 For centuries, a woman's lips have been viewed as a sign of her sensuality. More recently, the film Pretty Woman and its lead actress brought the lips back into the forefront of fashion. Look around. It seems that luscious lips are everywhere.
Luscious lips are a key element of almost every photo in every fashion magazine. Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with a pair of naturally beautiful lips. The few who are don't get to keep them without a little help. Over time the sun, the elements, smoking and the aging process take their toll. The corners of the mouth begin to droop. The V-shaped area of the upper lip known as Cupid's Bow begins to flatten out and lose its youthful fullness. Vertical wrinkles or Smoker's Lines begin to appear, causing your lipstick to bleed. That once sensual look is gone or greatly diminished.
Thanks to today's many medical advances there is help. Aging lips can be rejuvenated and less full lips can be enhanced.
What are my treatment options?
Lip enhancement and rejuvenation are two of the most frequently requested cosmetic procedures. Your options range from the latest in laser treatments to natural injectable fillers or synthetic implants. All of these fillers are soft, pliable, and have a natural feel.
Which treatment is best for me?
Your surgeon will select the procedure best for you. Every surgeon will have his or her own procedure preferences for a variety of reasons, including the range in shape of each patient's lips and the results desired.
Injectable lip enhancement
Your injectable options include:
• Radiance
• Captique
• HylaForm
• Restylane
SoftForm(r) and soft "ePTFE"(expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) implants lead the way in synthetic options. SoftForm and soft "ePTFE" implants have proven to provide a safe, predictable, non-allergenic improvement for thin or aging lips.
What is recovery like?
Following lip enhancement with one of the injectable products, your lips remain swollen for a few hours only. You may return to normal activities the same day. Touch-up treatments may be necessary.
When implants are used for lip augmentation, discomfort is minimal. Small stitches may be used to close the implant site. These stitches will be removed in a few days. Some swelling may last up to a week. Elevating your head and applying cold compresses during the first 24 hours will help keep this to a minimum. Postoperative discomfort can be controlled with medication. Chewing food and brushing your teeth may be a little uncomfortable for a few days. There may be some bruising which can be covered with make-up.
Generally, patients experience a slightly longer recovery period after laser lip rejuvenation. Most of the healing occurs during the first one or two weeks. During this time the treated areas must be kept moist. Postoperative discomfort can be controlled with medication. The initial redness fades to a light pink.
If you are wondering if you could benefit from lip enhancement or rejuvenation, call our office to arrange a consultation.
What is Restylane?
Restylane is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.
What is Restylane made of?
Restylane is the first cosmetic dermal filler made of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that already exists in the human body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is a crystal-clear gel called NASHA or Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid. NASHA is biodegradable and fully biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid.
How is Restylane different than other hyaluronic acid-based products?
Unlike rooster-derived hyaluronic acid-based products, Restylane is free from animal proteins. This quality limits any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction. Additionally, Restylane has the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid available in a dermal filler.
Is Restylane safe?
Yes. Restylane has been used by dermatologists and plastic surgeons since 1996 worldwide. There is limited risk of allergic reaction. Restylane is fully biocompatible and allergy testing is not required. After your treatment, you might have some redness or swelling. This will normally last less than seven days. Sunbathing and cold outdoor activities should be avoided until any redness or swelling disappear. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18, you shouldn't use Restylane.
Can Restylane be used anywhere on my face?
Restylane has been used in more than 1.5 million treatments in over 60 countries to correct a variety of wrinkles. In the U.S. the FDA has approved Restylane for wrinkles and folds like the ones from the nose to the corners of the mouth. Your doctor will consult with you prior to your injection regarding common treatment areas.
How long does Restylane last?
Restylane is proven to deliver long-lasting results. Studies have shown that Restylane effects generally last for about six months! Restylane stabilization technology helps maintain the cosmetic effect until the injected material is nearly gone.
How often should I have Restylane treatments done?
Treatments are typically scheduled two to three times a year. Having a touch-up treatment before the product has fully dissipated may enhance the lasting effect.
What should patients do prior to treatment?
Restylane requires no pretesting, but you should take a few precautions before being treated. Avoid using aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John's Wort, or high doses of Vitamin E supplements prior to treatment, because these may increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Also, if you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, discuss this with your physician. He/She may consider prescribing a medication to minimize recurrence.
How is Restylane different from BOTOX Cosmetic?
Restylane is a natural, cosmetic filler. In contrast, Botox Cosmetic is a drug that blocks nerve transmission and relaxes the underlying muscles. Many patients have been very pleased after receiving treatment with both products.
How is Restylane different from bovine collagen?
Bovine collagen is derived from animals (cows) and requires an allergy test. Restylane can he administered immediately-no waiting is required.
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