Why do people have lip augmentation?
Often as a result of age, sun exposure and the loss of the skin’s elasticity, the fullness and shape of the lips can change and wrinkles occur.

Lip augmentation can be used to restore more balance to the face, provide a more attractive lip shape and restore lost volume. Most lip augmentation clients are looking to improve a level of self-confidence that has been undermined by their appearance.

Realistic expectations
You must have realistic expectations about what lip augmentation can achieve for you and understand that the results will not last forever. The procedure will not change your personality or make people treat you differently.

It is critical that you spend time thinking about what you want to achieve from the procedure and talk about your hopes with your surgeon. Everyone’s lips and face are different and the surgeon will discuss what you can realistically achieve.

What happens during consultation?
The surgeon will want to know why you want a specific procedure to gain a complete understanding of what you want to achieve from the surgery. It is important that you are honest and thoroughly talk about any medical problems or medication that you may be taking.

You will also be asked what you want to achieve from lip augmentation. Remember every person is different according to skin colour, ethnic background or age. The surgeon will advise you if your expectations are realistic.

Getting the most out of your consultancy
Often in cases where clients are unhappy with the results of a treatment it is because they did not discuss their expectations thoroughly or were afraid to talk about the outcome or risks.

You have to make an informed decision before signing the consent form so ask plenty of questions. You want to feel relaxed, confident and completely understand what will happen during surgery.

You may want to know:

•		About the surgeon’s qualifications.
•		How many similar procedures are carried out each year by this person.
•		How you prepare for the surgery and how long it will take.
•		What realistic results can be expected and when.
•		Which procedure is the most appropriate for you.
•		How long the results will last.
•		About the side-effects and possible complications.
•		How long it will take to recover.
•		How the lips will change in time.
•		What happens if anything goes wrong.

Types of lip augmentation
Restylane and Perlane
Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar found in the body. Its main function is to make the skin more flexible and give extra volume. The genetically engineered version of this solution is known as Restylane and Perlane which can bind with water up to 1,000 times its volume offering long-lasting volumising lip filler effects.

What happens during lip augmentation?
The injection of filler takes less than 30 minutes and is painless following a local anaesthetic.

As Restylane and Perlane is a biodegradable product no allergy testing is required. The gel is simply injected into the lips in tiny amounts with an extremely fine needle. The volumising effects are considerable and a new lip shape can be quickly established.

How long do the results last?
It is important to remember that in cases of lip augmentation the effects are only temporary as the body ultimately absorbs the filler.

Lifestyle factors, age, skin type, extent of muscle movement and individual physicality can all have an impact on the speed in which the filler subsides.

In most cases it is reasonable to expect the filler to remain for between two and six months. Top up injections can obviously add to the lifespan of the augmentation.

All cosmetic procedures carry an element of risk
Most people believe that the benefits of lip augmentation outweigh the risk. However before you sign the surgery consent form you should be aware of any possible risks and side effects.

It is important that you take your time to make an informed decision. Lip augmentation complications are extremely rare and mainly depend on your reaction to the filler used and individual healing abilities.

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Some patients may experience some bruising or soreness following the injections. This tenderness disappears after a few days.

Complications are rare and depend greatly on individual circumstances such as a person’s health and skin type or the extent of the procedure. Your surgeon will be able to explain how the risks apply in your circumstances.