By Dr. Mark Kohout, Cosmetic Surgery Specialist
www.drmarkkohout.com.au
What woman doesn’t want full, sexy lips? Celebrities like Angelina Jolie have led the trend for a plumper pout and now everyone wants this alluring smile. Sydney-based Plastic Surgeon Dr Mark Kohout reveals the latest treatments that can give you luscious lips.
While naturally full lips are a blessing for those who are simply born that way, there are a variety of procedures, both temporary and permanent, that can deliver bestow almost any woman with more pillowy, sensuous lips.
Semi-permanent dermal filler
The most popular method of lip enhancement is a non-surgical procedure involving injection with a semi-permanent dermal filler. This kind of injectable product delivers greater lip volume for long-lasting augmentation without surgery.
Dermal fillers can also be used to define the lip line, which is great if you’re experiencing thinning of the upper lip with age. Likewise, vertical lines associated with smoking can be reduced.
There are various semi-permanent injectables and the exact type of dermal filler is selected on a case-by-case basis. Generally the results last for three to six months, which is not bad considering the treatment can be done in about 30 minutes so you can be in and out within a lunch break.
No downtime is required, however skin may be a little reddened immediately following treatment. Oil-free make-up can help disguise any redness until the colour and texture settles, generally within 24 hours.
Semi-permanent dermal fillers produce excellent results, but it’s important to remember they offer only temporary solutions. Lip fullness will slowly decline as the injectable product is absorbed by the body. That’s why most women opt for regular top-ups two or three times a year.
Permanent lip augmentation
For women who have tried injections and enjoyed the lip fullness this achieves, there is always the option of a permanent lip augmentation. We prefer dermis or fat grafts for this procedure and find it very safe.
The results are also highly predictable so you know exactly what to expect. Fat injections use fat tissues taken from a donor site in your body (usually the thighs or buttocks). And because it comes from part of your own body, there is no risk of allergic reaction.
Permanent lip augmentation requires a minor day-surgery procedure and delivers long-lasting results. The injected fat plumps and tightens the skin, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It can also be topped up if fat is absorbed by the skin as sometimes happens within the first few weeks.
Longer-lasting dermal filler
For those wanting fuller lips for longer but don’t want to commit to a permanent option, Aquamid is a soft-volume filler with immediate results that last. Injected in the same way as temporary fillers, the results last more than 10 years.
And happily the results do not fade over time. Consisting of 97.5 per cent water, Aquamid is biocompatible, non-allergenic and makes the treated area look and feel incredibly soft and natural. We’re seeing excellent results as more women experience this longer-lasting dermal filler.
Of course there are plenty of other options when it comes to plumping up your pout, so please contact Dr Kohout’s clinic for more details.
More information on Dr. Kohout and his work can be found at www.drmarkkohout.com.au
*Image Angelina Jolie at the Alexander Movie Premiere courtesy of PR photos