Frequently Asked Questions About Lip Augmentation
The lips are a vital part of facial aesthetics. Some people view fuller lips as much more aesthetically appealing. Because of this, the procedure of lip augmentation came to fruition .
Read on to learn some of the most frequently asked questions about a lip augmentation/lip fillers.
What Is a Lip Augmentation?
Lip augmentation is a minimally invasive procedure by a plastic surgeon to make the lips fuller. It normally involves using certain fillers, implants, or fat transfer to add volume and change the shape of the lips.
It is a relatively quick procedure, and the results vary with the type of augmentation. Another option for lip augmentation is collagen-based fillers. These contain protein extracted from human or animal skin.
What Are the Fillers Made Of?
The fillers can be made of several different compounds. The most common are hyaluronic acid fillers. The body naturally produces hyaluronic acid, making fillers safer and giving more natural-looking results. Some fillers that surgeons may use are Versa, Lips, RHA, and Juvederm. Each produces a specific outcome.
Who Is a Candidate?
The most important factor that determines candidacy for a lip augmentation is good overall health. It would help if you were not a smoker, as it can affect the effectiveness of the fillers. It would be best if you also had realistic expectations for the procedure. People with thin lips can make good candidates for fillers, as well as those who have wrinkles or lines they hope to fix.
How Long Do They Last?
As mentioned earlier, how long the results last depends on the type of filler or lip augmentation technique you use. When you use hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Juvederm, the results can last up to a year.
After that, you may need touch-ups and maintenance visits. Collagen filler results last about three to four months. Fat transfer augmentation lasts the longest among the fillers. Other than the type of filler, the amount will also determine how long the results last.
How Do You know How Much Filler to Get?
The amount of filler you need will depend on the type of results you are looking for. An experienced surgeon will usually advise natural-looking results that accentuate the features of the lips. They will often use a different amount of filler on the two lips to achieve a natural-looking outcome. However, some patients want their lips to look fuller, which means they need more filler.
What Are the Potential Side Effects?
Lip augmentation using fillers is a relatively safe procedure. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers will rarely ever react with the patient because the acid naturally occurs in the body. Over time, the body reabsorbs it.
The body absorbs collagen fillers because collagen is a natural compound. So, side effects may be slightly swollen or bruised lips immediately after the procedure. However, these effects fade away as your body adjusts to the fillers.
What Can I Eat After the Procedure?
You can eat and drink anything except very salty foods and alcohol. Also, it would help if you did not use a straw or smoke in the first few days after the procedure.
For more frequently asked questions about lip augmentation, contact Aesthetic Surgical Associates at our office in Metairie, Louisiana, also serving the New Orleans area. Call 504-226-8200 to book an appointment today.
