Lip Augmentation (Lip Implants) in New Orleans, LA

Full and plump lips can be the cornerstone of a woman's face. As women age, their lips naturally loose shape and volume. For New Orleans women who desire a more prominent lip appearance, lip augmentation may be the right solution. Our Metairie plastic surgeons offer lip implant surgery for a dramatic, permanent result. This is a procedure that places a synthetic, flexible implant within the lip to increase the size and improve the shape. For women who do not want a permanent implant placed within the lip, there are several injectable fillers that work great to enhance the size and look of the lips. These methods can be performed to enlarge the upper or lower lip, or both. During the consultation, lip implants and injectable lip fillers will be discussed in detail. In addition, our Metairie plastic surgeons will also determine which filler may be the best option based on the patient's lip structure and overall aesthetic goals.

• Lip Implants: This is a surgical procedure that provides a permanent increase in lip size. There are two alternatives available that most surgeons use, including PermaLip, which is a solid silicone material that offers a natural, soft result; and Advanta Lip, which uses a synthetic Gore-Tex material that offers a fuller result with a firmer feel.
• AlloDerm: This is a popular surgical method to enhance the lips. It consists of components from the most durable part of the skin, known as the dermis. It is harvested from cadavers and placed within the lips through tiny incisions. It integrates with the natural tissues and fibers within the lips to create a smooth, natural appearance.                                                                                                
• Fat Filler: This is a nonsurgical injection, also referred to as a fat transfer. The process involves removing fat through liposuction from the patient’s body, filtering this fat and then transferring it to the lips.
• Injectable Filler: This is a nonsurgical injection that is made to the lips to create a fuller look. There are a variety of filler products available including those made of collagen, hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, etc. These are marketed under various brand names and offer varying results

The technique used to perform lip augmentation will vary depending if the patient is having a surgical or non-surgical procedure. Patients who are having a surgical procedure with an implant or with AlloDerm will have incisions that will start on the outer corner of the mouth. These incisions allow the surgeon to create a tunnel within the lip where the implant can then be placed. The same approach is used for AlloDerm. Once the implants and/or tissue are in correct placement, the lips are then sutured and the incisions closed. These sutures are dissolvable.

Lip enhancement procedures that use an injection will take place with a local numbing anesthetic. These injections are made through a syringe that is placed inside the lip. The substance that is used is injected in layers until the desired fullness has been achieved. Some patients will need to have this process repeated several times depending on how quickly the body absorbs the injected material.

Lip augmentation (surgical and nonsurgical) is performed as an outpatient procedure in an accredited surgical facility. The surgical process to place an implant typically takes about an hour and is performed under general anesthesia, in most cases. Lip augmentation using an injectable filler is performed in-office and usually takes about 30 minutes. A numbing cream is generally used for injections. The lips will be sore and swollen for a few days. This subsides and the results are fuller, soft lips.

The good news to this question is that there are many choices and alternatives, each one offering specific benefits to meet each patient’s goals and desires. Women who wish to have permanent results will probably be better suited to have implants or some sort of filler treatment that produces longer lasting results. Some patients may not be sure how they will feel following lip augmentation, and may want to take baby steps with their lip enhancement. Luckily, there are many procedures they will offer a fuller lip, but that won’t last forever.  During your consultation, all of these techniques will be discussed so that the right decision can be made.

Lip implants are made with flexible, synthetic materials that are produced to result in a natural look and feel.  After a few months, the lips will take on a normal appearance and the implant will integrate with the natural tissues and fibers of the lip. Most patients remark that their new lips look and feel both natural and soft.

Patients who do not like their lip implants can have them removed. It’s important to make sure all swelling has subsided before making the decision to have them taken out.  Injections will slowly absorb into the body and thus the lips will naturally become smaller when an injection is involved.  

Scarring is very minimal with a lip augmentation surgery because the incision is placed on the outside of the mouth in the natural crease of the lips. Once healed, the incision is barely noticeable at all.