Lip Augmentation

For centuries, a woman's lips have been viewed as a sign of her sensuality. More recently, the film Pretty Woman and its lead actress brought the lips back into the forefront of fashion. Look around. It seems that luscious lips are everywhere.

Luscious lips are a key element of almost every photo in every fashion magazine. Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with a pair of naturally beautiful lips. The few who are don't get to keep them without a little help. Over time the sun, the elements, smoking and the aging process take their toll. The corners of the mouth begin to droop. The V-shaped area of the upper lip known as Cupids Bow begins to flatten out and lose its youthful fullness. Vertical wrinkles or Smoker's Lines begin to appear, causing your lipstick to bleed. That once sensual look is gone or greatly diminished.

Thanks to today's many medical advances there is help. Aging lips can be rejuvenated and less full lips can be enhanced.

Lip Augmentation is the procedure which uses synthetic or biological products or surgical restructuring to enhance the lips in many ways. Augmentation can be achieved by many procedures, some better than others. The ideal lip filler would be soft, pliable and permanent, yet removable, inexpensive and cause NO complications in any patient. At this time and moment that just isn't possible. However, doctors try their best with what is available. At Ciao Bella we have experienced surgeons that have used all different procedures and will advise you about the one that is best for you.

At the initial visit, your doctor will likely ask you to describe in detail what you would like improved. Be specific about what you would like done. Bring photos that show what you like and don't like. If your surgeon fully understands your expectations, he'll be able to determine whether your goals are realistic.

What are my treatment options?
Lip enhancement and rejuvenation are two of the most frequently requested cosmetic procedures. Your options range from the latest in laser treatments to natural injectable fillers or synthetic implants. All of these fillers are soft, pliable, and have a natural feel.

Which treatment is best for me?

Your surgeon will select the procedure best for you. Every surgeon will have his or her own procedure preferences for a variety of reasons, including the range in shape of each patient's lips and the results desired.

Laser lip rejuvenation

The "Remington Lip" is an exciting procedure using a combination of laser treatments to rejuvenate the wrinkled or aged lip. During the healing process of this procedure, the collagen and elastic tissue beneath the skin will tighten and remodel, restoring the "V" to Cupid's Bow and providing a more healthy, youthful shape to your lips.

What is recovery like?

Following lip enhancement with one of the injectable products, your lips remain swollen for a few hours only. You may return to normal activities the same day. Touch-up treatments may be necessary. When implants are used for lip augmentation, discomfort is minimal. Some swelling may last up to a week. Elevating your head and applying cold compresses during the first 24 hours will help keep this to a minimum. Postoperative discomfort can be controlled with medication. Chewing food and brushing your teeth may be a little uncomfortable for a few days. There may be some bruising which can be covered with make-up. Generally, patients experience a slightly longer recovery period after laser lip rejuvenation. Most of the healing occurs during the first one or two weeks. During this time the treated areas must be kept moist. Postoperative discomfort can be controlled with medication. The initial redness fades to a light pink.

If you are wondering if you could benefit from lip enhancement or rejuvenation, call our office to arrange a consultation.

 INJECTIONS

Tell your doctor: if you have any allergies, if you have a history of bad scarring, such as keloids and about any medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription) You are at increased risk for complications if you have diabetes, poor circulation, heart, lung or liver disease, smoke, have a family history of blood clots, etc. You'll want to discuss your medical history thoroughly with your physician before you choose to undergo surgery.

There are many different options to choose from regarding the type of “filler” for your particular needs and expected results. At Ciao Bella we use many different products and the one you require will be discussed with you at your initial free consultation. The following gives you an overview of the different products available.

Collagen is injected into the lip with small needles. Because the body slowly absorbs the collagen, the results generally last between one and three months. The procedure may be repeated as needed.

Restylane injections
Restylane is a clear gel; the hyaluronic acid in Restylane is similar to that naturally found in the body.