Lip Augmentation

Lip Contouring/Augmentation – Fuller, plumper lips can be achieved by a variety of lip augmentation techniques several of which Dr. Terino has pioneered. Dr. Terino will help you to select the lip augmentation method that is best for you. The technique chosen will depend on individual patient factors and your goals for the procedure as well as Dr. Terino’s recommendation.

Lip Augmentation is in an evolutionary phase. There are many, many injectible and either permanent or semi-permanent substances which are used in other countries but which need approval for their safety and efficacy in the United States. These substances are under investigation by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) and otherwise are illegal to perform until they are approved.

Surgical methods of lip augmentation offer another alternative. There are a variety of materials derived from other sources that can be implanted requiring only tiny incisions for placement. Some of these materials eventually become integrated with your natural tissues. Stitches are removed after a few days. Swelling may last longer, and there may be some initial discomfort when eating or drinking. You are able to return to work within a week or less.

Dr. Terino’s presently preferred method for over five years is the placement of large pieces of Alloderm into the upper and lower lips through small invisible incisions inside the corners of the mouth.

This purified collagen, a derivative of human skin, has a lasting quality and natural appearance even though it significantly shrinks over the first year. It has a perfectly natural consistency and is not palpable.

This procedure requires 30 minutes of operating time under only local anesthesia. A socially acceptable appearance is achieved within 2 to 4 days.

The simplest technique for lip augmentation is injection with fat or collagen. For fat injection, a tiny amount of fat is taken from another area of your body, using a small needle attached to a syringe. Sometimes patients who are undergoing liposuction will ask their surgeon to use some of the suction fat to augment their lips. After processing to remove excess fluids, the fat is injected to create a fuller, rejuvenated lip. Following lip augmentations with fat or collagen, your lips may be swollen for a few hours, but you should be able to return to work or social activities quickly. Results are temporary and repeat treatments are necessary to maintain the desired effect. There are other natural and synthetic materials that can be injected into the lips to create volume. These substances come from a variety of sources. Each has its own particular benefits and disadvantages. Dr. Terino can review the current options with you.

Thin, poorly defined lips may be hereditary and often are the result of aging.

After lip augmentation your lips will be fuller, better contoured and more youthfully attractive.

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