Lip Augmentation Surgery
The key is subtlety, not overkill! A beautiful, sensual pair of lips is a very attractive facial feature and this can be enhanced by using injectable gels like Restylane, Perlane and others, or using fat fills, the former being quick office procedures and the latter requiring a minor operating room at least. Few procedures have received as much bad press as lip enhancement, principally because it is regarded as easy to perform and is very often overdone, making the patient look decidedly odd, rather than anything approaching attractive.
ANATOMY
The upper lip comprises a central fullness called the tubercle, and a lateral lip element of either side of it, often with a small junctional groove. There are 2 philtral columns that extent from the cupid’s bow apices up to the nostril sills. The upper lip volume is usually no more than 2/3 of the lower lip volume.
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The lower lip has 2 halves, each with slight fullness, and often with a small central groove. The white roll is a light reflex which outlines both upper and lower lip, and is more or less obvious in most people.
The ageing lip and peri-oral region tends to lose volume, hydration and pout and develop fine lines around the mouth area in general. The mouth corners also deflate somewhat, giving a down turned appearance. The upper lip also appears to lengthen over time, obscuring the upper teeth when smiling.
How to prepare for Lip Augmentation Surgery
Getting ready for your Lip Augmentation is an important step towards achieving your desired smile. At our practice in Cape Town, we prioritize your comfort and ensure you are fully prepared for your procedure.
Here’s what you need to know and do before your appointment:
- Medication & Supplement Review:
You will receive specific instructions on which medications and supplements to avoid for about a week prior to your treatment. This typically includes blood thinners such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and Vitamin E, as these can increase the risk of bruising. - Avoid Alcohol:
We recommend refraining from alcohol consumption for at least 24-48 hours before your appointment, as it can also contribute to bruising. - Hydration:
Staying well-hydrated in the days leading up to your treatment can contribute to healthier skin and potentially a smoother recovery. - Inform Us of Medical History:
Please inform us of any relevant medical history, particularly a history of cold sores (herpes simplex virus), as a preventative medication may be prescribed to minimize the chance of an outbreak. - Comfort & Convenience:
On the day of your treatment, arrive with a clean face, free of lip products or makeup. You can eat and drink normally beforehand.
By following these simple guidelines, you help us ensure a safe and comfortable experience, setting the stage for beautifully enhanced lips.
THE LIP AUGMENTATION PROCEDURE
Each patient is assessed individually to see where the lip might be best enhanced – there is no standard way to do this. I generally use only stabilised HA gel (either Restylane, Perlane or others within this range), which are packaged in either a 1/2cc or 1cc syringe and contain a local anaesthetic. I often make use of a blunt “cannula” for injection (rather than a needle), as this limits bruising and is often more comfortable for the patient.
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Areas that may be enhanced include the white roll, the philtral columns, the lip corners and the vermillion (red part). To turn the vermillion out to increase pouting, the gel is injected in small amounts on the inside of the lip, not along the free order of the lip, as is often done. I rarely use more than 1cc to enhance both top and bottom lip – in this case, less is really more!! The lips should appear moist and well hydrated, slightly fuller / plump and ideally the proportion between top and bottom lip should be respected, not distorted!
Fat grafts are another useful option for lip enhancement, but then require the patient to be in the operating room – this is often done as part of another procedure, e.g. facelift or eyelid surgery.
UPPER LIP LIFT / SHORTENING
This is an under-utilised, simple surgery done under local anaesthetic, usually as an outpatient. It can be done in isolation or in concert with other facial rejuvenation procedures, e.g. facelift.
A “bullhorn” of skin is removed at the upper lip-nostril junction and the wound closed with deep tissue and skin sutures, the latter being removed at 5-7 days post op. Isolated lip lifts are done within my office procedure room and take around an hour start to finish. Light oral sedation makes the lip lift more comfortable, and this is coupled with local anaesthetic injections to numb the area.
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The procedure takes about 45 minutes, and results in a marked rejuvenation of the long, ageing, upper lip by not only shortening the lip thereby increasing dental “show”, but also results in a degree of improved pout of the vermillion. The scar is placed in the shadow of the nose, and generally heals very well to become barely perceptible after a few months.
Healing Comfortably After Lip Augmentation Surgery
The recovery process after Lip Augmentation is generally quick, and our team in Cape Town is here to support you in achieving your beautiful, final results. While individual experiences vary, here’s what you can typically expect:
- Immediate Post-Treatment:
You will likely experience some swelling, redness, and tenderness in your lips immediately after the procedure. This is completely normal and expected. - Managing Swelling & Bruising:
Swelling usually peaks within the first 24-48 hours and then gradually subsides over a few days. Applying a cold compress gently to your lips periodically during the first few hours can help reduce swelling and bruising. Bruising, if it occurs, typically resolves within a week. - Discomfort:
Any discomfort is generally mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. - Activity & Care:
- Eating & Drinking:
You can usually eat and drink normally once the numbing sensation has worn off. Avoid very hot foods or drinks immediately after treatment. - Kissing:
We advise refraining from significant pressure on the lips, including kissing, for at least 24-48 hours to allow the filler to settle. - Exercise:
Avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours to minimize swelling and bruising. - Heat Exposure:
Avoid excessive heat exposure (e.g., saunas, hot tubs, direct sun) for a few days post-treatment.
- Eating & Drinking:
Final Results:
Your lips will settle, and the final, natural-looking results will become apparent as any swelling resolves, usually within a week to two.
We are committed to guiding you through each stage of your recovery, ensuring a smooth path to fully enjoying your new, enhanced smile.
Enhance Your Smile: Discover Natural-Looking Lip Augmentation
Dreaming of subtly fuller, more defined, and beautifully balanced lips? Dr. Paul Skoll offers natural-looking lip augmentation, expertly using advanced techniques to enhance your unique features and rejuvenate your smile. Schedule your confidential consultation to discuss achieving your ideal pout with artistic precision.
A few commonly asked questions
What is lip augmentation, and how can it enhance my lips?
Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure designed to enhance the size, shape, and definition of your lips. It can add volume to thin lips, balance asymmetry, smooth vertical lip lines, and create a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing pout. The goal is to create fuller, more defined lips that complement your natural facial features, enhancing your smile and overall appearance.
What methods are commonly used for lip augmentation to achieve natural results?
The most common and popular method for lip augmentation is the use of dermal fillers, particularly those composed of hyaluronic acid (HA). These injectable gels provide immediate, natural-looking volume and definition. For those seeking a more permanent solution, fat grafting (autologous fat transfer) involves transferring a small amount of your own purified fat from another area of your body to your lips. Your consultation will guide you to the best method for your goals.
Am I a suitable candidate for lip augmentation?
You might be a suitable candidate for lip augmentation if you desire fuller, more defined lips, wish to correct lip asymmetry, or address age-related thinning of the lips. Ideal candidates are generally in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and do not have active oral infections or cold sores. During your confidential consultation, we will assess your lip anatomy and discuss your aesthetic goals to determine the best approach for you.
Will my lip augmentation results look natural, or will my lips appear "overdone"?
Achieving natural-looking results is our top priority at our Cape Town practice. Dr. Skoll uses an artistic and conservative approach, focusing on enhancing your existing lip shape and proportion rather than creating an artificial or “overdone” look. The goal is to subtly augment, define, and balance your lips so they harmonize beautifully with your other facial features, making you look refreshed and confident.
Is the lip augmentation procedure painful? What anaesthesia is used?
We prioritize your comfort during lip augmentation. The procedure is generally well-tolerated. For dermal fillers, most products contain lidocaine (a local anaesthetic) to numb the area. We also apply a topical numbing cream to the lips beforehand. For fat grafting, local anaesthesia is used at both the donor and recipient sites, and often includes oral sedation for your comfort during the procedure. Patients typically experience only mild pressure or a pinching sensation.
How much does lip augmentation cost in Cape Town?
The cost of lip augmentation in Cape Town varies depending on the method used (type and amount of dermal filler, or fat grafting), and the complexity of the desired enhancement. Following your detailed consultation, we will provide you with a transparent and comprehensive quote that outlines all associated costs, allowing you to make an informed decision.
Can lip augmentation address asymmetry or fine lines around the mouth?
Yes, lip augmentation is excellent for addressing both lip asymmetry and fine lines. By strategically injecting filler, we can balance lip proportions and create a more symmetrical appearance. Dermal fillers can also effectively smooth out vertical “smoker’s lines” (perioral lines) around the mouth, contributing to a more youthful and refreshed look.
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