Non Surgical Cosmetic

Lip Augmentation

Lip augmentation procedures increase the size of the lips to make them fuller and more attractive. Lip augmentation can also be used to treat 'smokers' lines'; fine vertical lines that can appear around the mouth. The procedure is used to help women and men of all ages. The upper or lower lip may be treated singly, or both upper and lower lips may augmented at the same time.

Augmentation of the lip is achieved by injectible "fillers" into the lip area. There are several products that Dr Mooney uses to achieve a fuller lip that are either temporary (3-6 months) or permanent. Temporary fillers are made mostly made of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that already exists in the human body. Permanent fillers are made from substances such as polyacrylamide hydrogel. These fillers are biologically inactive, stable and non-toxic.

What is the treatment like?

Lip augmentation is given by a series of injections into or around the lip area. The needle used to deliver the treatment gel is very fine and many patients are pleased by the minimal discomfort of the treatment. Areas that are more sensitive (i.e. the lips) may require additional anesthesia prior to the injection. The result directly after the treatment may not be the final result as there may temporary swelling in the treated area. Normal activities can be resumed immediately following the injection.

Is this treatment for everyone?

There are few limitations with the use of injectible fillers. It is not recommended in people who have thin, loose skin in the area to be treated or who have unrealistic expectations, and it should be used with caution in patients with immune disorders or keloid formers (thickened scars). Whether or not fillers can be safely injected during pregnancy or breast-feeding has not been established, so it is best to wait until after the postnatal period.

How long do the effects of Fillers last?

The desired effects should be visible for 6-12 months depending on the location of the treatment and the nature of your skin. As an example, the lip area is highly mobile and may require a touch-up in 6 months whereas an area with less movement may only require an additional treatment in 12 months. In some cases the duration of the effect can be shorter or even longer. The hyaluronic acid in temporary fillers, which is composed of a natural substance, is absorbed by the body and disappears without a trace over time.
To maintain the results of temporary fillers, we recommend that patients liaise closely with Dr Mooney to assess the need for follow-up treatments.

What is expected after the treatment?

Some common injection-related reactions might occur, such as redness, swelling, discomfort, itching, discoloration or tenderness at the implant site. Typically these side effects are short lived i.e. one to three days after injection into the skin and within a week after injection into the lips. Localized reactions thought to be of a hypersensitivity nature have been reported in approximately one in every 3,000 patients treated. Tissue disturbance and/or uneven results are uncommon. Pain relief such as paracetemol may be used to reduce swelling and relieve discomfort. ASA (Aspirin) should be avoided as it may increase the chance of bruising in the treated area. To allow theL gel to stabilize it is recommended to avoid excessive movement of the injection site. The patient should not expose the treated area to intense heat (e.g. solarium and sunbathing) or extreme cold for the first few days after the treatment. This is to avoid the risk of inflammation since the area has been disturbed by the injection procedure. However, once the products are integrated in the body they will adjust to a normal body temperature. Occasionally patients with almost no lip tissue at all need more extensive filling, and may be disappointed if relying on the usual amount of filler for correction. However, results are generally excellent and most patients are delighted with the outcome.

Click here for the post operative care sheet for Lip augmentation.

The information available about this procedure is extensive. The best method of determining your personal options is to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Mooney. He will be able to answer specific questions related to your situation. Click here to make an appointment.

The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to this procedure and should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result.