Written by Dr Julian De Silva
Lip augmentation is ideal for patients who have thin or disproportionate-shaped lips. Augmentation can be accomplished with surgery or the use of filler injections.
The transfer of fat is a good method of enlarging and creating a more attractive lip, and is advantageous over the use of fillers as it is long-lasting. Injectable fillers (Juvéderm or Restylane) have an instantaneous effect. However, they last for an average of 6 months.
There are other fillers that can be used such as Alloderm, that have a long-term effect. Dr De Silva will not inject silicone into the lips as there have reported risks associated with this technique.
The lips thin gradually as we age, with atrophy of the soft tissues and underlying teeth. Younger people have plumper lips that often have a natural S-shape with a sharp vermillion border (junction between the skin and lips) and central cupid’s bow.
Ageing of the lips results in a loss of volume, curvature, loss of cupid’s bow and increased vertical lines. Facial ageing of the lower third of the face includes volume loss of the cheeks and gravitational descent.
The smile lines are called nasolabial folds and run from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth. Often thin lips occur in association with other changes in the face, such as deepening nasolabial folds.
In facial ageing, there is often loss of volume in the surrounding soft tissues which may lead to a downturning of the lips (increasingly sad appearance).
All medical and surgical procedures carry a small risk, which is significantly reduced by seeing a surgeon who is a specialist with facial anatomy.
Risks and complications will depend on whether it is a surgical or non-surgical lip augmentation procedure—the most obvious one being that surgery is permanent and cannot be reversed.
Minor issues from non-permanent fillers may include the filler migrating from the treatment area, a lumpy appearance under the skin and that it is short-lasting.
Dr De Silva always discusses all the pros and cons of each treatment with his patients, including risks and complications, so you can feel confident in the decision you make on what treatment is right for you.
Lip augmentation should be considered in relation to the proportions and harmony of the face. Dr De Silva will advise you whether other procedures may enhance the result of the lip augmentation.
Renowned expert in Facial Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery. Signature techniques in Blepharoplasty, Rhinoplasty and Facelift surgery. Expert in revision surgery and in natural looking results
