Lip Augmentation (cont.)
Implants And Surgeries
You will most likely receive local anesthesia. A procedure can take up to two hours at your doctor's office or outpatient center, depending on the complexity, and you will be sent home the same day.
Here are the options:
- Alloderm is a sheet of collagen created from deceased humans. Your surgeon inserts them through tiny incisions made on the inside part of the lip. This material offers only a temporary fix, lasting up to 12 months.
- Fat grafting is the surgical method of inserting your own fat into your lips to achieve the desired fullness. You may achiever permanent results, but this method varies from person to person. Because it's your own fat, there is a chance that your body can reabsorb it.
- Gore-Tex, SoftForm and soft ePTFE are synthetic materials that can achieve a permanent result. Unlike some of the other options we've listed above, your body will not absorb these. However, because they are synthetic, there is a risk of allergic reaction.
- Local flap grafts is a
surgical procedure that takes tissue and skin from the inside flap of your
mouth. It's far more invasive than any other technique, and is often the last resort among plastic surgeons.
Your surgeon may also be able to make an incision along the upper line of your lip.
How Long Will My Recovery Take?
Your recovery will depend on your lifestyle and which procedure you undergo. If you are having injections, your recovery can take just a couple days. However, any swelling or bruising can last longer.
If you are having surgical implants or grafts, your recovery can take up to two weeks after the surgery.
It's important that you know yourself. Discuss how much time you think you'll need for recovery with your doctor. It may be necessary to take some time off work. You will need at least three days off from work, at minimum. If you are physically active, you will not be able to exercise for a few days after injections and perhaps for a few weeks after surgical implants.
Next: How should I prepare for lip augmentation? »
- Questions To Ask Before Surgery - Surgery questions to ask prior to having a procedure are important. Your surgeon should be available to answer your surgery questions prior to the procedure.
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder - Get the facts on body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) characteristics, signs and symptoms (obsession with appearance, plastic surgery), and disorder treatment.
- Laser Resurfacing - Laser resurfacing directs short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at irregular skin. Laser skin resurfacing removes skin very precisely, layer by layer, resulting in fewer problems with hypopigmentation (lightening of skin). This popular procedure is known by several other names, including lasabrasion, laser peel or laser vaporization.
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