Who says that your trip to the dentist has to be about your teeth? If you are unhappy with your lips, and would like to see your smile more fully defined, then lip augmentation may be right for you.
What is Lip Augmentation?
Lip augmentation is an elective procedure that utilizes implants to improve the fullness and plumpness of the lips. This is an incredibly popular type of cosmetic procedure. More than 30,000 people on average will undergo the procedure every year to improve their smile and features. This makes people feel happier and more confident with their appearance. The procedure is permanent, thereby leaving a lasting change in your appearance by significantly changing the shape of the lips.
There are two types of implants that are frequently utilized for a lip augmentation. While both are technically types of plastic, one is a silicone implant and the other is called expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Both types of implants are considered safe, but there is a slightly higher satisfaction level with the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene product. This is specifically in terms of the softness of the tissue. Specifically, many people who have undergone lip augmentation find the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene to have a slightly more natural feel than the silicone option. Thus, the final product is considered to be a little less noticeable as having been obtained through a cosmetic procedure.
These two options, the silicone and the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, remain the most popular type of augmentation. However, there are also options for non-synthetic augmentation through the use of tissue or fat grafting. Grafting utilizes tissue or fat from other places in the body to fill the lips. Tissue grafting removes a bit of skin from the lower stomach area to fill the lip. Fat grafting uses a small bit of fat from the lower abdomen. These non-synthetic options are rising in popularity, as some prefer the idea of having natural skin or fat from their own body used rather than a plastic-like material.
Who is Lip Augmentation for?
Like most cosmetic procedures, lip augmentation is a permanent procedure—meaning the effects of the procedure are not designed to wear off after a short period of time. That means prior to undergoing this procedure, it is important you’ve considered the long-term impact of getting lip implants. One needs to plan to live with the results of the procedure permanently.
Lip augmentation is considered a great long-term solution for those who meet the following criteria:
- Have mostly symmetrical lips, but the lips are smaller than would be preferred
- The lips are large enough to stretch over the implant so there is no discoloration of the enlarged area
In addition to these physical characteristics, lip augmentation is ideal for those who:
- Are not interested in repeated treatments to plump and fill the lips
- Are looking to save money by only undergoing lip treatment one time
- Prefer the long-term look of having more plump and filled lips
How to get Lip Augmentation
If you are unhappy with the size and shape of your lips and would like to consider undergoing lip augmentation for fuller lips, the first step is to consult with your board-certified plastic surgeon. Our experts at Sunrise Oral Surgery can answer any of your questions and walk you through the procedure.
The first thing your cosmetic surgeon will do is measure your lips and assess how large of an implant is ideal for you. Lip implants are not a one-size-fits-all cosmetic procedure. Before meeting with your cosmetic surgeon, consider how big of an impact you are looking to make with your implants, and how large you would like the lips to be in the end.
For more information about how to get more full, plump lips, contact us at Sunrise Oral Surgery about the lip augmentation procedure.
