Lip Augmentation Plastic Surgery
Kyle S. Choe, MD Facial Plastic Surgeon, Virginia Beach, VA
Lip augmentation is something that we do at any age - either to reverse the signs of aging or to create what we never had.
Restoring Full Lips - Aging spares no one – and those troublesome signs shows up in our face first. The lips are no exception as they begin to loose fullness, become thin and the natural color fades. We often experience a “tired look” as our lips begin to sag at the corners of the mouth. Balance is lost in our face as time and gravity take their toll on what were once full, beautiful lips. Dr. Choe is very skilled in lip augmentation procedures – which safely and effectively restores beautiful natural looking lips.
Creating Full Lips - Lips too thin? Some people – young and old – decide to have Lip Augmentation simply because they want to! Because they have never had the beautiful – lush – full contoured lips. Lip Augmentation offers you that same option – the gift you always wanted – but never got. Now you can have it too!
Benefits of Lip Augmentation:
- Lip augmentation is a safe – effective – procedure
- Lip augmentation can help restore balance to the face
- Lip augmentation can elevate the saggy corners of the mouth
- Lip augmentation gets rid of that “tired look” or frown
- Lip augmentation can restore full, beautiful lips
- Lip augmentation restores a more youthful – beautiful - natural look!
Lip Augmentation Surgery Overview:
The purpose of lip augmentation is to change the size of the lips – by making them larger and fuller as they once were – or by reducing them in size (called a reduction.)
V-Y Lip Advancement Surgery – is reserved for patients who want maximum results and permanent correction – using their own lip tissue. This is accomplished by making small incisions in the inner area of the lip (inside the mouth). The lining is then elevated and reshaped to enhance the lip contour by increasing the size of the vermillion. This is done under anesthesia – so you will not be awake and will not hear or feel anything.
Preoperative Surgery Instructions:
- You must avoid aspirin – aspirin containing products, ibuprofen and herbal medicines for 2 weeks prior to your surgery.
- You must not use nicotine products for 4 weeks prior to your surgery and for 10 days after your surgery.
- You must not consume alcohol for 1 week prior to your surgery.
- Start using the Arnica and Vitamin C the day before surgery. Arnica is an herb that helps reduce bruising and Vitamin C helps fight infections and promotes healing.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.
- You must tell us what medications, vitamins and herbs you currently take and Dr. Choe will instruct you which ones to stop taking and when you can start taking them again.
- You must have a responsible adult drive you to your surgery, take you home and stay 24 hours with you.
V-Y Lip Advancement Surgery Frequently Asked Questions:
How long will the results of my V-Y lip surgery last? The results usually last for several years. This does not stop the normal aging process and its effects – however it does dramatically turn back the clock several years.
Will lip augmentation get rid of the wrinkles around my mouth? The specific purpose of this surgery is to restore fullness to your lips. Most of our patients choose a “skin resurfacing” procedure to deal with those surface wrinkles.
My lips are “too big” – will this surgery make them smaller? No – we would use a lip reduction surgery to make your lips smaller.
Is there much swelling and bruising and how long will it last? You will see a large amount of swelling which starts to go away within the first week. Swelling and bruising are normal along with puffiness – it takes 2-4 weeks to completely return to normal. You will be able to use camouflage makeup. We recommend Jane Iredale mineral makeup which actually helps promote healing and it covers beautifully.
How long will I need to stay out of work? You will be looking presentable and be able to return to work within 7-10 days.
How long will my surgery take? Usually 2 hours. This depends upon the amount of change you want and if you are combining your lip surgery with another procedure such as Necklift or Chin Implant/Pre-Jowl surgery. Many patients choose to combine in order to get it done and to experience the most satisfying overall results.
Will there be much pain? No. You will experience discomfort from the swelling and bruising – but this will be easily managed with oral pain medication. It decreases daily so you will return to normal within a couple days.
Postoperative Instructions for Surgical Lip Augmentation:
- Use the ointment to keep your lips moist.
- Clean the area as instructed by our nurses and then apply the antibiotic ointment.
- Use the pain medication as instructed – do not take Tylenol or acetaminophen while taking your prescription pain medication.
- Take your antibiotic as instructed when you get home.
- Take the swelling medication as prescribed along with the Vitamin C.
- Avoid dairy products for 5 days after your surgery.
When considering any facial plastic surgical procedure – remember that Board Certified surgeons are the most skilled and qualified. Dr. Choe is a board certified facial plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. |
