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Lip Implants
in Charlotte, NC

A great smile can light up a room, and well-shaped lips are an essential part of it. Some people are born with thin, long, or otherwise disproportionate lips. These cosmetic issues may also occur with age and affect self-esteem. If you are unhappy with how your lips look, it might be time to consider professional enhancement. Our double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Sean Freeman, offers advanced and natural-looking implant options, helping our patients enhance their beauty and amazing smiles.
Lip Implants
in Charlotte, NC
A great smile can light up a room, and well-shaped lips are an essential part of it. Some people are born with thin, long, or otherwise disproportionate lips. These cosmetic issues may also occur with age and affect self-esteem. If you are unhappy with how your lips look, it might be time to consider professional enhancement. Our double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Sean Freeman, offers advanced and natural-looking implant options, helping our patients enhance their beauty and amazing smiles.

What Is Lip Augmentation Surgery?

Lip augmentation surgery is a cosmetic procedure that enhances lip volume and shape by inserting artificial or natural implants into the upper and/or lower lips. These implants are typically made from soft, biocompatible materials, such as silicone or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), specifically designed to feel organic while maintaining the lips’ flexibility and movement. There are also natural options, such as allograft dermis. The implants come in various sizes and shapes to accommodate different aesthetic goals and facial proportions, allowing for customization based on individual preferences. Unlike temporary enhancement methods, lip implants offer a permanent solution for those seeking fuller, luscious lips. The procedure usually takes about 30-60 minutes to complete under local anesthesia, making it a relatively quick surgical intervention.

Lip Implants
Before & After Pictures

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Lip Implants Options

These are soft, solid implants surgically inserted through small incisions at the corners of the mouth to enhance lip volume. They come in various sizes and shapes to accommodate the patient’s aesthetic goals and facial proportions. While silicone implants provide consistent and long-lasting results, they can sometimes feel firmer than natural lip tissue.
These synthetic implants are biocompatible and feature a porous structure that allows tissue integration, potentially creating a more natural feel than silicone ones. However, ePTFE implants have largely fallen out of favor in recent years due to concerns about long-term complications and the availability of safer alternatives.
Although there are many lip implants, Dr. Freeman’s years of experience have led him to recommend allograft dermis as the safest option. These implants are derived from natural skin and processed to accommodate the patient’s goals. They are the default and most preferable choice due to their lower risks of allergic reactions and organic integration with surrounding tissues.

Why Dermal Allografts Are
the Best Option?

Surgeons specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery began using dermal allografts many years ago, mainly for reconstructive purposes. Numerous patients around the U.S. have received these implants. Dr. Freeman found that dermal allograft is the best material for surgical lip augmentation because it creates a soft, natural look.
An allograft is any human tissue transplanted from one person to another. This material has been used for many years in millions of surgical procedures. Dr. Freeman receives dermal allografts from specialized sources within the U.S., where cells are removed from donated skin, leaving only the collagen scaffold of the dermis.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates tissue banks that provide allograft dermis. These organizations, which are located throughout the United States, surgically remove skin from donors using sterile operating room techniques. Before their tissue is processed, the donors undergo rigorous screening.
Allograft dermis can be folded, rolled, or stacked to provide the needed enhancement. When transplanted into a patient, it gradually becomes a natural part of their tissue. This is one of the main reasons allograft dermis is so effective for lip augmentation.

Consultation & Preparation for
Lip Implants

The first step in the lip enhancement journey is a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Freeman. During this meeting, we discuss the patient’s aesthetic goals, medical history, and any medications they currently take. Dr. Freeman evaluates the person’s facial structure, lip anatomy, and tissue characteristics to determine the most suitable implant size and type.

Preoperative instructions typically include avoiding blood-thinning medications, smoking, and certain supplements for at least two weeks before surgery. Laboratory tests and medical clearance may be required to ensure the individual is healthy enough for the procedure. Dr. Freeman also explains the different types of lip implants, such as silicone or dermal allografts, and helps the patient make an informed decision. Photography and measurements are taken for a before-and-after comparison. Patients should arrange transportation on the day of surgery and prepare for recovery by purchasing necessary supplies and making appropriate work arrangements.

Lip Augmentation Procedure
Step-by-Step

A local anesthetic is injected to ensure comfort during the procedure. It numbs the treatment area, allowing the patient to remain awake while experiencing minimal discomfort. Sedation may also be considered for people with higher sensitivity or anxiety.
After injecting a numbing agent, Dr. Freeman makes small, inconspicuous incisions at the corners of the mouth. These entry points are strategically chosen to minimize visible scarring and provide optimal access for implant placement.
Dermal allografts are carefully prepared before insertion. These donor tissues are sterilized and processed to ensure compatibility with the patient’s body, reducing the risk of rejection or complications.
Dr. Freeman uses specialized instruments to create a small tunnel within the lip tissue. The dermal allograft is inserted through the incisions and positioned carefully to achieve balanced and natural-looking lips.
The incisions at the corners of the mouth are closed using fine, dissolvable sutures. These stitches secure the implants in place and support the natural healing process.
After all procedures, Dr. Freeman may massage the lips gently to ensure proper alignment and distribution of the tissue. This step helps achieve a smooth, symmetrical result.
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Alternative Lip Augmentation Procedures

Lip Fillers

Hyaluronic acid fillers are a popular non-surgical option for lip enhancement. The procedure involves injecting the material into targeted areas to add volume, shape, and definition. Lip filler results are immediate, and the treatment is relatively quick with minimal downtime. However, the effects are temporary, typically lasting six months to a year, depending on the type of injectable dermal fillers.

Fat Grafting

Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, involves harvesting fat from another area of the patient’s body, such as the abdomen or thighs, and injecting it into the lips. This method provides natural volume, with results lasting longer than temporary fillers with hyaluronic acid. The procedure requires two stages: liposuction to extract the fat and injection into the lips. The body may reabsorb some tissue, so multiple sessions could be necessary to achieve the desired results.

Recovery After
Lip Implants Surgery

First 24 Hours

During the first 24 hours after lip implant surgery, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort around the treatment zone. It is common to feel tightness in the lips, and the area might appear puffy. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling, while pain medication is used to manage discomfort. Patients should avoid touching or massaging the lips to minimize the risk of displacing the implants.

Week 1

The initial swelling and bruising typically subside by the end of the first week. However, patients may still experience some tenderness and mild discomfort. The sutures used to close the incisions usually dissolve. Following post-operative care instructions, such as avoiding excessive lip movement and refraining from strenuous activities that could affect healing, is essential. Most individuals can return to their routine, though some may prefer to take it easy during this period.

Weeks 2 to 6

Between weeks 2 and 6, the lips continue to heal, and any remaining swelling or residual bruising fades. The final shape and fullness of the lips become more noticeable as the tissues settle into place. Sensitivity may still be present, and patients are advised to avoid activities that could pressure the lips. While the risk of complications decreases significantly during this time, follow-up appointments with Dr. Freeman are recommended to monitor the healing progress. Most individuals can resume normal activities, including eating and talking, without difficulty by the end of this period.

Candidates for
Lip Implants

Lip implants are a permanent option for those seeking lip enhancement. Some individuals may be better suited for the procedure based on their needs and goals. Here are the main groups of candidates for lip implants:
Individuals looking for long-lasting lip enhancement
Those dissatisfied with the temporary fillers
People with thin or underdefined lips seeking permanent volume
Patients with healthy lips and skin
Individuals not prone to cold sores or infections
People who have realistic expectations
Candidates who are in good overall health and can tolerate minor surgical procedures
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Benefits of
Lip Enhancement

Lip implants have many advantages over temporary methods like dermal fillers. Here are the key benefits:

Natural look and feel due to biocompatible materials

Permanent results with no need for maintenance

Customizable volume and shape for a personalized outcome

Minimal scarring due to small incisions

Lower risk of allergic reactions compared to synthetic fillers

Suitable for patients who have experienced limited results with temporary treatments

  • Natural look and feel due to biocompatible materials
  • Permanent results with no need for maintenance
  • Customizable volume and shape for a personalized outcome
  • Minimal scarring due to small incisions
  • Lower risk of allergic reactions compared to synthetic fillers
  • Suitable for patients who have experienced limited results with temporary treatments

Cost of Lip Implants in Charlotte, NC

The cost of lip implants in Charlotte ranges from approximately $2,000 to $4,000. The price depends on the surgeon’s experience, the implant used, and the type of anesthesia. To receive an accurate estimate tailored to individual needs, consult Dr. Freeman in our comfortable office. It is easy to schedule an appointment through a form on the website or by calling us directly.
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What Makes Our Cosmetic Surgery Different From Others?

Only Faces is led by Dr. Sean Freeman, an innovator in facial plastic surgery with over three decades of specialized experience. His artistic touch and deep understanding of facial aesthetics have earned him international recognition, drawing patients from across the globe. Dr. Freeman’s double board certification and dedication to natural-looking results make him adept at many cosmetic procedures. The singular focus on facial surgery has allowed Dr. Freeman to perfect his techniques, ensuring that each lip implant creates harmony with the patient’s overall appearance.

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