Lip Augmentation

Lip augmentation is performed in the office setting using local and topical anesthesia. While the injection itself takes just five minutes or so to perform, you will be in the office for about an hour to allow for preparation of the local anesthetic as well as the application of ice both before and after the procedure. The injection itself is performed with a fine needle which is administered directly into the lips.

There is little recovery or downtime associated with lip augmentation. The lips will appear more swollen on the second day and bruising can occur for up to ten days or so after your procedure. We recommend that you apply ice for twenty minutes every two hours for the first 24 hours and then a few times the next day. The lips will appear larger than desired for about the first three weeks because the hyaluronic acids are hydrophilic, meaning that they draw fluid into the injected area, but this will fade. Patients are able to return to work the next day and exercise and other strenuous activities may be resumed within two days.

Lip augmentation is a very safe procedure with few risks. While complications are rare, they may include bleeding, infection, loss of skin and asymmetry. It is important to disclose your full medical history as well as all medications and supplements that you are taking prior to your procedure. Lip augmentation should not be performed on individuals while they are on blood thinners. Patients taking antibiotics prior to dentals procedures should take the same dose before their lip augmentation and patients with a history of cold sores on their lips should take an antiviral medication prior to their procedure. High doses of daily Vitamin E, St. John's Wart, Gingko Biloba and Garlic should be stopped for one week prior to lip augmentation.

Lip augmentation can produce very dramatic or subtle results depending on the patient's wishes. The longevity of results will vary. As with other injectable fillers, the effect slowly fades in time. In general, most patients are very satisfied with the results of their lip augmentation for six to nine months and come in yearly for re-injection. You can help to prolong the results of your lip augmentation by avoiding smoking, drinking from bottles and drinking through straws.