|
|
The LA Lip Enhancement™ was developed by Dr. Calvert
as a way to create beautiful lip augmentation by using the patient's own tissue (fat
and deep layers of the skin).
Background Information
The LA Lip Enhancement™ was developed by Dr. Calvert as a way to create beautiful
lip augmentation by using the patient's own tissue (fat and deep layers of the skin).
The procedure combines two techniques that work together to produce unparalleled
results. Dr. Calvert originally created the operation as an additional technique
for his patients undergoing rhinoplasty or facelift surgery. However, it has become
a primary procedure for many patients as well.
Best Candidates for the Procedure
The LA Lip Enhancement™ is for anyone who wants to enhance the appearance of their
lips and perioral region (the area around the lips) with the use of their own tissue.
The patient does not necessarily need to have thin lips, but the procedure is quite
effective for increasing the size of the lips. Many patients who undergo this operation
have previously had Restylane® or Collagen treatments and generally like the results.
However, they may be tired of having to return every three to six months for re-injection.
Intended Results
A permanent* enhancement of the lips through the use of the patients own tissue.
More attractive, youthful mouth and lips.
Procedure Description
The procedure is done on an outpatient basis. Sedation with local anesthesia is
used for safety and comfort. The procedure is performed by excising a thin strip
of skin, usually from an old scar, and passing it through the upper lip and sometimes
the lower lip in much the same way a lip implant is placed. Then, fat is harvested
from the hips, abdomen, or knees and injected into the lips.
The combination of the two procedures seems to work best to create soft, beautifully
enhanced, natural lips. The only dressings needed are some steri-strips on the area
where the skin was taken and some gauze over the areas where the fat was harvested.
The lips are treated with antibiotic ointment. The swelling of the lips can be somewhat
striking for several days to a week after the procedure. The lips will return to
a natural look and feel that will keep getting better with time.
The procedure is often combined with major procedures such as a facelift, rhinoplasty,
or breast augmentation or may be combined with other minor procedures, such as a
lip lift (lip suspension), perioral chemical peel or laser resurfacing, or other
MediSpa procedures.
Need for Further Fat Injections
Because of the unpredictability of the fat injections, it may be necessary to repeat
the fat injections around one year after the procedure. The fat does tend to shrink
over time and it is common that the patient wants to see more of an effect. Thus,
it is not unusual to see patients having repeat fat injections or supplementing
with other fillers. Like all things in plastic surgery, the operation does not stop
the aging process; it merely creates the look that the patient wants to see until
nature prevails.
Risks and Potential Complications
The greatest risk of the procedure is infection at the site where the graft is taken
or where it is placed in the lips. Smoking greatly increases this risk. There are
also the minimal risks of bleeding, scarring, painful scarring, asymmetry, absorption
of the grafts, loss of the grafts, poor aesthetic result, nerve injuries, numbness
of the lips or the areas where the fat is taken, need for re-operation, and failure
of the operation to meet the desired expectations. Most operations proceed without
incident and create the result that is desired.
Alternatives
Not having any surgery on the lips is always an option. This is purely a cosmetic
procedure and does not need to be performed. Other fillers are an option, such as
Restylane®, Radiesse®, Juvederm®, Perlane® or the patient's own fat without the
dermal-fat graft. Lip implants are also an option, although they carry their own
set of risks. Mucosal advancements are an option where the mucosa is surgically
advanced to roll the lip out.
Permanent in plastic surgery is a very difficult word to define since the aging
process goes on day after day for all of us. It is clear that this technique permanently
moves tissue to the lips, but it is very variable patient to patient how long the
effect will last. Your results will certainly vary from previous patients and with
each procedure.
|
|