Facial Rejuvenation
Lip Enhancement & Augmentation

Q-What is lip enhancement?
A-Lip enhancement involves a variety of cosmetic procedures that are able to add fullness to the upper lip, lower lip or both. Some procedures are surgical and some are non-surgical, and some are able to provide permanent results while others provide temporary results. Some of the options for lip enhancement include injectables like collagen, fat injections, Restylane, and Radiesse, along with implants like SoftForm, Advanta and Gore-Tex.

Q-How do I know if Im a good candidate for lip enhancement?
A-Men and women who are physically healthy, realistic in their expectations, and interested in adding fullness to the lips may be good candidates for lip enhancement. Your surgeon will be able to tell you which particular procedures may be right for you.

Q-What is collagen?
A-Collagen is a naturally occurring protein made from purified cow skin. Collagen injections can be used for lip enhancement and provide temporary results that last an average of three to six months.

Q-What is AlloDerm?
A-AlloDerm is an option for lip enhancement in which a natural collagen sheet made of donated human tissue is inserted through tiny incisions inside the corners of the mouth. With time, the collagen sheet becomes integrated with the natural tissues

Q-What is SoftForm?
A-SoftForm is a synthetic implant that may be used for lip enhancement. Made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), this implant produces permanent results.

Q-What is Gore-Tex?
A-Gore-Tex is a synthetic implant that may be used for lip enhancement. The implant is made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and produces permanent results.

Q-What is autologen?
A-Autologen is an injectable collagen that may be used for lip enhancement. The collagen is harvested from small pieces of the patients own skin and provides temporary results.

Q-What is dermalogen?
A-Dermalogen is an injectable Human Tissue Matrix (HTM) made of donor human tissue that may be used for lip enhancement.

Q-What is fascian?
A-Fascian is a type of injectable which is made of donor-fascia, which is connective tissue made of collagen. Fascian may be used for lip enhancement and produces results that last up to six months.

Q-What is HylaForm?
A-HylaForm, an injectable soft tissue filler, may be used for lip enhancement. HylaForm is comprised of hyaluronic acid extracted from rooster combs and can provide results lasting up to six months.

Q-What is Radiance?
A-Radiance is an injectable filler that may be used for lip enhancement. Radiance is comprised of calcium hydroxylapatite, which is a substance found in bone and teeth, and produces semi-permanent results.

Q-What is Restylane?
A-Restylane is an injectable filler that may be used for lip enhancement. Made of non-animal derived hyaluronic acid, results may last up to one year.

Q-What happens during a consultation for lip enhancement?
A-During a consultation for lip enhancement, the surgeon will discuss your goals, take a thorough medical history, and explain your options. He will go over all aspects of the procedure, including the benefits, the risks, the technique and the costs.

Q-Where are lip enhancement procedure performed?
A-Lip enhancement with injectable fillers are typically performed in the Rejuva Center. Surgical procedures for lip enhancement may take place in a surgeons office-based facility, an outpatient surgical center or a hospital.

Q-Is anesthesia used for lip enhancement?
A-Lip enhancement may involve some form of anesthesia depending upon the particular procedure. A numbing agent or topical or local anesthetic may be used for injectables, while general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation may be used for surgical procedures involving implants.

Q-How are lip enhancement procedures performed?
A-For lip enhancement with injectable fillers, an anesthetic is first administered and then the filler is injected into the lips using a small needle. For surgical procedures using implantable materials, anesthesia is administered and then incisions are made, typically at the corners of the lips. The implant is then inserted and the incisions are closed.

Q-How long does the actual procedure for lip enhancement last?
A-Procedural times will vary according to the particular procedure. Injectable fillers can take as little as fifteen minutes to perform, though repeat procedures are typically needed anywhere from four months to one year or longer in order to maintain the results. Surgical procedures involving implants typically take longer to perform.

Q-Where are the incisions made for surgical lip enhancement?
A-The incisions for surgical lip enhancement are typically made at the corners of the lips.

Q-Are there scars after surgical lip enhancement?
A-The incisions required for surgical lip enhancement are typically located at the corners of the lips and result in little or no visible scarring.

Q-Is lip enhancement painful?
A-The degree of pain or discomfort associated with lip enhancement will depend upon the particular technique used. There tends to be minimal pain or discomfort associated with injectable fillers, though surgical procedures may involve more pain. If necessary, pain medication can be prescribed.

Q-What is the recovery like after lip enhancement?
A-Injectable fillers used for lip enhancement tend to involve minimal recovery time and patients are typically able to return to work and other normal activities right away. Bruising and swelling can occur but typically fades within a few days. With surgical procedures, the recovery tends to be more involved. Bruising and swelling can last about a week and patients can usually return to work within about a week.

Q-Will I need to take off from work after my lip enhancement procedure?
A-Whether or not you will need to take time off from work in order to recover will depend upon the particular lip enhancement procedure. With injectable materials, patients are typically able to return to work and their other normal activities right away. Procedures involving surgery will involve a more lengthy recovery, though patients are typically able to return to work and other normal activities within about a week.

Q-When are the stitches removed after surgical lip enhancement?
A-After surgical lip enhancement, stitches are typically removed or dissolve on their own within seven to ten days.

Q-What are the risks or complications that can occur with lip enhancement?
A-The specific risks associated with lip enhancement will depend upon the particular technique. In general, however, the following are some of the potential complications that may occur with lip enhancement: allergic reactions, adverse anesthesia reactions, bleeding, excessive scarring, hematoma, infection, lip asymmetry, and migration and extrusion of the implant. In addition, lumpiness or scarring can occur with fat transfer and some implants include the risk of infection and extrusion or migration of the implant.

Q-Is lip enhancement covered by insurance?
A-Insurance typically does not cover lip enhancement procedures that are performed solely for cosmetic purposes.

Q-Are the results of lip enhancement permanent?
A-Some technique for lip enhancement, including most implants, are permanent. Other techniques, most injectable fillers for instance, are temporary. Collagen injections tend to last between three and six months, Restylane about four to nine months, and Radiesse one or more years.

Q-Is it possible to get financing for a cosmetic procedure?
A- Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures.

Q-What does board certified mean?
A-Please click here to see our web page on Board Certification.