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Pucker-Up for Valentine’s: What to Know About Lip Augmentation
Thin or small lips can be discouraging when you want to enhance your appearance. Lip augmentation offers a way to improve your look—but what does it involve?
At Meridian Plastic Surgery, Dr. Lee K. Thornton provides various cosmetic procedures to help you feel your best. He’s an experienced, knowledgeable plastic surgeon offering injectables, cosmetic surgery, and skincare products to get your lips kiss-ready in time for Valentine’s Day.
Understanding lip augmentation
Lip augmentation is a procedure we offer to correct lip issues. It can be temporary or long-lasting, depending on the option we use.
People may seek lip augmentation if they have issues with fullness, symmetry, or shape. It’s an option when you’re unhappy with the appearance of your lips but don’t want to undergo significant surgery.
You may want lip augmentation for several reasons, including simply having a puckerable smile in time for Valentine’s Day. Other reasons to consider lip augmentation include:
- Achieving plumper or fuller lips
- Improve definition
- Balancing other facial features
- Correct symmetry issues between the upper and lower lips
- Fine line and wrinkle reduction around the lips
- Make lips fuller so they don’t disappear when smiling
There are nonsurgical and surgical options for lip augmentation, both of which provide natural-looking results you can’t wait to show off.
What are my options?
We offer multiple options for lip augmentation depending on what you’re looking to correct and how permanent you want it to be. The common options for this procedure include:
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers offer a temporary way to create fuller, plumper lips. They are ideal if you want to test out a new look.
Fillers are often made of medical gel or hyaluronic acid and offer a plumper appearance for several months to a year.
Fat grafting
If you want a semi-permanent option, fat grafting could be a good choice. We take fat from another area of your body, prepare it, and then inject it into your lips. After settling, the results are nearly permanent, but you may lose some of the fat over time.
Lip implants
Lip implants are permanent and involve placing solid implants in the lips to achieve a firm, plump appearance. These aren’t as popular because they can have various complications, and the results are permanent.
Tissue grafts
We use tissue grafts from the body's fascia or fat to improve the lips’ appearance and offer a permanent option for change.
Lip lift
A lip lift is a surgical procedure in which we make a tiny incision to raise the upper lip, providing a fuller, lifted appearance.
The option you choose is up to you, but we base it on your goals and what you’d like to see in the mirror. It’s important to consider the permanence of the option and what you’re trying to improve about your lips before making a decision.
How long is the downtime after lip augmentation?
Recovery after lip augmentation varies from person to person. It depends on what method we use and how your body responds to the treatment.
Most people have the worst swelling within the first 48 hours and notice a marked improvement within the first week. However, it can take up to a month for swelling and bruising to subside and for the final results to appear.
For optimal recovery, follow the aftercare instructions we give you. During the first few days after your procedure, avoid smoking, kissing, and strenuous exercise. Excessive lip movement, such as talking, laughing, or puckering, should also be minimized to reduce the risk of complications.
Apply ice packs gently to reduce swelling during the first week. Elevating your head while sleeping and staying hydrated support healing for all procedures. For surgical procedures, we may provide additional recovery steps based on your treatment plan.
Within a few weeks, your lips will be ready for a kiss, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Discover how lip augmentation can transform your smile. Call our Meridian, Mississippi, office today to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward lips you'll love this Valentine’s Day!
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