The lips are one of the most popular areas of the body for cosmetic augmentation, perhaps due to the rapid recovery time and the ease with which plumper, more shapely lips can be achieved. Not only can many of today’s lip enhancements be performed from the comfort of Dr. Bose’s office, but most Tampa area patients who are interested in lip augmentation are candidates for the procedure.
You might be a candidate for lip augmentation if you are an adult age 18 or older who is in relatively good health. Indications for lip enhancement might include a patient who:
- Desires fuller or plumper lips
- Has naturally thin lips
- Is bothered by loss of volume in the lips due to aging
- Wishes to reduce ‘lipstick lines’ caused by age-related creasing in the lips
- Wishes to balance uneven lip shape or size
Types Of Lip Enhancement
As with many augmentation procedures, there are different ways of enhancing the lips. Dr. Bose will meet with you to determine which method is right for you based on your concerns and long-term goals for treatment. Your procedure might include the use of:
Lip Implants
Lip implants are administered through a surgical procedure using an incision made at the corners of the mouth or along the lip. The implant is typically used in patients who desire permanent results and greater definition in the lips. A good candidate for lip implants might be someone who naturally has very thin lips – not necessarily someone looking to ‘plump’ one or both lips.
With several different types of lip implants, patients work with Dr. Bose to decide on a lip implant type. During the procedure, the implant will be trimmed to accommodate the patient’s natural lip shape. Dr .Bose will create a small tunnel within the lip to hold the implant in place. From start to finish, most lip implants augmentations take just an hour or less to complete.
Lip Injections
Lip injectables are by far the most common type of lip augmentation used in the U.S. In recent years, lip injections have become the method of choice for many doctors and patients thanks to the relative ease with which they can be performed. Most lip injections can be performed in minutes in a doctor’s office without the need for sedation – only a local anesthetic. In addition, lip fillers can be given gradually, giving both Dr. Bose and the patient greater control over lip volume and shape until the desired results are achieved.
There are many different lip injection substances that can be used to plump and fill the lips. These include:
- Collagen injections
- Facial fat injections
- Hyaluronic acid injections
Out of the three options, hyaluronic acid injections are the most popular choice due to their safety, efficacy, and long-lasting results. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body responsible for absorbing water and providing the skin tissues with volume. Because it is used in many of today’s lip fillers, it reduces the risk of an allergic reaction. There may also be a lower risk of bruising and swelling following a hyaluronic acid injection in comparison to other injection types.
The results from hyaluronic acid injections typically last up to six months or more depending on which filler specifically is used. Restylane, Juvederm, and Belotero are just a few examples of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers.
Are You A Candidate For Lip Augmentation?
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your lips, it may be time to schedule your consultation with Dr. Bose and the team here at Bose Plastic Surgery. We look forward to helping you enhance your natural beauty and achieve the fuller, more shapely lips you deserve.