What to Expect with Lip Surgery:
One of the most obvious signs of aging occurs around the mouth. Volume is lost as a result of loss of hair follicles, muscle and fat below the skin. Consequently, lines develop around the mouth, the lip tissue breaks down and the lips droop and retreat into two thin lines. The Lips lengthen as a result of gravity. An inversion of the vermilion, or the pink portion of the lip is due to a gradual shrinkage of our jaw bone and teeth. This contributes to a gradual distortion of the lip. The corners of the mouth turn down, and the lower lip loses its youthful appeal. Dr. Mentz has written a recent chapter in Operative Plastic Surgery outlining this process and strategies for correcting these tricky areas.
Lip enlargement and restoration of fullness around the lips is accomplished in a multitude of ways. Some are more permanent than others. Lip improvement with the CO2 laser can remove fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth. Dermabrasion, chemical peels, collagen injections, and micro-fat injections can create significant improvements. In some cases more than one procedure may be needed to achieve the desired appearance. Recent advances in structural microinjection of fat has made this one of the most popular procedures as a sole procedure and as an suppliment to other facial rejuvenation procedures like facelifting. These procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis. Recovery time depends upon the procedure performed.
"Fat Grafting" is a procedure that is being used more frequently as a rejuvenating option in the patient's fight against aging. Quite simply, it involves using some of the patient's own fat tissue to fill-in creases, lines, depressions or other underdeveloped areas in the body. Dr. Mentz has lectured on fat grafting in facial rejuvenation and in special circumstances and has utilized fat grafting since 1987. This is a process in which small portions of fat are carefully taken from a donor area, like the abdomen or inner thigh, and then prepared using a special technique. Small amounts are then injected into tiny tunnels, cross-layered and structured to form a stable platform to augment an area. The fat is carefully grafted, and not just injected, so that the desired appearance is achieved.
Fat grafts are being used to plump the lips, reduce the appearance of "laugh lines," and lift cheeks and strengthen a weak chin for a more desirable profile. They can also be used to fill-in dimples or depressions in the skin, and even to improve the appearance of underdeveloped calves and flattened buttocks. Depending upon the patient and the area grafted, fat grafts can last anywhere from several months to several years. However, fat grafts are being used more frequently since technology has improved the staying power of fat. Most plastic surgeons believe that about 20 to 40 percent of the fat grafted will stay forever. Most of these procedures are performed under general anesthesia, and require minimum recovery time.
