Lip Augmentation in Pasadena and Los Angeles
Lip augmentation creates fuller, plumper lips, and reduces fine wrinkles around the mouth. Lips may be injected with collagen, Restylane, Juvederm, Hylaform or with fat transferred from another site in the patient’s body. Injected fat has a longer-lasting result with some permanent changes. All the other substances produce temporary results that last anywhere from 3 to 8 months depending on the product used. Newer, longer-lasting options include implantable materials like AlloDerm and SoftForm.
Lip Augmentation Technique
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A natural or synthetic biocompatible material, or the patient’s own fat, is injected or implanted in the lips. One injection is usually sufficient to produce the desired result, which may be temporary, depending on the material used. Injections may need to be repeated periodically. Proper placement of the injected material is important. AlloDerm, a natural collagen sheet made from donated skin, is inserted through tiny incisions inside the corners of the mouth. Once the AlloDerm implant is in place, it eventually becomes integrated with the natural tissues. Gore-Tex, SoftForm and soft ePTFE are other synthetic implant options.
Lip Lift
The mouth undergoes many changes as it ages. The upper lip lengthens and sags, the vermilion thins out and takes on a "set" look, the corners droop, and the architecture becomes muted as the "lip roll" and the philtrum flatten and the "cupid's bow" loses its curves. Eventually, the lower teeth, rather than the upper teeth, show when the lips are slightly parted. Vertical wrinkles appear, nasolabial creases become furrows, and deepening "marionette lines" give the person a downturned and unhappy look. The lower lip changes similarly but less dramatically.
The lip lift is performed to shorten the long lip of aging, allowing the upper teeth to show again when the lips are slightly parted. It also everts more of the upper lip vermilion, thus-making the thin upper lip appear more youthful. The scar that lies in the shadow crease between the nostril sill and the lip is virtually invisible.