Panama Medical Vacations

Lip Augmentation
Lip augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure to increase the fullness of lips. Fat is transferred from another part of the patient's body (usually the abdomen or buttocks) and after special preparation, injected into the lip area to create fuller lips

Prior to Surgery
Any necessary precautions prior to surgery will be outlined for you in the treatment plan. If you require pre-op therapy, you will receive the proper instructions. If you are a smoker, you may be asked to stop for a time prior to your surgery. You might also be asked to refrain from using vitamin E (in large does), aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines since they can lead to increased bleeding during surgery.

The Procedure
Injections involve filling the lip with a soft substance to create a fuller appearance. Collagen and fat are the most widely used injectable substances.

Collagen Injections
Prepared from the collagen found in cow skin, collagen injections are used to temporarily augment the lips. Although it is purified, this collagen may cause allergic reactions in some people. For that reason, a sensitivity test should be performed before the actual lip augmentation procedure. Collagen is injected into the lip with small needles. Because the body slowly absorbs the collagen, the results generally last between one and three months. The procedure may be repeated as needed.
Fat Injections
Fat injections are also placed in the lips with small needles. The fat used is harvested from another area of the body, most often the buttocks or the thighs, and is purified before it is injected into the lips. An advantage to this lip augmentation is that there is no possibility of an allergic reaction. As with collagen injections, results are temporary. The procedure is often performed more than once to achieve desired results.

After Your Surgery
Immediately following lip augmentation, the lips may swell and hurt. Cold compresses should be used for 48 hours to control the swelling. During this time, talking and chewing should be avoided as much as possible. Oral pain medications may be used to control the discomfort.

Antibiotics may be given to reduce the possibility of infection. To help avoid infection, it is also important to keep the lips clean.

Risks
Significant complications from aesthetic lip enhancement procedures are rare. As with any surgical procedure, however, there is always a possibility of infection, or reaction to the anesthesia. Other possible complications include: numbing, scarring, swelling, and stiffness in the lip. To reduce the risk of complications, it is important to follow all the instructions you receive from your surgeon before and after the procedure.

While there is always an element of risk, having an American-trained surgeon, a professional staff and a world-class hospital make your Panama brow lift at Hospital Punta Pacifica, Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, a safe and rewarding procedure.