Lip implants are structures designed to fit in the lips to achieve a semi-permanent or permanent effect.
Lip implants are structures designed to fit in the lips to achieve a semi-permanent or permanent effect. These can be made up of any of the following materials:
- A soft, pliable silicone rubber (plastic implants)
- Biodegradable substances such as:
- Tissue grafting: This is the transfer of the skin from the abdomen to the lip.
- Fat grafting: This is the transfer of the fat from the abdomen to the lip.
Cosmetic surgeons make tiny incisions around the corners of the lip to fit in the implants.
What are the benefits of lip implants?
Permanent lip augmentation is a procedure of choice. Patients usually go for temporary methods and later switch to the permanent solution for lip enhancement. Some opt for lip implants or permanent lip augmentation because of the benefits that include:
- Long-lasting results
- Less downtime (one to three days)
- Natural look and feel
- Cost-effective compared with repeated injectable fillers applications
- Few complications than injectable fillers applications
When performed by a skilled cosmetic surgeon, lip implant surgery can take less than 30 minutes with very minimal scarring.
What is the recovery period for a permanent lip augmentation procedure?
Recovery after a permanent lip augmentation procedure is relatively quick and easy.
There is mild pain around the lip area that can be minimized by taking pain medications. Ice packs help reduce the redness and swelling on the lips and around the mouth.
Patients are advised to sleep with the head elevated for nearly one week.
They should avoid manipulation of the lip area. They should avoid massaging the area for several days after the surgery.
Vigorous activities such as lifting heavy weights and heavy workouts should be avoided for two weeks. Care should be taken while chewing food.
Follow-up is usually scheduled at one and two weeks after the implant surgery to check for the healing of the lip wound.
The cosmetic surgeon may advise oral exercises such as wide mouth opening, smiling, and puckering lips to be performed daily from three weeks to three months after the surgery.
Visible swelling and bruising of the lip region usually subside by the end of two weeks.
What are the risks involved in a permanent augmentation procedure?
Surely, lip implants are an excellent option for patients who wish to get a permanent or semi-permanent solution to their thin or wrinkled lips. However, patients need to be aware of the following possible risks:
- Malposition
- Infection
- Dissatisfaction
- Dissatisfaction requiring removal
- Prolonged edema and bruising
Patients should thoroughly discuss with their cosmetic surgeon the benefits and risks of the procedure before going for permanent lip augmentation surgery.