Whether your desire is to plump up your lips for a sexy fullness or to replace the fullness that has disappeared with age, lip augmentation with dermal fillers is the most commonly used method of treatment. Hyaluronic acid fillers have come to replace collagen, fat injections and implants as they have more predictable results with less risk of side effects. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in your body. Virginia Beach Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kevin Bounds is our Expert Injector and will provide your treatment.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers can improve the appearance of your lips by adding, shape, structure and volume. The effects last between six months and a year or more depending upon the type of filler. There are several filler types among them Restylane and Juvederm products. All of them are injected and most contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic.
The injection of Hyaluronic acid gel supports and shapes the tissues in the lips. The amount of volume is controlled by the injector. The injections can be added at different times to allow the patient to increase volume over time. The results are long lasting but not permanent. Allergic reactions are less likely because hyaluronic acid fillers are made from substances similar to those found in the body. Do let your Plastic Surgeon know if you are allergic to lidocaine.
What should you expect during the treatment? Dr. Bounds will review your goals and develop a plan. He will inject the filler with very tiny needles. The lidocaine in the filler will numb the area and you should feel pressure more than pain. You will notice a difference immediately. Your lips will appear fuller at first and then swelling will decrease for your final results. There may be swelling, bruising and tenderness. Ice may be given to reduce the discomfort and control swelling. Do not apply lipstick or lip products immediately after the treatment.
There are side effects and risks which include bleeding from the sites, swelling, bruising and re-activaton of cold sores or fever blisters. There can be some longer periods of swelling and asymmetry and lumps or irregularities of the lips. Infections and ulceration of the lips can occur in rare cases. Call you doctor if you see extreme swelling or fever.
The cost of lip augmentation varies with the type of filler used and can vary from $575 to $875 per syringe. All treatments at Plastic Surgery of Virginia Beach are performed by our Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kevin Bounds. Pre and Post treatment photos are available to see results from his patients.
Is Lip Augmentation right for You? It is important that you personally want to enhance your lips and that you are making the choice for yourself and not another person. Your expectations should be realistic. Your lips will be plumper and fuller either as an improvement to what you see now or a return to the fullness you had. Either way you will still be yourself when you leave our office.
We would be happy to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bounds at our office off First Colonial Road in the Virginia Beach Hilltop area.
