Dermal Fillers
What is lip enhancement?
Lip enhancement and augmentation involves the use of dermal fillers to add shape, volume and contour to the lips.
By placing small amounts of dermal filler into sections of the lip and surrounding area it is possible to change the shape of the lip, enhance particular areas and improve symmetry.
As we age the volume of our lips decreases with a loss of subcutaneous tissue and fat. This loss of volume also results in the appearance of the fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth which can make the lips look drawn out and thin. Lip enhancement can help to reverse these tell tale signs of aging as well as augment those without naturally plump lips.
Dermal fillers are naturally occurring gel-like substances containing hyaluronic acid. Dermal fillers are used to soften and fill lines and folds and replace lost volume within the face and lips. As hyaluronic acid attracts and binds with water this gives the appearance even more fullness to the injected area and improves the skin’s hydration.
There are a number of indications for dermal fillers in the lip area. These include:
- Enlarge lips or increase fullness
- Definition of lip borders (the vermillion border)
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Create a cupids bow shape in the upper lip
- Reshape or rebalance proportions or improve lack of symmetry
What does the treatment involve?
Dr Chan will provide full consultation before treatment to address individual concerns and desired outcome.
The lip enhancement procedure involves the injection of a small amount of dermal filler into certain areas of the lip depending on the areas of concern. Treatment can cause some discomfort and will involve multiple small injections with small amounts of filler injected at a time to ensure a uniform distribution of the filler. This will help to avoid the ‘sausage’ look or ‘trout pout’. Treatment can be done under local anaesthesia to eliminate pain.
The entire procedure takes approximately 30-45 minutes. Sometimes combination treatment with dermal fillers and wrinkle relaxers can be performed in other areas which will result in a longer treatment time but without any added discomfort.
There is no associated down time with lip enhancement and clients can return to their normal activities following the treatment. There may be increased swelling to the area for the first 24-48 hours, and mild swelling and bruising can persist for the first week. Once this settles down the final result is evident. Follow-up in 3-4 weeks following initial treatment is recommended so Dr Chan can determine if more filler is required and if the desired outcome has been reached.