Are you unhappy with your thin-looking lips? Are you considering a lip augmentation to make them fuller and plumper? You’re not alone. Many women turn to lip enhancement, or dermal fillers, to give their lips just the right “pout”.

The most common method of lip augmentation is an injectable filler that contains a substance similar to hyaluronic acid, a natural ingredient found in the body that helps add shape, structure and volume to your lips. Examples of hyaluronic acid fillers available today are Restylane, Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Plus, Belotero Balance, HylaFarm, Elevess, Prevelle Silk and Captique.

You should consider lip augmentation if:

• Your lips have become thinner with age
• You have always had thin lips that disappear when you smile
• You are self-conscious about the appearance of your lips
• You believe having plumper lips will bring more balance to your face
• You are doing the procedure for you only, not for someone else

A good candidate for lip enhancement is one who is a nonsmoker and in good health. Lip augmentation may not be right for you if you have diabetes, lupus, problems with blood-clotting, or a history of recurring cold sores (oral herpes). It’s also important to talk to your doctor about any allergies you have and any medications you’re taking.

An injectable lip enhancement is an outpatient procedure with very little downtime. Your doctor will numb the area to be injected, and then use a very fine needle to deposit the substance into your lips. Ice may be used afterwards to control swelling, but firm pressure to the treatment area is not allowed. The results should be noticeable almost immediately and can last as long as six months.

As with any procedure, there is always a risk of side effects, which typically last a few days if at all. These may include bleeding from the injection sites, bruising and swelling, or redness and tenderness. More serious side effects include lumps or irregularities in the lips, infection, severe or prolonged swelling or bruising for more than a week, and stiffening of the lip. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of these side effects.

There can be some real risks to the procedure when done in the hands of someone who isn’t qualified. That’s why it’s important to find a doctor who is qualified and experienced in the lip augmentation procedure before making your final decision.

Are you ready to undergo lip augmentation?
If you are interested in learning more about lip enhancement procedures, contact Dr. Smith. Our office can be found in Okatie, South Carolina. You may also call us at 843.705.8940. We look forward to hearing from you!