Lip enhancement allows you to obtain plumper, fuller lips. This can be acquired through non-invasive and invasive procedures.  Non-invasive procedures are with the use of cosmetic fillers such as Restylane or Hylaform.  Although these treatments are not permanent and usually last up to six to eight months, the results are just as good as good as their counterparts.  If you desire longer-lasting results you should consider a permanent procedure utilizing, fat grafting or implants such as, Alloderm or Softform.  This will avoid the repeated office visits, giving you the same results.

Risks Involved
As with any surgical procedures, there are some risks involved. With any type of enhancement procedures complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, each patient varies greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions, and their healing abilities, and the outcome is never completely predictable. During your personal consultation with Dr. John DiTredici individual risks will be discussed in more detail.
 
Pre-operative Preparation
Specific instruction will be give to you by Dr. DiTredici on how you should prepare for your surgery.  The most important guideline is that you should stop smoking at least a week or two before and after surgery, this restriction is highly recommended because smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin, and can greatly affect the healing of your incision areas.  For your safety on the day of your surgery you should make arrangements for someone to escort you home. 

Surgical Procedure
The procedure utilizing the “fillers” is done in the office exam chair.  After a topical anesthetic or local injection, the filler material is injected into the desired areas to enhance.  This usually takes up to twenty minutes, without any downtime.  You may experience some swelling and bruising, but this usually resolves in twenty-four hours. 

The procedure utilizing an implant is performed in the operating room.  After anesthetizing the lips, small puncture incisions are made at the corners of the mouth. 
A tunnel is formed with a special tunneling instrument from one side to the other.  Next, after modification of the implant, the implant is grasped from one end and pulled through the preformed tunnel.  The ends are cut and buried deep within the tissue.  The incisions are then closed with one or two sutures.  The surgery is complete and the approximate length of time for the procedure is one to two hours.

Post-Operative
After the procedure you may experience some minor discomfort, in which, Dr. DiTredici will prescribe some medication to alleviate the pain. Cold compress is what is applied to the lips.  You should be able to return to work in about two to three days after the surgery.  Further Individual instructions will be given upon discharge.