LIP ENHANCEMENT

INTRODUCTION

Lip enhancement is not a medical decision, but a personal one. The way you see yourself defines you and integrates you in society. Some women do not consider lip enhancement as something in their advantage; yet for many women who have small lips, this operation gives them a lot of personal satisfactions.

The lip enhancement operation is the only alternative which increases the lips volume and contours them.

There are some choices which can give the impression of bigger lips: make - up, lip contouring permanent make - up.

Friends and family members can tell you their opinion about this action , the plastic surgeon can give you medical advice, but the only one who can decide what's in your best interest it's you.

This kind of operation has been done ever since 1980, when big lips were in fashion. Up to now a large number of women have taken advantage from this operation.

Lip enhancement is usually performed with men and women who have small or thin lips, or with those who desire a lip contouring. The lips enhancement can be done for each lip separately, or for both lips at the same time.

For this type of operation there can be used a lot of substances, including own fat or some other, such as: collagen, sillicon, Goretex.

Some of these substances ensures a permanent augmentation; some others ensure only a temporary augmentation; a further intervention is needed.

If you are unhappy with your lips, this kind of operation offers you new possibilities to have a new look.

SURGICAL INTERVENTION

There are a lot of procedures for lip enhancement.

BY INJECTION

By this technique some substances are introduced into the lip; their role is to enhance and contour the lips.

Collagen is introduced into the lips by injection with a fine needle. Because allergic reactions might occur, a previous test is recommended. This operation ensures a temporary augmentation for 3 -6 months; after this period the operation must be performed again.

Your own fat, taken from several areas of your body ( abdomen, thighs) is also introduced through a fine needle. The advantage of this procedure is the absence of the allergic reaction. The results are also temporary.

Autocollagen is taken from the pacient, usually from the resulting skin removed from the face after the facial lifting; it is introduced into the lips ; the results lasts longer;
Allergical reactions do not appear.

GRAFTING

There are 3 substances that are used for lip augmentation by grafting.

Allo Derm is the most used compound; it is introduced into the lips, under local anaesthesia, through a small incision at the corner of the eye; the suture is closed by adhesive bandage.

The material can be absorbed; the result lasts for 6 months to 1 year.

SoftForm and Goretex are material which can not be absorbed; they very rarely have side effects; in case of infection they can be easilly removed.

These are introduced with a fine needle along the lips ( 3 threads for the upper li, 2 threads for the lower lip.

Normally the operation lasts about 1 or 2 hours, according to the type of the substance.

The lip enhancement operations do not require hospitalization; thus the patient can leave home after the operation.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

A few possible complications might occur: infection, haematoma, alergy to anaesthetic, cutanat distortions, superficial necroze. Follow your surgeon's medical advice in order to avoid possible complications.

POST SURGERY EFFECTS

Lips have a big sensibility. After the operation lips will be swollen and painfull, but the pains are bearable.

The initial discomfort will be controlled with antialgic medication.
Follow the next instructions in the first 48 hours:
put cold wet compresses on your lips;
avoid speaking and chewing as much as possible;
maintain your lips clean;
start taking antibiotics;

The resulting scars are small and are not, esthetically speaking, a problem. In case of predisposition to hypertrophic and keloids scars, discuss this problem with your plastic surgeon.
You can came back to your daily activity in 2 or 3 days. The pains can persist. For this reason avoid to talk much and force your lips too much. If you work in an office you can start your work in 2 or 3 days.

A complete activity can be started after 2 or 3 weeks, especially when dealing with grafting; the recovery time is different, depending on the technique used, the way the grafting has been beared, and the daily activity. The plastic surgeon will recommend the best time to start an action.

Lip augmentation produces a lip enhancement as much as possible, in order to render / restore a natural balance of the face. This will make you more confidant in yourself, because the new look is lovely to the eye.

The emotional and psychological benefits of the operation are a greater confidence in yourself , a better image of your body and a greater personal satisfaction.

SPECIAL NOTES

Wash yourself well before the operation;
Eliminate from your treatment aspirin and medicines containing aspirin 2 weeks
before operation.
Give up smoking 1 week before operation;
Try and schedule the operation when not having your period;
Do not suffer from cold during the operation;
Avoid to eat or drink anything, even water, after midnight before the operation;
Avoid sun exposure 2 weeks before the operation .
Wear your glasses, instead of your lenses.
Do not wear your make up, do not polish your nails; if you have polished your nails, wipe them off.
On the day of your operation leave your jewels at home.
After the operation maintain your lips clean and avoid to talk much and chewing

This introduction has been made only for an informative purpose.
For personalized data on request to your home, and for further information, please contact us at:

Radu VOICU M.D.
Specialist in plastic and reconstructive Surgery

PLASTIC SURGERY DEPARTMENT
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CF 2 - BUCHAREST

Phone: 004-021-224.50.02; 004-0722.684.735
E-mail: office@drvoicu.ro

Internet: www.drvoicu.ro

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