Facts About Lip Augmentation

Lip augmentation using fillers is an elective procedure and is used to add volume to the lips.

The filler is injected into the lip, which can cause pain. Anesthesia and pain medications are often used to decrease pain.

The lip augmentation procedure can last from five to thirty minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated.

Activities: No matter how lip augmentation is done (temporary fillers or permanent implants); the lip does get moderately swollen. Recovery is not always immediate and most individuals take anywhere from 2-7 days for the side effects to wear off.

Dermal Fillers which are not animal based can be injected right away and no prior allergy testing is required.

The permanent implants are easily inserted and most individuals tolerate them well.

For those who are unsure about lip augmentation, the best way forward is to get a temporary filler. This provides a full lip and gives the individual a realistic idea of what to expect if he or she decides to get a permanent implant

Lip augmentation when done with a collagen product usually last 8-12 weeks.

Fat injections provide a longer lasting effect but the results are unpredictable and unevenness or lip asymmetry is a common occurrence. In addition, the fat must be obtained from another part of the body

Permanent implants: Some foreign bodies can become infected and need to be removed.

Possible side effects and complications of lip augmentation are rare but can include:

- allergies to the implant

- prolonged swelling

- prolonged itching

- prolonged redness

- hardness at the injection site

- bleeding

- lip asymmetry

- infection

- migration of implant

Normal swelling and bruising lasts from three days to a week.

Those patients who are thinking of having a collagen product injected should always undergo an allergy test. Anyone with allergy to the collagen or the local anesthetic should not undergo lip augmentation.

While many techniques and dermal fillers are available for lip augmentation, none are perfect. You should discuss the risks and benefits with your physician to determine if lip augmentation is for you.