Your Lip Augmentation Procedure Filler Lip Injections
Injections for lip augmentation are usually done in the doctor's office. Many patients report little or no pain, so there is often no need for anesthesia. Furthermore, the injectable materials also contain Lidocaine, which helps numb the tissues. If anesthesia is required, a local anesthetic is used. It can take a series of twelve to sixteen injections of the filler to complete the job.
Lip Implants
The procedure will most likely be performed under local anesthesia in your doctor's office or surgical suite.The procedure usually takes 30 to 90 minutes. Since the mouth tends to harbor bacteria, great care will be taken to ensure sterility.
For the typical implantation procedure, your doctor will numb your lips, then make four small incisions at the corners of the upper and lower lips.Through these incisions small tunnels will be formed.The implant material will be rolled or shaped to the proper size, pulled through the tunnels, and trimmed for the best fit. The incisions will then be sutured shut, usually with dissolving stitches.
You'll probably start taking antibiotics a few days before your lip implant surgery. This will protect against infection in the area where the implant will be inserted.
After Your Lip Augmentation Procedure
You'll see results immediately, though your lips will be swollen at first.With most injectables, you can go back to work the next day.
If you have had surgically placed implants, you'll require a recovery period of a week or more.That's because, no matter how careful you are, it's impossible not to move your lips. It's important to get enough rest, give yourself sufficient time off from work and other activities, and follow your doctor's instructions, which will probably include diet recommendations and directions for oral and facial hygiene. If you didn't see your dentist before your lip augmentation procedure, ask your doctor how long you should wait after surgery before having dental work.
Drink plenty of water and apply ointment approved by your doctor to your lips. Use sterile cotton swabs. Avoid applying any creams, ointments, lotions, and other substances to the incisions unless instructed by your doctor. Don't touch your mouth or incisions with your hands or allow anyone else to do so.
As much as possible, avoid talking, laughing, chewing, even smiling. Soft foods will give your mouth a needed rest - but don't drink through a straw and don't eat or drink anything hot. When you start eating solid foods again, thoroughly wash fresh fruits and vegetables and make sure meat and fish are well cooked.
Wear lipstick or other products that contain sunscreen. Why? The skin on your lips has fewer layers than your body's skin and is less effective at retaining moisture. Also, the lips produce less melanin, skin pigment, than the skin on the rest of your body. Melanin is the body's natural reaction to the sun - it darkens the skin to screen out ultraviolet rays. Since your lips don't have the same protection, experts recommend that you always wear a clear or tinted lip product with an SPF of at least 15.
Side Effects, Risks, and Complications
At first, there may be slight bruising around the mouth, or your lips might look darker or paler than usual. Because surgery will disturb some facial muscles and nerves, normal, everyday things like smiling and talking might feel strange for a while. You may have trouble drinking and eating, even with the soft-food diet your doctor will recommend.
Depending on the type and size of implant, you may be able to feel it from the outside. This side effect, called palpability, was more common with older, firmer implants. The newer products, as noted earlier, are softer and feel more natural. Your lips may be quite dry at first and some of the skin may peel.
There's a very slight risk that the implants will move out of position (migrate) and that the lips will look asymmetrical or lumpy. There's also a small possibility of extrusion ,when the implant works its way out of the pocket and sometimes p ro trudes th ro ugh the skin. Call your doctor's office right away if the implant seems to be shifting.
Questions to Ask YourDoctor?
- How can I be sure my lips won't be too full after augmentation?
- Will I be sedated during the procedure? Should I plan for someone to drive me home?
- Do you recommend massaging the incision sites to promote healing? If so, what's the best and safest technique?
- Can my implants be easily replaced if necessary?
- How long will my lip augmentation results last?
- How far in advance of lip augmentation surgery should I schedule dental work? How soon after lip augmentation surgery may I schedule dental work?
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