Liposuction Versus Lip Augmentation

Introduction

Surgically altering and correcting the aesthetics of one’s physical appearance has become effortless in the new age. Such kinds of surgeries are called cosmetic surgeries. It can be done in any part of the neck, head, or body. Cosmetic surgeries improve the appearance and, thereby, self-esteem of a person. Lip augmentation and liposuction are some examples of cosmetic surgery. These two treatments' names sound similar, but the technique and usage are entirely different.

What Is Liposuction?

The word ‘lipo’ is related to ‘fat.’ Liposuction is the cosmetic treatment by which excessive or unwanted fat will be removed from the body using surgical equipment. It improves the appearance of the body by contouring the irregularities. Therefore, the procedure is also known as body contouring. Liposuction can be done to improve the appearance of the necks, cheeks, chin, hips, upper arms, thighs, knees, breasts, buttocks, and abdomen. Fat is stored in the body in cells called adipocytes. Liposuction focuses on the permanent removal of adipocytes. The procedure is also known as lipoplasty.

What Is Lip Augmentation?

Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure done to increase the fullness and overall appearance of the lips. The procedure can be done surgically and non-surgically, based on the required difference. Lip volume may also get affected with age. It increases the fullness and reduces the appearance of rough lines around the lips.

What Are the Different Types of Liposuction Procedures?

The liposuction procedure is done in different methods:

• Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL): This method is done with the help of laser light. Laser energy melts down the adipocytes. The liquified cells are later drained off using a cannula. It is mainly used in areas like the chin and face.

• Fluid Injection: It is also known as tumescent liposuction. In this procedure, the surgeon injects a medicated solution into the fat cells. The solution may be a mixture of saline or salt water, a local anesthetic, and other drugs. Usually, the amount of fluid injected will be three times more than the amount of fat to be removed. It is the most common type of liposuction procedure.

• Super-Wet Technique: It is done similarly to the fluid injection technique, except for the amount of solution injected, which is the same as that of the fat to be removed.

• Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction: This technique uses ultrasound vibrations to liquefy the fat cells. It can be done internally or externally. It is mainly used to remove fat from the upper back and breast area.

• Suction-Assisted Liposuction: As the name suggests, this technique sucks out the fat cells using a vacuum.

• Power-Assisted Liposuction: In this technique, a stainless steel cannula is moved back and forth to break the fat tissues. The breakage of the fat makes it easier to remove.

• Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance (VASER): VASER technique uses a stainless steel instrument to break and remove the fat cells.

What Are the Different Types of Lip Augmentation Procedures?

Lip augmentation procedures are of the following type:

• Lip Lifting: By this procedure, excess tissue between the nose and upper lips will be removed to lift the lips. Direct lip lifting removes the skin just above the red part of the lips. Indirect lip lifting hides the incisions that are made during the procedure. For patients whose lip corners are drooped, lip corner lifting will be performed.

• Fat Grafting: Through this procedure, graft tissue in the form of fat or collagen tissue will be taken from the patient’s body part and will be inserted into the lips.

• Fat Injection: Through this procedure, a small amount of fat will be taken from the buttocks or the abdomen. This fat will then be centrifuged and injected into the lips.

• Lip Fillers: Dermal or lip fillers will be injected into the lips to increase fullness. The fillers will be injected in small amounts to maintain their natural appearance.

• Lip Implants: Lip implants will be inserted into the lips to increase fullness.

What Are the Benefits of Liposuction and Lip Augmentation?

Liposuction has the following benefits:

• It removes fat which stays stubborn even after consistent dieting and workouts.

• It makes the body toned and removes morphological irregularities.

Lip augmentation has the following benefits:

• It increases the fullness of the lips, making the person look youthful.

• It reduces the age-related lines that appear around the lips.

What Are the Risks of Liposuction and Lip Augmentation?

Liposuction and lip augmentation procedures have the following risks:

• Increased chances of infection post-treatment.

• Skin sensitivity.

• Discolored skin.

• Allergic reactions to the fillers or solutions used.

• Swelling.

• Scarring.

• Bleeding.

• The placement of implants or fillers can cause an uneven appearance of the lips.

• Bruising.

• Impaired healing.

• Stiffening of the lips.

When to See the Health Care Provider?

The above-mentioned risks or complications can happen after the cosmetic treatment. Minor symptoms will resolve on their own. But it is necessary to visit the doctor in the following cases:

• Excessive bleeding.

• Severe infection and pain.

• Long-lasting swelling.

• Fever.

• Chest pain.

• Breathing difficulty.

• Fluid discharge.

What Are the Things to Be Considered While Opting for Liposuction or Lip Augmentation?

• It is necessary to understand that liposuction may not relieve excess fat in the case of extremely obese individuals. In some cases, dieting and exercising will be the only keys to losing fat.

• It is important to choose an experienced surgeon and to share the medical history before the procedure.

• Opting for a hygienic environment is also important.

• Taking required pre and post-operative care helps in faster recovery and wound healing. It also helps to give the required benefits.

• The health care provider may give instructions to prepare for the surgery and to relieve the post-surgical symptoms. Following such instructions will also be helpful.

Conclusion

Liposuction and lip augmentation are cosmetic procedures done to improve the aesthetics or overall external beauty. Even though their names sound similar, they are used for different benefits. But they share almost similar risks and pre and post-operative care measures.