The natural process of aging involves more accelerated aging around the mouth compared to the rest of the face, a gradual reduction in lip volume and the loss of normal upper lip eversion. Lip enhancement procedures in our office are utilized to restore or enhance lip volume. At the time of consultation, a careful evaluation of ones lip features is critical to achieving a gratifying outcome. These features include the Cupid’s bow or double peak in the central third of the upper lip, with a natural depression between. The absence of these features can give the enhanced lip a sausage-shaped appearance without restoring any youthful features. Our lip enhancement consultation is designed to evaluate the lip contour and assess the possible need to correct beyond just lip volume alone. Lip enhancement can also be provided during other facial procedures, either with off-the-shelf synthetic products or the ability to use natural tissues, such as fat and facial enhancement, either injected or pulled through the lip for natural enhancement. Utilizing ones own tissue involves the use of small incisions made in the inside corners of the upper and lower lip, to provide access for tissue placement. No suture removal is necessary, and a natural contour is achieved in approximately 10 to 14 days. Office procedures for enhancement involve the use of synthetic fillers, from which we have a variety to choose from, depending upon the product longevity requested. At this time, placement of small quantities of Botox in the upper lip is a commonly done to provide youthful upper lip eversion in conjunction with the enhancement.



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The patients own fat and facial strips require the longest recuperation on the order of 2 to 3 weeks. Synthetic fillers done in the office setting may take up to 2 weeks to achieve a natural contour with no identifiable bruising. A 2 to 3 week follow up is made from the day of the procedure to assess the results and determine the need for touchup or more product placement. Pre-procedure use of Arnica and Bromelain are helpful and encouraged to minimize bruising and swelling, and the strict avoidance of aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a 10-day period prior to the procedure is essential. The post procedure use of ice packs and cool compresses are encouraged for patient comfort and to post procedure swelling.