Lip Augmentation in Austin, TX

Restylane is an injectable filler made of hyaluronic acid. It can be used to enhance the lips and to treat facial wrinkles and folds, providing results that last an average of six months.

Juvederm is another dermal injection made of hyaluronic acid which can be used to enhance the lips. Juvederm is also commonly used to treat facial wrinkles, acne scars and other facial imperfections. Results typically last six months or longer.

Advanta is a soft, synthetic permanent lip implant produced by the company Atrium. These FDA-approved implants are made from ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluorethylene), which is a Gore-Tex-like material that provides long-term results. These implants are also approved for the nasolabial fold. While the results are permanent, there are some disadvantages to using this material.

This preferred lip implant material is created from semisolid silicone and varies in implant width. The length can also be adjusted to suit a patient’s lip anatomy. Due to the placement in the lips and the feel of the material, a patient’s fully healed lips are not negatively impacted by the placement of the Perma Facial Implant.

There isn’t a concrete “best” lip filler, as this depends heavily on the patient and injector preferences. Restylane Silk and Juvederm Vobella are FDA-approved for lip augmentation, however, other fillers in the hyaluronic acid category have been used for lip enhancement for years as an off-label indication to great effect.
Restylane Silk and Volbella are thinner fillers and, somewhat, softer in feel, but the longevity of these fillers may be inferior to injectables like Juvederm Ultra Plus or the original Restylane. When injected properly, any of these fillers can provide exceptional results and Juvederm Ultra Plus and Restylane may provide longer-lasting results. For older, thinner lips, especially when part of the goal is to reduce the wrinkles around the lips, combining different thicknesses of fillers may provide better results.
Bottom line is, go to an experienced injector within a plastic surgery practice for the best advice on which filler will be most appropriate to provide the best results.

The consultation prior to surgical or nonsurgical lip enhancement includes a full facial analysis to determine the best approach to the procedure. At this time, the doctor and patient can also discuss additional procedures that may accompany the lip augmentation, such as dermal fillers, BOTOX® injections, or other facial volumizing treatments such as chin or cheek augmentation.

Injectables begin with the application of a local anesthetic, followed by the injection of filler into the lips. Implantations are preceded by either a local anesthesia with sedation or deeper anesthesia. Then incisions are made and the implant is put inside, at which point the incisions are closed. The results of implantation are permanent, whereas injectables require repeat treatments in order to maintain their effect. Other surgical procedures also exist for permanent lip enhancement. A consultation will determine if a patient is a candidate.

The procedure site varies and is dependent upon whether a patient opts to undergo lip injections or lip implantation. Lip fillers are administered during an office visit, while lip implantation may be performed in the office or an outpatient surgery center.

Lip injectables are often performed with a topical numbing agent or local anesthetic. Implants, on the other hand, require local anesthesia with or without sedation.

The length of the procedure depends on which method of Lip Enhancement the patient chooses. Injectables can be expected to take thirty minutes or more, whereas implantations may take 30-60 minutes or longer to perform.

The amount of pain a patient experiences varies according to which method of lip enhancement they choose to undergo. Injectables usually result in only minor pain or discomfort while implantations should be expected to be slightly more painful. It is an option to prescribe pain medication in this case, if necessary.

For implant patients, incisions are typically made near the corner of the lips but can sometimes be located inside the mouth or at the base of the nose, depending on the procedure performed. Any scars will be concealed or small enough to not detract from the newly augmented lips.

The length and course of a patient’s recovery after undergoing lip enhancement depends on whether he or she selected the method of injectable fillers or implantation. After receiving injectables, recovery is often very minimal and patients are usually able to resume their normal schedule immediately afterwards, albeit with some bruising and swelling with minor discomfort. Implants, on the other hand, should be expected to result in a longer healing period, where patients can likely to return to normal activities after a week or so. Regardless of which method one chooses, patients may experience some obvious inflammation and discoloration after the procedure, lasting for about a week.

Any surface sutures used for implants are usually removed within a week. While dissolvable stitches may be used, they may also be removed depending on patient circumstances.

The results of implants to enhance the lips are permanent. Injectables, however, only result in temporary effects that can be maintained with repeated injections about every 6 to 9 months.