Lip Enhancements

Full, voluptuous and well-proportioned lips have always been recognized as aesthetically desirable features. Thin lips can be a result of the natural aging processes (stress, exposure to sunlight, smoking etc.), trauma or congenital abnormality. A number of procedures and injectable products can be used to enhance the lips to create a more youthful look while maintaining natural facial animation. Lip enhancement can be used to:

• Increase the volume of the lips
• Eliminate wrinkles around the mouth so that lipstick does not "bleed" or "run".
• Eliminate a sad look when the mouth is down turned
• Balance the thickness of the upper and lower lips
• Recontour the Cupid's Bow
• Lift saggy corners of the mouth and lips

Understanding the Procedure

Upper and lower lips can be enhanced (augmented) or reduced in size. Surgery can be performed to achieve the desired effect under local anaesthesia, or alternatively, a dental block is used and then a number of different types of fillers can be injected into the lips beneath the skin's surface. There are a range of fillers available and Dr Pham can discuss the different products and recommend the best option for you. Fillers are injected into the upper and lower lip borders to enhance definition and contour, or into the upper and lower lips to create volume. Costs vary greatly and you need to take the time to consider the various options available. Results vary depending on the substance used.
After the procedure your lips will be swollen and numb, and this will gradually subside over the next 1 to 2 weeks. You will need to keep your lips moist and will have to be careful with hot foods and drinks until a few hours after your procedure. Please remember to always protect your face from the sun by wearing a hat and sunglasses.

Injectable Fillers

1.Natural

Autologous fat, dermis and fascia (from your own body). This has a high absorption rate and may leave unevenness. Only 30-50 is retained long term. Newer techniques of micro fat injections allow for higher retaining rates.

2.Synthetic

There are a number of different synthetic fillers available with different features:

a. Lasting for 3-4 months.
b. Lasting for 6 months
c. Lasting for 6-9 months.
d. Lasting up to 3 years or more.


Before the Procedure

At Consultation - please inform Dr Pham of

• Any previous use of fillers
• Any previous lip or mouth surgery
• Any bleeding disorders
• Current medications especially Aspirin, Anti-inflammatories, Warfarin, blood thinners, Insulin, and oral contraceptive pills. Over the counter products such as vitamins and herbal medications may also be important.
• Allergies or adverse reactions to antibiotics, anaesthetic drugs or other medications.
• Past keloid scarring or poor healing