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.

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Juvederm® Voluma® XC, one of the VyCross Fillers, is designed to correct age related volume loss in the cheeks to create a more youthful appearance. The aging process produces not only lines and wrinkles but a natural loss of volume in the mid-face area which can be addressed with Voluma®.

Voluma® has been developed by Allergan®, the makers of Botox and Juvederm, and is placed deep under the skin to add volume and lift to help contour cheeks and cheekbones. It is made of a thick hyaluronic based gel that can be used to increase fullness in areas of the face that have lost volume. Voluma® is one of the longest lasting of the FDA approved facial filler lasting up to two years if not more.

Does a Voluma® injection hurt? 

My patients ask many good questions about Voluma®, among them, Does a Voluma® injection hurt? How soon will I see results? And What are the side effects.

To answer the first question, I respond Voluma® is premixed with Lidocaine so most patients experience minimal discomfort. There may be a slight “ouch” as the very fine gauge needle goes into the skin similar to a pinch. As the Voluma® is injected there is a feeling of mild pressure but beyond that patients seem very comfortable receiving Voluma® treatments.  

How soon will I see results?

Voluma® results are seen immediately after your treatment which can take half an hour to an hour depending upon the number of syringes needed to achieve your refreshed look.  Side effects can include swelling, bruising and redness which can happen after other facial fillers. Because Voluma® is injected deeper into the tissues you may feel some tenderness or soreness for a few days after treatment. The discomfort can be easily managed with over the counter pain medication like Tylenol.

And What are the side effects?

As with all non-surgical treatments, the goal is to enhance a person’s beauty, minimize the effects of aging and look natural.  My experience has taught me that less in more and that an overdone face detracts from a patient’s natural beauty. After considerable study and treatment of patients, I know Voluma® in my hands can produce great improvements in patients looking to decrease the effects of aging.  I would look forward to meeting you for a consultation and helping you decide if dermal fillers can help you achieve your goals, and which fillers would be appropriate for your needs.

Contact us to schedule your consultation for Voluma® today!

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