Clinic 360
Lip Augmentation
Lip augmentation is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure at Clinic 360 in Toronto that offers patients plumper, fuller, poutier lips.
This is most often achieved through the injection of a dermal filler (such as hyaluronic acid) that increases your lips’ volume. Not only can this provide more voluptuous lips but it also has the added benefit of smoothing out any lines, wrinkles, or scars surrounding them as well.
Hyaluronic Acid (H.A.) Benefits
Hyaluronic acid (H.A.) is a naturally occurring substance found in the body’s soft connective tissues, in the fluid surrounding the eyes, and in skin tissue. In skin tissue, H.A. is a soft, jelly-like substance that hydrates the skin, transports nutrients from the bloodstream to living cells, and act as a cushioning and lubricating agent. Unfortunately, it diminishes with age, as well as due to certain environmental factors like sunlight and pollutants. Unlike other injectable fillers such as bovine collagen, hyaluronic acid does not carry the risk of allergic reaction, as it is a naturally occurring substance in the human body. Other benefits include the fact that your physician can easily control the volume injected; you can revisit the area over the course of multiple treatments until desired results are achieved (or to maintain them); there is not as much bruising as other treatments; and it lasts for a relatively long period of time but is not permanent. Commonly used H.A. brands for cosmetic procedures include Juvederm and Restylane.
Best Candidates for Lip Augmentation
Ideal candidates for lip augmentation should have realistic expectations, be in overall good health, and have had minimal to no previous cosmetic procedures performed on their lips. Conditions that make lip augmentation candidacy less viable include heavy scarring, oral herpes, diabetes, lupus, connective tissue disorders, and blood clotting issues. These can and should be reviewed during your complimentary consultation at Clinic 360. This session is conducted well in advance of your lip augmentation procedure and your physician will examine you and go over your medical history in order to assess whether this is the right choice for you and your expectations. It is also at this time that you can inform the physician of any allergies you may have and any previous cosmetic procedures you have received. It is important to be thorough and honest in your disclosures as this can help prevent further risks of complications following treatment.
How is a Lip Augmentation Performed at Clinic 360?
Lip augmentation is generally performed at a doctor’s office such as Clinic 360 in Toronto. When using hyaluronic acid, the procedure takes less than an hour and you can generally return home the same day. A topical numbing agent may be placed on the lips or a small dose of local anaesthetic can also be used to help ease any unpleasant sensations or discomfort.
The area to be treated with lip augmentation is then marked and a fine-point needle is gently inserted. Through this, the injectable filler is placed in the lips. Depending on the size of the area treated, along with the amount of hyaluronic acid injected, results may last between 6 months to a year before needing a touch-up procedure.
Lip Augmentation Potential Risks
As with any cosmetic procedure, there are certain risks inherent to lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid. Many complications can be avoided if you are completely honest and thorough in your disclosures to your doctor during you complimentary consultation at Clinic 360. Stopping smoking and taking Aspirin-based painkillers 2 week prior to and after your lip augmentation can also minimize risks as these both hinder healing, and disrupt blood flow and clotting.
More general risks of complications associated with lip augmentation include:
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to anaesthetic (lidocaine)
- Asymmetrical results
- Lumps of filler
- Ulceration of lips
- Hardening of the lips
- Scarring
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Redness
- Allergic reaction to filler (redness, itchiness, swelling)
Lip Augmentation Recovery
While you can go home the same day as your lip augmentation procedure, it is advisable that you have somebody drive you (particularly if local anaesthetic is used). You should be fine after a couple of days though it may take up to 2 weeks for bruising and swelling to disappear. While differences will be immediately noticeable, natural looking results will not be set until healing is complete. Certain behaviours that should be avoided include the use of lipstick/gloss, smoking, and Aspirin-based painkillers.
Prior to your procedure, you should prepare a recovery area in your home including ice packs to reduce swelling, pillows to prop up your head when lying down, any healing salves or ointments prescribed by your doctor, and a selection of soft foods.
Cost & Financing
On average, a lip augmentation at Clinic 360 in Toronto will cost upwards of $550. Unless it is part of a reconstructive process, chances are your procedure will not be covered by health insurance. Costs are determined by your doctor’s experience, the type of lip augmentation you receive, and the location of your cosmetic surgery firm. Remember though, choosing a quality, experienced, reputable physician such as those at Clinic 360 is worth the expense as you will have results that align with your expectations while reducing the risks of unpleasant, unsightly, and often painful complications.
Your payment options include cash, debit, or credit. If you are unable to pay upfront, you may also opt for a financing plan. Please consult with one of our representatives for further information.