How many of you want a more youthful appearance? Younger-looking skin, fuller lips, and tighter bodies are the dream of many women.
Lip augmentation and other cosmetic enhancements are on the increase. There has been a 50% increase in cosmetic procedures over the last four years. Lip augmentation is one of the most popular.
Are they safe? Are there risks involved? Find out before you decide to go ahead.
Lip Augmentation
Lip augmentation adds volume to thinning lips, creating a more youthful appearance. There are several types of procedures, including lip fillers, implants, fat transfers and lip lifts. Recovery time, results and potential risks vary with each procedure.
Lip Fillers
Natural lip fillers that contain hyaluronic acid are injected into your lips. These fillers add volume to your lips. They don’t last forever, but they might delay the need for a more invasive lip procedure.
Lip fillers can restore your previous lip size, correct the shape of your lips and smooth wrinkles.
There are some risks associated with lip fillers. These include
- Bleeding and pain at the injection sites
- Cold sore reactivation
- Discolouration or tenderness
- Infection
- Tissue Death
- Your lips may be different sizes
- Lip filler may “bleed” into other areas of your face
Lip fillers are generally safe when performed by an experienced doctor or aesthetician.
Everyone wants to look their best, and as a result, the use of lip fillers is on the rise.
Fat Grafting
This is another lip enhancement procedure. This is a surgical procedure in which fat from your body is extracted, purified, and then injected into your lips or other targeted areas.
Fat grafting has a natural look and feel. Unlike dermal fillers, fat grafting provides long-term results. It does not have to be redone every 12 – 18 months. There is a reduced risk of allergic reactions.
The downsides of fat transfer include a longer recovery time. The success of the procedure relies strongly on the skill and expertise of the surgeon.
Not all the fat transferred will survive. This can lead to inconsistencies in the treated areas. If this happens it can require additional touch-up procedures. An inexperienced surgeon can misjudge the amount of fat needed in the lips.
Since this is a surgical procedure, it should only be done by a licensed cosmetic surgeon.
Lip Lift
This is a permanent cosmetic procedure that reduces the space between your nose and lips. A lip lift gives your mouth a more youthful appearance without the use of fillers or implants.
A lip lift can give the appearance of more lip volume, improve your smile and boost your self-confidence.
There are possible side effects. These include:
- Allergic reaction to anaesthesia
- Bruising
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Scarring
- Swelling
- Uneven lips
Choosing an experienced cosmetic surgeon reduces your chance of complications.
Before choosing to go ahead with any cosmetic procedure, discuss the pros and cons, and what you should realistically expect. Your doctor can help you decide if you are a good candidate, and which technique or procedure would be best for you.