LIP AUGMENTATION IN COLOMBIA

Full lips are a key element of almost every photo in every fashion magazine. Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with a pair of naturally beautiful lips. If you have them, the elements, smoking, and the aging process eventually take their toll.  The corners of the mouth begin to droop.  The V-shaped area of the upper lip known as Cupid’s Bow begins to flatten out and lose its youthful fullness. Vertical wrinkles or Smoker’s Lines begin to appear, causing your lipstick to bleed. That once sensual look is gone or greatly diminished.

Maybe you’re looking for that plump, pouty pucker.  Or maybe you just want to revitalize aging lips that are beginning to flat line or grow thinner and flatter with less and less visible pink tissue.  Lip Enhancement in Colombia can help.

Thanks to today’s many medical advances there is help. Aging lips can be rejuvenated and thin full lips can be enhanced in Cartagena with lip augmentation.  Lip Enhancement is for anyone who wants to enhance the appearance of their lips and perioral region (the area around the lips).  The patient does not necessarily need to have thin lips, but the procedures are quite effective for increasing the size of the lips.

Your surgeon will help you select the procedure best for you for a variety of reasons, including the shape of each your lips and the results you desire.  Many of our patients from the United States, Europe, and Latin America combine their lip augmentation procedure with other facial and body sculpting procedures.  We will take the time to answer your questions and help you determine which combination of procedures will help you achieve your goals during your personalized consultation.

OPTIONS FOR LIP AUGMENTATION

Two of the most frequently requested cosmetic procedures by our patients are lip augmentation and lip rejuvenation.  Your options range from the latest natural injectable fillers or augmentation using your own fat and tissues.  All of these are soft, pliable, and have a natural feel.

HYALURONIC ACID

Today hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm are the gold standard for lip augmentation. These fillers tend to plump up the lips for three to six months.

INJECTABLE COLLAGEN:

Injectable collagen fillers: Restylane®, Radiesse®, Zyplast®, Zyderm®.  Injectable collagen is used to enhance the natural silhouette of the upper border of the upper lip and Cupid’s Bow. It also fills in the vertical lines along the upper lip that often cause lipstick to “bleed” beyond the lip line.  Injectable collagen in gradually resorbed by the body and provides a flexible option for lip augmentation that is repeated periodically.

FAT GRAFT

Fat transfer, also called autologous fat transplantation or micro-liposuction, plumps up your lips using fat taken from inconspicuous sites on your body.  Fat transfer to the lips is a safe, natural, non-allergenic procedure designed to restore damaged or diminished dermal deficiencies.  Fat grafting can give long lasting and often permanent results.

DERMAL GRAFT

The procedure is done on an outpatient basis. Sedation with local anesthesia is used for safety and comfort.  The procedure is performed by excising a thin strip of skin, usually from an old scar, and passing it through the upper lip and sometimes the lower lip in much the same way a lip implant is placed.  Many patients who undergo this operation have previously had Restylane® or Collagen treatments and generally like the results. However, they may be tired of having to return every three to six months for re-injection.

 COMBINATION FAT GRAFT & DERMAL GRAFT

Dermal grafting can be combined with fat grafting to create soft, beautifully enhanced, natural lips.

Following lip enhancement with one of the injectable products, your lips remain swollen for a few hours only. You may return to normal activities the same day. Touch-up treatments may be necessary.

When dermal grafts are used for lip augmentation, discomfort is minimal. Small stitches may be used to close the implant site. These stitches will be removed in a few days. Some swelling may last up to a week. Elevating your head and applying cold compresses during the first 24 hours will help keep this to a minimum.

Postoperative discomfort can be controlled with medication. Chewing food and brushing your teeth may be a little uncomfortable for a few days. There may be some bruising which can be covered with make-up.

Generally, patients experience a slightly longer recovery period after laser lip rejuvenation. Most of the healing occurs during the first one or two weeks. During this time the treated areas must be kept moist. Postoperative discomfort can be controlled with medication. The initial redness fades to a light pink.

NEED FOR TOUCH UPS

Because there is some unpredictability of fillers, fat injections, and dermal grafts, it may be necessary to repeat the fat injections around one year after the procedure.  Our surgeons believe that underdoing things is generally better than overdoing them in facial rejuvenation, as additional correction can always be pursued.  Fillers, fat, and grafts tend to shrink over time and it is common that the patient wants to see more of an effect. Thus, it is not unusual to see patients having repeat fat injections or supplementing with other fillers. Like all things in plastic surgery, the operation does not stop the aging process; it merely creates the look that the patient wants to see until nature prevails.

When you look younger, it’s hard not to feel younger too.  Give us a call at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 8481909 in United States, or request a consultation online to speak with one of our plastic surgeons at Premium Care Plastic Surgery in Colombia regarding a lip enhancement or other plastic surgery procedure.

LIP AUGMENTATION: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If your lips aren’t as full as you’d like them to be, lip augmentation may be an option. You should have lots of questions, and possibly some concerns. Here are some of the most commonly-asked questions about lip augmentation, along with their answers:

1. WHAT IS LIP AUGMENTATION?

Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that enhances the size and shape of your lips. There are basically two ways to augment the size of your lips. Injectable fillers provide a nonsurgical, usually temporary boost for your lips, while surgically-inserted lip implants offer a permanent solution. A new option — laser lip rejuvenation — can be used to enhance either surgical or nonsurgical approaches.

2. WHAT DOES A CONSULTATION FOR LIP AUGMENTATION TYPICALLY ENTAIL?

During a lip augmentation consultation, the surgeon will listen as you explain your issues with your lips and your aesthetic goals for improving them. He or she will then determine if you are a good candidate for lip augmentation by taking a thorough medical history and examining your lips and mouth. The surgeon should also answer all your questions and discuss the risks and costs associated with lip augmentation.

3. HOW IS LIP AUGMENTATION WITH IMPLANTS PERFORMED?

Lip augmentation with implants can involve fat grafting or tissue grafts taken from tissue harvested from inside the mouth, or from an old scar.  Lip augmentation with implants can take up to two hours to perform on an outpatient basis, usually under local or intravenous sedation anesthesia.

4. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT POSTOPERATIVELY?

You should expect your lips to be very swollen and quite tender following your implant procedure. Numbness may last for several days, and you may have difficulty drinking or eating without spilling a bit.

5. HOW IS LIP AUGMENTATION WITH FILLERS PERFORMED?

Fillers are administered by injection by a highly-qualified physician or injector. Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm are often used for lip augmentation by injection. Their plumping properties last three to six months, making them a good way to test drive lip augmentation without investing in surgery. Fat grafting from your own body can also be used for lip augmentation.

6. WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO SEE THE RESULTS?

The results are usually visible immediately. For implants and most injectables, your lips will be quite large and swollen at first; you will begin to notice a difference in your lips as the swelling subsides during the first week after your procedure.

8. IS LIP AUGMENTATION REVERSIBLE?

Lip augmentation with most injectables is temporary, so the effects disappear on their own with time. Permanent injectables are more difficult to remove, so keep this in mind when making your decision.

If you’re ready for Lip Enhancement in Colombia and to meet with our plastic surgeons at Premium Care, you can request a consultation online or contact us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 8481909 in United States.

ABOUT LIP LIFT PROCEDURE

Full, pink and pouty lips are often associated with youth. But when your facial skin starts to sag and lose its elasticity, your lips may share some of the burden. The vermilion (pink part of your upper lip) basically disappears. What’s more, there is a visible lengthening of the distance from the base of your nose to your lip border, which can hide your teeth when you smile.

The good news is that a lip lift, along with some lip rejuvenation using injectable fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm, can help. If you have a thin upper lip, or if your upper lip is longer than your bottom lip, you may be a candidate for an upper lip lift.

UPPER LIP LIFT

The most popular lip lift procedure targets your upper lip, elevating it to reveal a broader smile and increasing both the volume and the vermilion.  During this procedure, your surgeon makes an incision just beneath your nose. He or she then removes a tiny strip of skin and tissue, and raises your upper lip to its new position.  This cut-out is crafted like a “Cupid’s Bow” (curve of your upper lip) to reshape your upper lip. With this lip lift, your scar is virtually undetectable.

In general, an upper lip lift procedure can be performed in at the office using local anesthetic and takes one to two hours to complete. There will be some swelling in the first few days after your surgery, and any non-dissolvable stitches are typically removed within a week.

Complications from upper lip lift surgery are minor, but can include a separation of the incision, abnormal scarring, loss of sensation, infection, and fluid accumulation. There is also a risk that you will be unhappy with the results, which are considered permanent with a surgical upper lip lift.

Protect yourself by choosing one of our experienced surgeon at Premium Care who has performed many of these procedures and following his or her instructions. He or she will make sure you are an appropriate candidate for the procedure, and that the benefits outweigh any risks. This is the primary way to minimize your risks and maximize the cosmetic results of your upper lip lift.

LIP LIFT: OTHER OPTIONS

Depending on your individual characteristics and desires, it may be best to use a combination of lasers to rejuvenate aging lips.  Laser energy can stimulate the growth of new collagen to tighten and remodel the vermilion, restoring your cupid’s bow.  Micropigmentation, or “permanent make-up,” also may be an option for filling out your upper lip.  While some injectable fillers, most notably Restylane and Juvederm, are often used for lip augmentation, others, including Radiesse and Sculptra, are not.  The best way to determine which lip enhancement procedure is best for you is to consult one of our plastic surgeons today.

If you’re ready for Lip Enhancement in Colombia and to meet with our plastic surgeons at Premium Care in Colombia, you can request a consultation online or contact us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 8481909 in United States.

ABOUT LIP REDUCTION

Lip augmentation is extremely popular, but it is not for everyone. Some people have larger-than-average lips that overshadow the rest of their face. Lips that are too full can affect speech and even eating and drinking, which can make you extremely self-conscious.  If you feel you have too much of a good thing when it comes to lips, lip reduction surgery may be an option for you.

A relatively minor cosmetic procedure, lip reduction can be done on one or both lips.  Lip reduction surgery removes excess lip tissue to reduce the size of your lips.  The results are permanent, and lip reduction surgery can be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as rhinoplasty and chin augmentation or jaw augmentation with implants.

YOUR LIP REDUCTION SURGERY: GETTING STARTED

THE FIRST STEP IS TO DISCUSS YOUR CONCERNS AND GOALS WITH ONE OF OUR QUALIFIED PLASTIC SURGEONS AT PREMIUM CARE.

You will talk about the various looks that can be achieved with lip reduction surgery and the amount of lip tissue that should be removed. Your surgeon will explain the techniques, incision placements, as well as the risks associated with lip reduction.  It is important that you are upfront about your goals and medical history during this visit, and that you provide a complete list of all medications and supplements you take on a regular basis.

You will also discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used for your procedure, and where the surgery will be done. Most lip reduction procedures are performed under local or regional anesthesia, sometimes with oral sedation. However, some surgeons may use light sleep sedation. The consultation is also an appropriate time to discuss the lip reduction surgery cost.

If you decide to book your surgery, you will have a chance to ask any follow-up questions during your preoperative appointment.  Your surgeon will go over your instructions and tell you what you can expect during the recovery period. You may also be given prescriptions for antibiotics and pain relievers to aid in your recovery.  Filling these prescriptions in advance can be helpful. You also may need blood tests and/or a general physical before your lip reduction surgery. The results of these tests should help clear you for your surgery.

YOUR LIP REDUCTION SURGERY: WHAT TO EXPECT

After using the agreed upon anesthesia to numb the area, your surgeon makes an incision the length of your lip, usually along the inside of your mouth. He or she will then remove a strip of lip tissue and suture the incision closed. This will thin your lip and pull it inward, making it less full. Both lips can be done at once.

Your lips and mouth may feel tight and tender as the anesthesia wears off. You may experience mild to moderate pain during the first few days after your surgery. Your prescribed painkillers should help alleviate any discomfort. Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding sleeping. He or she will likely suggest that you sleep on two pillows for a week or two so your head remains elevated after your lip reduction. Expect some swelling and bruising after your surgery. This is normal.

Eating may be challenging after your lip reduction procedure. Avoiding highly acidic foods that can irritate the incisions is advisable. You may be instructed to rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash several times a day.

If you have excessive pain, redness, pus or other symptoms that do not appear normal, call your surgeon immediately as these may be signs of an infection.

Your surgeon will likely remove any sutures within a week to 10 days of surgery unless they dissolve on their own. Get your surgeon’s approval before you participate in contact sports.

If you’re ready to meet with our plastic surgeons at Premium Care, you can request a consultation online or contact us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena.

LIP REDUCTION: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Interested in lip reduction surgery – Lip Enhancement in Colombia? No doubt you have lots of questions, and perhaps a few concerns. Listed below are some of the most commonly asked questions about lip reduction, along with their answers:

1. WHAT IS LIP REDUCTION?

Lip reduction surgery reduces the appearance of lips that are larger or fuller than desirable.

2. AT WHAT AGE CAN LIP REDUCTION BE PERFORMED?

This procedure can be performed during the mid to late teens (with parental permission for those under the age of 18) on up.

3. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL LIP REDUCTION CONSULTATION ENTAIL?

During your consultation, you should be honest about your issues with your lips and how you would like to change them. The surgeon will then tell you what you can reasonably expect to accomplish with lip reduction surgery. He or she should also discuss the surgery itself, what it entails and the various procedure options that are available. You should go over the risks and complications related to lip reduction, as well as the cost. Expect to go over your medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for this surgery.

4. HOW IS LIP REDUCTION PERFORMED?

Lip reduction usually involves an intraoral (inside the mouth) incision that runs the length of your lip. Your surgeon will then remove a thin horizontal slice of tissue from the inside of your lip and close the incision with sutures. Both lips can be done during the same procedure.

5. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT POSTOPERATIVELY?

Definitely expect some swelling, usually in the moderate to severe range, accompanied by some moderate soreness. Your lip(s) may also feel numb for a while, making eating and drinking a challenge.

6. WHEN WILL I SEE THE RESULTS?

Although your swelling should resolve within two weeks, the final results may not be seen for approximately three to four months postoperatively.

7. WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF LIP REDUCTION?

Risks of lip reduction include an allergic reaction to the anesthetic, hematoma (swelling caused by a pooling of blood), seroma (swelling caused by a collection of serum), and numbness in the lip area. Cosmetically, your smile may change and your lips may become asymmetrical. And there’s always the possibility of general dissatisfaction with the results.

8. ARE THE RESULTS OF LIP REDUCTION PERMANENT?

Yes, results are permanent.

If you’re ready for Lip Enhancement in Colombia and to meet with our plastic surgeons at Premium Care Plastic Surgery in Colombia, you can request a consultation online or contact us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 8481909 in United States.