Lip Augmentation
The aim of lip augmentation is the make the lips fuller, plumper and more supple. Lip augmentation can also be performed to create certain desired shapes such as a well-defined Cupid’s bow and a prominent central tubercle.
Lip augmentation is achieved by increasing the volume of the lips with injection. Currently, the most accepted and commonly used materials are filler (hyaluronic acid) and fat graft.
Preparation
1. Inform the doctor of any pre-existing medical conditions and drug allergy. All medical conditions must be treated and stabilized before surgery.
2. Stop smoking at least one week before surgery. Smoking is harmful to wound healing and increases the risks of other post-operation complications.
3. Stop taking the following medications and supplements one week before surgery:
a. Medicine that increases bleeding during surgery such as aspirin, NSAIDs and warfarin. However, you may need to consult your physician who prescribed the medicine before you stop them.
b. All supplements that contain vitamin E, ginseng, ginkgo, garlic, fish oil and other ingredients that increase bleeding during surgery. Other supplements, traditional medicine and herbs in which ingredients are unknown have to be stopped as well.
4. On the day of the procedure, wear simple and comfortable clothing and do not wear any makeup. Do not wear any jewelry and metal objects on the face and body.
Techniques
1. Filler Injection (non-surgical)
Duration of Procedure: 0.5 hour
Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia
Hospitalization: Not required.
Recovery: Back to work and exercise on the same day
Procedure: Filler (hyaluronic acid) is injected into the lips to increase fullness and create the desired shape of the lips.
2. Fat Graft
Duration of procedure: One hour
Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia
Hospitalization: Not required
Recovery*: Back to work: the next day
* The actual speed of recovery may vary from person to person.
Procedure: A small amount of fat graft is harvest from the tummy or thigh. The fat is then purified and injected into the lips to create the desired size and shape.
Post-operative Care (Fat Graft)**
1. What to expect: Swelling is usually minimal and lasts for a few days. Post-operative pain usually is very minimal.
2. Avoid hot foods and drinks which may affect the survival of the fat graft.
3. General care
a. Avoid smoking, as smoking will affect the survival of the fat graft and diminish the results.
b. Avoid pressure on the lips for at least one week.
c. Good rest and adequate sleep are helpful for a speedy recovery.
d. Be relaxed and calm. Contact the clinic if there are any queries.
4. Medicine: Finish the oral antibiotics as prescribed.
5. Wound care: Avoid hot foods and hot drinks for at least 3 days.
6. Follow-up: Come back one week after surgery for review.
7. Emergency: If there is heavy bleeding, rapid increase in swelling or severe pain, immediately contact the clinic/doctor for advice.
** The instructions in this list are only for general guidance and the list is not meant to be exhaustive. If you have any specific queries or concerns during the post-operative recovery, please contact the clinic for further advice.