LIP Augmentation.Augmentation of the lip has been performed for cosmetic reasons for ages. Women of all ethnic and social backgrounds have applied cosmetics to their lips to define or alter their appearance since the Stone Age.

History of the Procedure
Augmentation of the lip has been performed for cosmetic reasons for ages. Women of all ethnic and social backgrounds have applied cosmetics to their lips to define or alter their appearance since the Stone Age. Tribal ceremonies involving the introduction of various materials in the lips to alter their shape, usually with the intent to enlarge them, have been practiced in Africa for centuries.

Enhancing the lips is one of the procedures that can be done, which can have a huge impact on the overall youthful rejuvenation of the entire face. By restoring the volume that has naturally been lost over time, a refreshed and youthful appearance can be achieved.

Treatment
Every patient has a thorough exam of their facial structures and then spends time with Dr Bandukwala discussing the treatment options and desired results. Some patients have had thin lips all their lives and they would like to enhance their lips to bring them to a more “normal” size, in artistic symmetry with the rest of their face. Other patients simply would like to have their lips accentuated for the purpose of making them more full or voluminous. Still other patients would like to have correction of lip lines or “smoker’s lines”, although they may not have necessarily have been caused by smoking.

Products and Procedures
For many who undergo lip augmentation, atrophy or loss of hyaluronic acid in the lip is the primary reason for treatment. Collagen and sometimes even the patient’s own fat will often be used in the restoration of structure and volume to the lower face and lips. Anytime one performs injections there can be a small amount of discomfort. Dr Bandukwala almost always performs regional anesthesia similar to a dentist. This takes only a few seconds and makes the procedure almost entirely painless.

Side Effects
Short-term swelling and redness lasting 24 hours is common, although often there is no down time at all. Sometimes transient bruising lasting a few days occurs. In order to reduce the risk of bruising, we recommend that all blood thinners and vitamins/herbs are stopped if medically cleared by your primary care doctor. Because of the nature of the procedure the injected material can be felt, sometimes as tiny bumps which are naturally smoothed out by the body within a couple of days.