before surgery to promote healing
• Avoid procedures during infection (like herpes sores)