The other day an acquaintance showed up for a lip augmentation with dermal fillers, Restylane to be specific, at Dubai Cosmetic Surgery clinic. The good plastic surgeon – Dr Rory McGoldrick – allowed me to sit in while he did the procedure. But before I go on arrant on how it went, I will tell you more about this ‘plumping’ procedure.

Basically, according to Dr Rory, lip augmentation is a procedure that increases the Volume and natural definition of the lips (pouty lips anyone?). Several techniques can be used, which range from the use of sharp needles to blunt like needles (called a cannula). Despite the instrument used, lip augmentation is normally performed with the use of dermal fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, Sculptra, Radiesse and organic fillers like the Neauvia Organic line. Most dermal fillers contain a substance known as Hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the body. If you prefer other techniques, you can go for fat transfer or lip implants.

The Procedure

Back to the treatment room with Dr Rory and the lip augmentation patient in search of the perfectly plump lips. For starters, the patient’s lips looked fine to me, so I did not see the reason for the fillers (but I’m sure there was a need). Then there was the issue of using EMLA (for numbing the skin’s surface), which she refused. She wanted to have the filler injections au naturel (very brave). On the other hand, the Restylane used had Lidocaine, which the good doctor explained numbs the area after the injection. So I assume she was not suffering afterwards.

Dr Rory was explaining every area he injected, starting with the vermillion border (that’s the edge of the lip or lip line). The purpose of injecting this area was to give more definition to the lips as a whole. Then the oral commissures (corners of the mouth) were injected to lift the corners of the mouth to give the impression of a happy mouth. Afterwards, it was the Cupid’s bow and both the philtrum columns (the two vertical lines right above the Cupid’s bow), which were injected to make them more pronounced.

The Surprise

I was waiting for when Dr Rory would go all-in on the real lips but that never happened. I assume this is because the volume of the lips was sufficient and therefore only needed a high definition enhancement of definition. This left me thinking that there are different ways to augment lips with fillers. Just to note, with every injection, the doctor would massage the area to smoothen out any lumps and make the placement of the filler perfect. Otherwise, if this is not done, chances are very high you are dealing with a quack or someone who doesn’t know what they are doing. And if this is the case, then you might (will) end up with lumps and bumps.

After the treatment, which took less than 30 minutes, the lips looked quite defined (I guess I did not see what needed what in the beginning and that’s why I’m not a doctor). They did not look fake or overly-augmented – something most people associate with lip augmentation. On the other hand, they looked naturally plump, well-defined and sexy! The patient was told to return for a follow-up after 5 days.

Important Facts you Need to Know about Lip Augmentation with Fillers – Dr Rory

Lip augmentation with dermal fillers does not only make the lips naturally full, it also adds structure and shape too.
Depending on your pain threshold, a numbing cream can be used before the start of the treatment. This reduces the pain while being injected, and the Lidocaine present in the filler (Restylane) numbs the area afterwards.
Increasing the size of your lips is done gradually, and not in one session. A good plastic surgeon will explain this to you and will do so according to your facial structure and existing lip anatomy to make sure you get natural-looking results. This is the key!
During a dermal filler treatment, there is usually slight bleeding at the site of each injection. After the procedure, you should also expect some slight bruising – after all you just had a needle pass through your skin several times.

Longevity and Results

Dermal fillers are not permanent. The filler used in the above case – Restylane – lasts anywhere from 4 – 6 months. A touch might be required after two weeks.
The fillers take a day or two to settle into the final shape, but some results can be seen immediately like the one above.
The longevity of the results always depends on the type/brand of filler used as well as the person, the plastic surgeon and the target area.
Dermal Fillers like Restylane are injected into the dermis (which is the deep layer of the skin). If injected too superficially, you might end up with lumps or bumps, and if injected too deep, the Volumising effect might be lost.
It is important to have your lips (or any cosmetic surgery procedure) done by a Board Certified plastic surgeon like the one above. They always seem to know what they are doing, and would not over-do a procedure to satisfy you. And if you insist on it, chances are very high they will book you into the nearest mental institution.

Cosmetic procedures are all about enhancing your natural beauty, and not blowing it out of proportion. And if you are afraid of needles, it’s better to stay away from fillers.