Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery • Dr. Raymond J. Haigney II • 9727 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 • (704) 987-3132
9727 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 • (704) 987-3132
Lip Augmentation for Aesthetic Enhancement
Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that is performed to enhances lips by making them fuller and improving their overall aesthetic appearance. Lip augmentation is generally recommended for patients who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their lips, such as issues with the lips being out of balance with other facial features, lips that are thin or sag, or lips that disappear when smiling.
If you have been experiencing dissatisfaction with any of the aforementioned issues, lip augmentation may be right for you. There are a range of nonsurgical and surgical approaches to lip augmentation. Which approach is right for you will be determined by your specific needs and desired results. For example, for patients who are looking for a permanent or longer lasting solution, a lip augmentation surgical procedure may be the right fit for you. Patients who would prefer to avoid surgery may be good candidates for Restylane, an injectable filler that can improve the appearance of lips for up to nine months.
At Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery, we offer a full range of oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, specializing in facial reconstruction, facial surgery, corrective jaw surgery, obstructive sleep apnea, and wisdom tooth removal. If you would like to learn more about our services, or schedule an appointment for lip augmentation, contact us today. New patients are welcome and a referral from another doctor is not required.
Minimally Invasive Options
The following are minimally invasive options for lip augmentation:
- Belotero®: An injectable option that is typically used for volume enhancement that ranges from mild-to-severe
- Fat transfer: Fat tissue from areas like the buttocks, thigh, or stomach can be grafted for lip enhancement
- Restylane® Silk: A gel product that uses hyaluronic acid to promote the production of collagen and volume after it is injected in selected regions of the lip.
- Juvederm® XC: Similar to Restylane® Silk, Juvederm® XC uses hyaluronic acid to promote the production of collagen and volume after it is injected, which results in a fuller lip line.
The Lip Augmentation Process
Prior to beginning your procedure, you will need to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled professionals, during which we will discuss what issues you would like to address. Following this conversation, an evaluation will be performed to determine what options are available to you and which approach best aligns with your specific goals. During this consultation, it will also be important to determine that you are in good health and that you have clear expectations for what type of results are possible with the lip augmentation process.
If it is determined that you are a good candidate for lip augmentation, the procedure can typically be performed in the office and requires very little or no recovery time. The exception to this is patients who have fat injection lip augmentation, which will require using liposuction to remove fat from area of your body before injecting it into your lips.
Prior to administration of the injection, we will use a numbing agent to lessen any discomfort you might feel. Occasionally patients will be given nerve block injections, which will numb the lips completely. While the lips are being numbed, we will mark the areas where the injections are to be made. Next, we will inject the preselected substance using fine needles.
After the injection is complete, it is common for patients to feel some swelling or discomfort, which can typically be improved with ice packs, though it is important to avoid putting too much pressure on the area that has been treated. In addition to avoiding placing excessive pressure, it will also be necessary to avoid using lip products or lipstick until the healing is complete.
Once your lips have fully healed, you can immediately begin to enjoy the noticeable difference of your fuller, natural feeling lips.
Side Effects or Risks Involved
Potential side effects of using hyaluronic acid fillers include:
- Bleeding
- Bruising and swelling
- Reactivation of fever blisters or cold sores
- Tenderness and redness in the injection site
If any of these side effects do occur, they will typically improve after a few days.
Benefits of Lip Augmentation
There are a range of immediate and long-term benefits that you will enjoy following your lip augmentation, including the following:
- Corrected thin lips
- Increased self-confidence
- Looks natural
- Improves harmony of the face
- Can be administered gradually
- Little to no recovery time
- Improves the overall shape, structure, and volume of your lips
Lip Augmentation Recovery
There is very little recovery time required following the lip augmentation procedure. Patients typically experience a sensation of the lips feeling fuller as a result of the swelling, but this swelling will typically subside within two to five days.
Cost of Lip Augmentation
Because lip augmentation is typically an elective procedure, it is not generally covered by insurance providers. The cost of lip augmentation will be determined by a variety of factors, such as the severity of your condition, any unique oral or health issues you have that may complicate the procedure. Our office will file your claim, handle the paperwork, and ensure you maximize your insurance reimbursement if applicable. The remaining balance following your insurance coverage will be your responsibility.
Prior to performing the procedure, we will discuss the expected cost, as well as payment plan options that are available to you, such as Lending Club and Care Credit, which offer 6 and 12 month interest-free payment plans.
For your convenience, we accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.
Schedule Your Appointment
At Lake Norman Oral and Facial Surgery, we are committed to treating our patients the way we would expect to be treated. Because Dr. Haigney is a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, you can be confident you will receive care that implements the latest dental advancements and is informed by current research and best practices, resulting in you achieving the results you deserve.
To schedule an appointment or consultation, contact our staff at (704) 255-5888 or request an appointment online.