Lip Enhancement / Lip Augmentation

Description
The lips are unique facial features, which receive special attention. During social engagement, our eyes are drawn disproportionately to one's lips as they are to one's eyes. Lips figure prominently in speech and communication and often receive makeup to accentuate their appearance. Various methods of lip enhancement are available including minimally invasive as well as surgical techniques. Both temporary and permanent options are available. Temporary options are a good way for patients to experiment with changes to the lip and 'try on' their new appearance. Many  procedures may be performed in the office.

A natural appearance to the lips is integral to a favorable result. Size, shape, symmetry, proportion and balance must all be factored in to the doctor's plan and approach. Simply 'plumping' the lips is not sufficient to acheive the results desired by most women. Evaluation and treatment by a facial specialist like Dr. Pearson can maximize your chances for a superior result. Dr. Pearson's lip enhancement patients appreciate his gentle touch, painless technique, artistic sensibility and eye for detail.

The Aging Process
During the normal aging process, the lips change in size and shape. The red portion of the lip (vermillion) decreases in height and the skin-covered portion of the upper lip (cutaneous lip) elongates. Volume is lost from the red lip as well as from portions of the cutaneous lip responsible for lip contour including the white-red border of the lip (the "white roll") and the portion of the cutaneous lip below the nose which comprises the so-called "Cupid's bow" and adjacent "philtral columns". The cutanaous (skin-bearing) portions of the upper and lower lips also develop vertical lines from both age-related skin changes and the repeated action of the underlying muscles over many years. Together, these changes impart a less youthful appearance to the lip and mouth.

Candidates for Lip Augmentation
You may be a candidate for lip enhancement if the changes in size or shape of your lips contribute to an unsatisfactory appearance of the lips or if you are interested in lip enhancement.

Lip Augmentation - Injectable Fillers
Volumizing fillers offer a minimally-invasive way to enhance the lips. Lip size, shape, fullness, and/or contour may be enhanced with Dr. Pearson's technique. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (such as Juvederm) are preferred in the lips. Results typically last 6-12 months.

Lip Augmentation - PermaLip Implant
The Perma Facial Implant has been FDA approved since 2007. Used for the enhancement of thin, aging lips, the Perma Facial Implant is made of contoured, pliable silicone. The implant is inserted through incisions at the corners and/or top of the lips and molded manually. The Perma Facial Implant does not require replacement or repeated treatments unless there is a complication, and it is designed to not rupture or leak. Various sizes are available and the implant procedure takes approximately half an hour under local anesthesia.

You may be a candidate for the lip implant procedure if you would like to enhance the size or shape of your lips, and if you are seeking a long-lasting or permanent treatment option. Many patients who choose to consider the lip implant procedure have achieved favorable results with injectable treatments, and have sought a tretment option that does not require ongoing repeated treatments, as is the case with temporary injectable fillers.

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Lip Augmentation Surgery
Surgery can take several forms depending upon your preferences and goals. A Lip Lift can decrease the relative length of the cutaneous upper lip which elongates as part of the aging process. Implants can add permanent volume when indicated.

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Complementary Procedures
Resurfacing of the skin surrounding the mouth can help to improve the vertical lines which appear on the cutaneous portion of the upper and lower lips.

Possible Non-surgical Alternative Treatments
Volumizing fillers may be used to rejuvenate the lips by restoring volume or enhancing lip shape and contour.

Recovery after Lip Augmentation
For noninvasive procedures, you are able to return to work the next day. Temporary swelling resolves after a couple of hours. You may resume full activity the next day in many cases.

For surgical procedures, mild soreness, and temporary swelling and bruising improve over a couple of days. Most people choose to wait until any sutures are removed (5-7 days) prior to returning to work.