Lip Augmentation
Lip augmentation is a procedure to enhance the fullness of lips and make them more attractive. Just like the rest of our skin, our lips loose collagen and fat during the aging process. There are other factors which accelerate the signs of aging around the lips include smoking and sun exposure. Lip augmentation is the perfect procedure for those patients who have always had naturally thin lips that they are self-conscious about it as well as those who want to return their lips to the shape and fullness they had when they were younger. Lip augmentation is accomplished by implanting synthetic or biological materials into the lips to make them plumper and more appealing.
How is the procedure performed?
There are several different substances commonly used in lip augmentation procedures, each with their own particular features and techniques:
- AlloDerm – This is the most popular material used for lip augmentation. The patient is given a local anesthetic; the material is inserted through tiny incisions made in the inside corners of the mouth, then stitches are used to close the incisions. AlloDerm works with the natural tissues of the body. The material can be absorbed, so the results are only temporary, lasting from 6 months to a year.
- Synthetic Implants – Gore-Tex, SoftForm and soft ePTFE are synthetic options with permanent results. They do not shrink, cannot be absorbed into the body, and remain in place because scar tissue forms on either end. The implants are inserted by making a small incision in the inside of the lip. The material is then made into the shape of a small tube and it is inserted with a small needle.
- Fat Grafting – Many people choose fat grafting because they are comfortable with the idea of using fat from their own body. The fat is harvested from another area of the body, often the abdomen or thighs. It is then prepared and inserted with a needle into the lip from more than one point. This procedure has permanent results in approximately half of the people who try it, because the body can reabsorb the fat.
Where is the surgery performed?
The surgery is performed in Estetica Institute’s accredited surgical center, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Our surgeries are performed at our state of the art surgical ORs by a highly trained staff of professionals who all maintain the highest credentials. Our facility is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).
How long does the surgery take?
Typically, a lip enhancement procedure takes about one hour to perform. Patient will recover for about a half-hour after the procedure, and then may go home.
Can I drive myself home?
Yes.
What happens after surgery? What is the recovery process?
After the lip augmentation procedure, you may experience some pain and swelling. This usually lasts a few days, and your recovery will depend on your lifestyle and which lip enhancement you undergo. If you are having injections, your recovery can take just a couple days, though the swelling or bruising may last longer. If you are having surgical implants or grafts, your recovery can take up to two weeks after the surgery.
The discomfort levels vary from patient to patient. Our caring and highly trained staff is here to help from your initial consultation through your recovery. The doctors are just a phone call away 24-7 for you after any surgical procedure.
Call us at 1.561.776.9555 for more information on Lip Augmentation in Palm Beach Gardens.
Dr. Greg DeLange is a highly trained and experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. He graduated from the University of Miami School of Medicine and then completed his Surgery Residency at the University of Texas. After completing a year as Chief Resident, he followed his General Surgical training with an additional two years of Plastic Surgery Fellowship at the prestigious University of Florida Shands Hospital. Dr. DeLange has performed over 20,000 Plastic Surgical cases and is certified by the distinguished American Board of Plastic Surgery.
