Lip Augmentation

Lip augmentation is a procedure that yields spectacular results and can be either permanent or temporary (6–9 months), depending on the substance used. It is recommended at any age when the lips lack the desired volume. It is common for women going through menopause to experience a loss of lip volume and the appearance of numerous wrinkles, especially above the upper lip. In these cases as well, lip augmentation is recommended, as it also helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Lip augmentation (lip enlargement) is currently performed using several substances:

1. • hyaluronic acid with increased viscosity, which ensures greater retention in the tissues and a longer-lasting result (6–9 months)
   • autologous fat
   • permanent implants (endoprostheses)

Lip augmentation via hyaluronic acid injections is painless (performed under local anesthesia) and therefore does not require hospitalization. There are a wide variety of hyaluronic acid products available. The latest-generation products (containing cross-linked hyaluronic acid) have the advantage of lasting longer (approximately 4–6 months), after which the hyaluronic acid is reabsorbed by the body.

The duration of the effect depends on the type of product, the patient’s own enzymes that break down hyaluronic acid (there are cases—admittedly few—in which the patient breaks down the hyaluronate extremely quickly), and the injection technique. The advantage of these products is that they are administered quickly, complications are minimal, and they give the lips a very natural appearance. However, the procedure must be repeated once the hyaluronic acid has been broken down.

Other injectable products use bovine or human collagen. Lip augmentation with fat is a procedure that involves injecting fat into the lips using a special cannula. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia; the surgeon typically harvests fat from the abdomen, prepares it, and injects it into the lips through small incisions at the corners of the mouth. The results last approximately 4–9 months, depending on the individual, the amount injected, and the quality of the surgical technique (specifically, the preparation of the fat).

There are currently many options for lip augmentation, but augmentation using the patient’s own fat remains the safest, least expensive, and most effective method. After fat augmentation, the lips appear fuller, beautifully contoured, and exceptionally sensual, with results that last for a long time.

The procedure is painless, performed under local anesthesia, does not require hospitalization, and does not involve complications related to the body’s intolerance to the injected material. After lip augmentation with autologous fat, slight bruising may appear on the lips, accompanied by moderate swelling and mild local tenderness.

All these symptoms subside within a few days, and the excellent results last for 6–9 months, at which point it is recommended to repeat the procedure to maintain the results. This procedure (lip augmentation with fat) is very well tolerated by the patient because the injected autologous fat does not cause rejection. Lip augmentation with permanent materials can be performed using fillers or implants.
Implants include Gore-Tex, Softderm, and Alloderm. They are inserted under local anesthesia. Gore-Tex has a firmer consistency than the other two, as it is derived from PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). Alloderm is a purified dermal product, and Softderm is the latest generation; both have a softer consistency. The main advantage of these materials is, as their names suggest, that they are permanent; however, as with any other implants, they can lead to complications (extrusion—rejection, infections, implant migration, and the formation of granulomatous nodules).Several precautions must be followed before the procedure:

1. • Treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs (indomethacin, phenylbutazone, diclofenac), anticoagulants (heparin, Trombostop, etc.), and homeopathic remedies (spirulina, ginkgo biloba) must be discontinued two weeks in advance
   • There must be no infections on the lips or in the oral cavity (including herpes, which must be treated before the procedure)
   • If any ongoing treatments are being administered, the plastic surgeon must be informed of them prior to the procedure

Recovery after lip augmentation is very rapid; the patient can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure if hyaluronic acid-based injectables are used. If the augmentation is performed using fat or implants, recovery may take a few days. After the procedure, it is recommended to apply ice for about 15 minutes, and it is advised to avoid using cosmetics for 2–3 days. The lips will be swollen for 48–72 hours (especially when fat is injected); bruising, discomfort, and a numb sensation in the lips may occur. These symptoms may last up to 2–3 weeks if fat or implants are used.
As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur, although they are rare: bleeding, infections, asymmetry, or the formation of nodules.

Below is a complete list of instructions that patients must follow after lip augmentation surgery:

1. 1. A light diet is recommended during the first week after surgery, consisting mainly of liquids and soft foods.
   2. Try to limit lip movement for the first 3 days after surgery.
   3. Apply ice packs to your lips for the first 3 days after the procedure.
   4. Maintain your normal oral hygiene routine.
   5. Sleep with your head slightly elevated during the first week.
   6. Apply petroleum jelly or moisturizing cream to your lips for the first 6–7 days.