From thin lips to FULL lips

Posted: May 03, 2009

The lips like our eyes can convey various messages. Just imagine the pouting lips of Hollywood screen goddess Angelina Jolie…What does the shape of her lips convey?

Full lips are said to be sexy, healthy and youthful looking. The size and shape of your lips is dependent on your genes. “It can be inherited. If you have very thin lips and you want to make it look fuller, or if you have thin lips and you only wish to make it look plump, or if your upper lip is thin while your lower lip is fuller or vice versa and you just want both lips to look fuller, or you simply want to have thick fuller lips like your favorite movie star…all these are attainable with Lip Augmentation.” says Dr. Firmalino.

LIP AUGMENTATION is a non-surgical procedure that aims to enhance the appearance of one’s lips with the use of a filler injection to add volume to thin lips to make it look fuller.

Here in YJC, we use Refingel filler (or medical polyacrylamide hydrogel) ---a soft tissue filler made of 5% polacrylamide and 95% water. It is proven to be safe as the cross linked polyacrylamide hydrogel is very similar and highly compatible to the human soft tissue.

Consultation
Dr. Firmalino stressed that even though lip augmentation is not a surgical procedure, it is still a medical procedure that needs thorough assessment on the patient’s suitability for lip augmentation. To do this, he will ask you about health condition if you have allergy, also your use of current medications, herbal and vitamin supplements, alcohol and drugs. Be ready to discuss about your expectations and desires in the procedure. Should you qualify, he will discuss to you in detail the procedure, the type of filler that will be used, as well as its likely outcomes, risks and complications, etc. You will also be advised to quit smoking one month before and then one month after your lip augmentation for better recovery.

Procedure
Prior to lip augmentation, your lips will be cleansed first with an antibacterial agent or a topical numbing agent, or local anaesthetic. Multiple injections are needed to distribute the filler to achieved lip fullness and also to raise or define the lip’s vermillion border or so called ‘cupid bow’.  Procedure is quick as it only takes a few minutes to finish.

After your injections, you will notice that your lips may appear slightly overfilled but don’t be alarmed as this condition will resolve within a few hours. Expect minor discomfort, swelling or bruising at the injected sites, but these are just temporary which can be relieved by medications prescribed to you. Swelling or bruising normally lasts within 3 to 5 days. You can go back to work or do your normal routine right after the procedure. Result is permanent and can be removed at anytime after the injection.

Possible risks and complications
May include hardening, lumps, numbness on the injected sites, swelling, itching.