Iowa Lip Augmentation

iowa lips

Iowa Rejuvenatation

What is lip augmentation? A plumper looking pout is definitely en vogue. Patients of all ages are coming in with photos of celebrities, notably Jennifer Lawrence and Angelina Jolie, wanting to know how they can get a similar look to their lips. Our lip injections are a non-surgical procedure in which either lip filler or fat injections into the upper or the lower lip to create a fuller but natural-looking result.

What can I expect with my lip augmentation?

As with any other cosmetic procedure, your results are going to depend on your anatomy. You must set yourself realistic expectations.  During your lip augmentation consultation, we will discuss your desired outcome and examine your lips. He is assessing their skin elasticity and the relationship of your lips to the rest of your face. While Kylie Jenner may have the lips of your dreams, it does not mean that you can achieve exactly that look – your lip augmentation must be fully customized to suit your facial structure.

Non-invasive lip augmentation plastic surgery with lip fillers

Gone are the days when a lip augmentation meant an overblown pout that made the patient look like a pufferfish. Thanks to the wide variety of new injectable fillers on the market specifically designed for the lips, Dr. Helen Allison has quite a few tools in his tool chest for delivering truly natural-looking lips. He will often use a combination of our different lip fillers to create the best lips for your individual face.

What are the benefits of lip augmentation with fillers?

Lip Rejuvenation: Rediscovering Your Youthful Smile

Lips play a vital role in our youthful appearance and expressions. As time progresses, various factors like age, sun exposure, and lifestyle habits can impact the fullness and definition of our lips. Lip augmentation, a popular cosmetic procedure, is the answer for many seeking to restore or enhance the natural beauty of their lips increasing facial attractiveness. This article will explore lip rejuvenation’s benefits, types, and aftercare.

Why Consider Lip Augmentation?

Age-Related Changes

The passage of time is inevitable, and as the years progress, so do the changes in our physical appearance. One of the primary reasons our plump lips lose their youthful plumpness and definition is the decrease in collagen production. Collagen is the protein responsible for the skin’s elasticity and suppleness. With its reduction, the lips lose volume, and vertical lip lines – often referred to as ‘lipstick lines’ or ‘smoker’s lines’ or uneven lips – begin to appear. These lines can make the lips appear thinner and older, affecting overall facial aesthetics.

Sun Damage

The lips are just as susceptible to the damaging effects of the sun as the rest of our skin. In fact, due to their delicate nature, they might even be more vulnerable. Prolonged and unprotected exposure to UV rays can make the lips dry and chapped. Over time, this affects their texture and leads to the early appearance of fine lines. Using lip products with SPF and considering augmentation can be essential in combating these side effects.

Smoking and Lifestyle Habits

We’ve all heard about the negative impacts of smoking on our health, but did you know it directly affects how our lips look, too? Smoking – the repetitive puckering of the lips – coupled with the harmful chemicals in cigarettes can cause the lips to develop premature lines and facial wrinkles. Additionally, nicotine can reduce blood flow, causing lips to darken over time. Other lifestyle habits like excessive caffeine intake or biting and licking the lips can also hasten their aging.

Natural Lip Enhancement

Beyond reversing the signs of aging or damage, some individuals turn to lip rejuvenation to enhance what they naturally have. Lip augmentation caters to these aesthetic desires from thin lips: the desire for fuller lips, a more defined cupid’s bow, or a symmetrical shape. For some, it’s about achieving the lips they’ve always wanted, making the procedure a tool for boosting self-confidence and self-expression.

Types of Lip Augmentation Plastic Surgery Procedures

Dermal Filler

  • What are they? Fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, or lip enhancement facial contours.

  • Dermal fillers are commonly used to plump up the lips. Restylane®, Perlane®, and Juvederm Ultra™ add fullness to the lips for three to six months, while the effects of Radiesse® can last for up to two years. Each of these hyaluronic acid-based fillers safely increases the size of the lips with few side effects and can address different sizes.  We also offer various soft tissue fillers including gore tex.
     
  • Key Ingredient: The most common lip filler used for lips is hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body.

  • Benefits: Beyond enhancing lip volume, they can diminish vertical lip lines and refine the lip shape.

  • Duration: These lip fillers offer immediate results, instantly boosting your appearance. However, they are temporary solutions, with results typically lasting 6 to 12 months, depending on the individual and the specific filler used.

  • Aftercare: Minimal recovery time sometimes one week to several weeks is required, though some swelling or bruising may occur.

While there are a number of commercial fillers on the market, lip augmentation often involves Restylane or Juvéderm Ultra XC. Both fillers use hyaluronic acid, which helps control lip volume, reduces bruising, and leaves you with great results that last longer. In the past, collagen was the common filler used in lip augmentation, but hyaluronic acid-based fillers have paved the way for better results that last longer. Fat injections and implants have been used to plump lips, but these methods are less consistent and come with a greater risk of side effects.

Let’s take a look at two of the leaders in lip augmentation. Restylane is a hyaluronic acid filler known for its ability to retain water, giving lips better definition and lift. While results may vary for clients, you can expect this lip booster to last for six to nine months. Our other lip augmentation contender is Juvederm Ultra XC. This filler has a higher concentration of hyaluronic acid compared to Restylane. Using this advanced filler gives clients’ lips a softer, more plump look with healthy volume that lasts longer than Restylane treatments, leaving clients with fuller lips for up to one year.

Laser Treatments

  • How they work: These treatments involve using concentrated light energy to stimulate collagen production and treat the surface of the lips.

  • Benefits: They can address many concerns, from improving lip texture to diminishing the appearance of lines. The increased collagen production also promotes youthful plumpness and elasticity.

  • Duration: Multiple sessions might be required to achieve the desired results. The longevity of the outcome can vary based on the specific type of laser treatment and individual factors.

  • Aftercare: Post-treatment, one might experience mild redness or swelling, typically subsiding within a few days.

Lip Lift

  • The Procedure: Unlike lip fillers, a lip lift is a surgical procedure that involves making incisions to elevate the position of the lips and adjust their shape.

  • Benefits: This procedure provides a more permanent solution for a youthful lip appearance. It can enhance the lip’s curvature, expose more of the pink part of the lip, and reduce the space between the nose and the upper lip.

  • Recovery: Since it’s a surgical procedure, recovery might take longer. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are typical post-operative symptoms that usually resolve within a week.

Fat Transfer

  • How it works: This procedure involves extracting fat transfer from another part of the patient’s body (like the abdomen or thighs), processing it, and injecting it into the lips. A plastic surgeon performs a  fat transfer from another area of your body — commonly your stomach — purifies it and injects it into your upper lip and lower lip.

  • Benefits: Since it uses the patient’s body fat, the risk of allergic reactions is significantly reduced. It provides a natural-feeling result, making the lips feel soft and not “overdone.” 

  • Duration: The longevity of fat grafting transfer results can vary. While some fat gets absorbed, a significant portion remains, leading to long-lasting results.

  • Aftercare: Similar to lip fillers, recovery is relatively quick, but some swelling or bruising might occur.

What to Expect During the Lip Augmentation Treatment

Consultation

Before any procedure, it’s standard practice to consult with the specialist. It is your opportunity to discuss your desires, ask questions, and understand the best treatment options for your needs. The specialist will evaluate your lips, consider your medical history and good health, and recommend the most suitable treatment.

Pre-Treatment Preparation

Based on the selected treatment, you might receive guidelines to follow in the days leading up to the procedure. It could include avoiding certain medications or supplements that increase bleeding, refraining from alcohol, and ensuring your lips are well-moisturized.

Outpatient Plastic Surgery Procedure

Most lip rejuvenation treatments are outpatient procedures. It means you won’t need an overnight stay. These are typically conducted in a comfortable setting in the doctor’s office, whether injectable fillers, laser treatments, or other methods.

Application of General Anesthesia

To ensure patient comfort, topical or local anesthesia / local anesthetic is often applied. It helps numb the lip area, making the procedure more tolerable. You might feel a slight cold sensation, a minor pinch, or pressure depending on the treatment.

The Procedure

  • Dermal Filler: Using a fine needle, the practitioner will inject the lip filler into upper and lower lips to enhance volume or shape. It usually takes around 15-30 minutes.

  • Laser Treatments: The specialist will use a handheld device to direct laser beams at the lips, stimulating collagen production and improving texture. Each session might last 30-60 minutes.

  • Other treatments: Depending on the type, the time and method of application can vary.

Immediate Aftercare

The specialist might provide a cold compress post-procedure to reduce immediate swelling or discomfort. They’ll also share guidelines for the first 24 hours—like avoiding hot foods or beverages, strenuous activities, and direct sun exposure.

Recovery Experience

While many experience little to no downtime, it’s not uncommon to have slight swelling, tenderness, or redness immediately after the procedure. Most of these symptoms subside within a few days. Following the post-procedure care recommendations is crucial to ensure optimal healing and results.

Follow-up

Some treatments may require a follow-up visit to assess results, address concerns, or administer touch-ups if necessary. Your specialist will inform you if this is needed.

Post-Procedure Care

  • Icing
  • Avoid Strenuous Activities
  • Limit Sun Exposure
  • Moisturize

Understanding the Possible Side Effects of Lip Treatments

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Redness
  • Unevenness
  • Allergic Reaction
  • Numbness or Tingling
  • Lumps or Bumps

Choosing the Right Plastic Surgery Specialist

The Role of the Specialist

At first glance, lip rejuvenation might seem straightforward. However, understanding the intricacies of the lips, the balance of facial features, and the science behind rejuvenation requires a blend of artistry, experience, and medical expertise. Thus, the practitioner’s role is paramount.

Board Certification Matters

A board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon undergoes rigorous training and exams. Board certification ensures the practitioner has met and maintained specific standards in their field, guaranteeing competence and skill.

Experience in Iowa Lip Rejuvenation

While a practitioner may be board-certified, ensuring they have substantial experience, specifically in lip rejuvenation, is equally important. The more procedures they’ve successfully performed, the more adept they’ll be at tailoring the procedure to individual needs, ensuring natural and pleasing results.

Check Reviews and Before-After Photos

Real patient testimonials and before-after photos can provide invaluable insights into a practitioner’s expertise. These can offer a glimpse into the results you can expect and the experience of previous patients.

The Facility and Team

A reputable practitioner will also operate in a clean, certified, professional facility. Their team should be knowledgeable, courteous, and supportive. Remember, the quality of care isn’t just about the procedure and the overall patient experience.

Cost vs. Quality

While it might be tempting to opt for more affordable options, when it comes to medical procedures, the adage “you get what you pay for” often rings true. It’s essential to view lip rejuvenation as an investment in yourself. While budget considerations are valid, they shouldn’t come at the expense of quality and safety.

Side Effects and Risks

After any trip into the clinic for lip augmentation, you can expect some bruising and swelling before you get your final result. These side effects are not a cause for alarm and are common for anywhere from a few days up to two weeks. In more serious cases, clients could experience prolonged swelling, lip asymmetry, lumps and irregularities, or an allergic reaction. If you experience extreme swelling or develop a fever after a lip augmentation procedure, you should contact your doctor immediately.

The good news is lip augmentation often relies on hyaluronic acid-based fillers, which results in less bruising and swelling compared to other types of fillers. There is also a reduced likelihood of allergic reaction as the filler is made from substances similar to those found in your own body. It can take a few days for your lips to feel natural, but once healed, you will be shocked at the smoothness of your new lips!