Lip Augmentation

Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that enhances the appearance of the lips by adding volume. The procedure may be done through either injectable fillers or lip implants. Injectable fillers offer less discomfort and downtime, but the results are temporary and the procedure must be repeated to maintain desired look.

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Lip implants offer permanent lip enhancement, but recovery time is longer after this procedure. Lip enlargement is a popular choice for those who have experienced thinning lips from smoking or as a natural part of the aging process. Fuller lips can shave years off the face and produce a lovely, sensual appearance.

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Planning

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Dr. Loeb is among Manhattan’s leading plastic surgeons and has been an innovator regarding lip augmentation. He recommends lip augmentation for patients in reasonably good health who wish to enhance the appearance through fuller lips. Common concerns corrected with lip enhancement include:

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• Lips that are too thin
• Lips sporting fine lines as a result of the aging process
• Lips that have become thinner as a result of smoking or aging
• Lips that are asymmetrical
• Lips that have been damaged by injury or illness

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During your initial consultation, Dr. Loeb will carefully review your reasons for having the procedure as well as your medical history and current health condition. Lip enhancement may be achieved by using a variety of techniques, and it is important that you fully understand your options before submitting to any one procedure. Plastic surgery patients should always have realistic expectations about results, and a review of spectacular outcomes achieved by Dr. Loeb in lip augmentation before and photos can give you a good idea of how your lips will be transformed.

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While lip enhancement will change the look of the face, the change will likely be subtle. If you have a chronic conditions such as lupus, blood clotting disorder or scarring on the lips, you may not be good candidate. Patients in the midst of a cold sore outbreak should wait to have lip augmentation until cold sores are fully healed, to avoid spreading infection and delaying the healing process.

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Procedure

Dr. Loeb offers several methods of lip augmentation, all of which will be carefully discussed at your initial consultation. Injectable lip augmentation involves the administration of a solution directly into the lips to provide fullness and volume from the inside out. Common types of injectable lip augmentation include:

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• Silicone Injections (Liquid FDA-approved silicone used “off-label”)
• Restylane Lyft
• Permalip
• Juvederm UltraPlus
• An FDA-approved silicone (ADATOSIL-5000) is used off label to enhance lip volume. This is permanent and only used after a temporary test of saline or filler to make you like the fullness.

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Restylane Lyft, and Juvederm UltraPlus use a base of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance produced by the body that offers a natural-looking result. Dr. Loeb does not use fat in the lips because it swells so much, and frequently almost all goes away.

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A long lasting lip enhancement may also be achieved with implants, using different sized Permalip implants. Dr. Loeb inserts small tubes into the lips using local anesthesia and very small incisions. Lip implants can be performed in a physician’s office and recovery typically takes just one to two weeks. Although recovery time is longer than with injections, the results are considered permanent, unless the implants are later removed.

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Recovery

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Recovery for lip augmentation depends on the type of procedure. Patients who receive an injectable treatment may experience slight bruising or swelling at the injection site, which usually subsides within 24-48 hours and normal activities may be resumed the day of the procedure. Lip implants on the other hand, require a slightly longer recovery time, since incisions must heal. Stitches used to close incisions may be removed within a few days and swelling tends to subside within one to two weeks. Ice packs during the first 24 hours after the procedure may help reduce discomfort swelling.

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For more information about lip augmentation in Manhattan, either alone or to complement additional facial surgery procedures, schedule a consultation with Dr. Loeb by calling our office at 212-327-3700.