Common Questions Regarding Lip Enhancement

Q: What is Lip Enhancement?
A: Lip enhancement procedures are intended to give fuller or more defined lips. For some patients with very thin lips, the goal may be to have a more normal appearance. For other patients, very thick and sexy lips are the goal. In addition, some patients desire a defined edge to the lip or a return to their less-aged lips.

Q: How is it performed?
A: Several procedures, described below, are available to achieve your goals. Discuss your goals with your plastic surgeon to find the procedure that best suits your needs.

Autologous Fat: In this procedure, fat is harvested through mini-liposuction, then re-injected into the lips on a routine basis. Alternatively, a large quantity of fat can be injected in a single sitting. In addition to the implantation of some fat cells, new collagen and fibroblasts are stimulated. Over the course of a year, approximately 40 percent becomes permanent.

AlloDerm®: AlloDerm is donor tissue with all the viable cells removed. Using local anesthesia, AlloDerm can be placed into both the body of the lip to create more volume and into the vermilion (the edge) to add definition. The implant is very soft and relatively long lasting. Studies show that your own cells will grow into the implant to give it permanence. After several years, however, some of the product may be absorbed.

Restylane®: Restylane is made of hyaluronic acid, a ground substance in the skin. The acid is cross-linked so that when it is placed into the skin, it will have a longer lasting result. Some patients have reported intermittent lip swelling while the Restylane is in place. It is not currently FDA approved.

Q: What type of sedation is used?
A: These procedures can be done with either local anesthesia or local plus intravenous sedation. During your consultation, your doctor will discuss which option is best for you.

Q: What can I expect after the procedure?
A: Post-operative pain is usually minimal. The most common post-operative issue is swelling. This is highly variable and depends on the technique, how much your lip has been enlarged, and individual healing characteristics. Swelling could last as long as two weeks.

If you would like to enhance the appearance of your lips, e-mail or call The Centre, P.C. today. The Centre, P.C. offers the latest cosmetic surgery procedures, including lip enhancement, to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago.

RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514

Chesterton
810 Michael Drive, Suite K
Chesterton, IN 46304
Toll Free: 800.909.2992
Phone: 219.395.9200
Fax: 219.926.3534