If you have naturally thin lips, you may have longed from time to time for a set of full, shapely lips instead. But like most people, you probably felt that this was unattainable. For many, the perception of cosmetic treatments is that they’re expensive and require a lot of downtime. However, that doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, when it comes to achieving full, beautiful lips, you don’t need surgery at all. A simple procedure that produces incredibly natural results is all you need.
The Ideal Lip
The “ideal lip” is technically subjective given that we all have different preferences. Nevertheless, some studies indicate that a 1:2 ratio of the top lip to the bottom lip represents ideal lip fullness, according to the population as a whole. However, many people deviate from this ratio and still have very attractive lips. When you think of ideal lip aesthetics, what comes to mind? The classic Cupid’s Bow curve framing the top lip, and a full, proportional lower lip? A fuller look overall, like Angelina Jolie? Many patients have a specific celebrity whose lip aesthetics they admire and would like to emulate. Again, it all comes down to personal preference. However, most people seek lip enhancement because they would like their lips to be fuller with better contour.
Natural Volume and Shape
Lip augmentation is a very popular treatment for two very simple reasons. First, it is a convenient, minimally invasive procedure. Second, it produces very natural results. Soft tissue fillers are an injectable treatment that increases lip volume with a hyaluronic acid gel (a substance that occurs naturally in the body). This temporarily boosts and shapes the lips.
Fillers have been popular for years, both for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and adding volume to the lips. Today, there are specialized lip augmentation formulas available, such as Restylane Silk. Restylane Silk is optimized to withstand the movement of the lips for 6-12 months while augmenting and rejuvenating the area. The procedure involves the use of a fine needle to carefully add natural-looking volume and fill in vertical lines around the mouth. Once this is complete, patients can return to normal activities. Side effects are minimal and can include minor bruising, swelling, and tenderness. These fade quickly and patients can enjoy the results for months.
Convincing Results
Everyone wants natural results from cosmetic treatments, and injectable fillers like Restylane Silk deliver those results. Lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid is almost impossible to distinguish from natural lip volume. These treatments pass “the kiss test”, meaning that the lips remain soft and natural despite the treatment. No one should be able to tell the difference between natural lips and augmented lips, assuming the treatment is subtle and administered by a skilled plastic surgeon.
Augmentation Maintenance
While there are surgical lip augmentation methods available, injectable fillers are much more popular overall. Though injectable fillers only provide temporary volume and anti-aging results, they are easy to maintain and offer the simplest, most convenient, and most natural method for lip augmentation. Maintenance typically only needs to be done once a year as desired, and will be exactly the same process as the initial treatment. Many patients choose to continue treatments in order to retain their beautiful, full lips.
Who is a Candidate for Lip Enhancement?
If you’re interested in the potential of Restlyane Silk for lip enhancement, then you may be wondering if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. The best way to decide if the treatment is appropriate for meeting your goals is to meet with an experienced plastic surgeon to get advice. Soft tissue fillers are very safe for most patients, but it’s important to speak with a plastic surgeon to ensure the procedure is right for you and to plan your custom treatment.
For expert help in the Austin area, come to Buckingham Center to discuss your case with Dr. Edward Buckingham, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Buckingham is known for his commitment to natural results and his skill and experience in facial aesthetics. For more information or to schedule your consultation in Austin, TX, call 512.401.2500.
