Related Links
- Face Lift
- Brow Lift
- Eyelid Surgery
- Nose Surgery
- Ear Surgery
- Chin Surgery
- Cleft Lip & Palate Surgery
- Lip Augmentation
- Fat Injections
- Chemical Face Peels
Contact Our Office
Lip Augmentation
Upper Lip Lift
As the face ages, the upper lip lengthens from the nose to the lip border, the lips thin, and the lip roll or vermillion border (the juncture of the pink portion of the lip to the rest of the lip) flattens. Another technique to deal with these issues is an upper lip shortening procedure whereby skin is excised in a seagull pattern immediately beneath the nose. This shortens the upper lip and will sometimes draw up the upper lip pout a bit. This procedure is best suited for an older person with a light complexion because of the potential visibility of the scar under the nose.
Surgical Lip Augmentation
For younger patients with thinner lips or older individuals who have lost the fullness of their lips over time, surgical lip augmentation may be sound appealing to you. Under intravenous sedation and local anesthetics, incisions are made at the corners of the mouth. After dissecting the tissue under the skin of the lips, a synthetic material is then inserted. Predictable and long lasting results can be readily achieved.
Post Operative Instructions
A small amount of bruising and swelling may occur and is normal. An ice pack placed on the lips will reduce swelling and help with recovery. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or pain medication after surgery. Over the next few days the swelling and pain should resolve. Taking a few days off of work after surgery is recommended.
- The lips should be treated with antibiotic ointment 3-4 times per day for about a week.
- Ice packs are used extensively in the first 24 hours.
- Encourage patients to limit talking, smiling, and laughing for 5-7 days postoperatively.
- Your sutures will resorb in about a week.
Minimally Invasive Lip Fillers
For those who do not want the down time and expense of surgical lip augmentation there is a minimally invasive alternative. Our office offers several choices of non-permanent and permanent fillers to meet your needs. Dermal fillers have been around for many years, but in recent years there has been a skyrocketing gain in their popularity.
Many patients have enjoyed enhancing their lips without having to undergo surgery and with little or no down time. For a private consultation to discuss the options that may be right for you call Dr. Ozaki.
Post Operative Instructions
As with any injection site, swelling may occur and is normal. An ice pack placed on the site of injection will reduce swelling and speed your recovery. Dr. Ozaki may prescribe pain medication after surgery. Within a few days, the swelling and pain should have completely subsided. Minimal bruising may occur. You may return to work immediately, or wait a couple days, for swelling to go down.
- Apply a moisturizing lip balm 3-4 times per day for about a week.
- Ice packs are used extensively in the first 24 hours.
- Encourage patients to limit talking, smiling, and laughing for several days.