Am I a Good Candidate?

So, how do you know if a lip lift is right for you?

• The best candidates have a long area of skin between their nose and upper lip.
• They want to show more lips rather than just skin.
• Their upper lip lacks definition from their nose down to the top of the colored part of their lip.

If these describe you, and you want a subtle enhancement, a lip lift could be perfect to create more harmony between your features.

It’s also ideal if you have some natural fullness in your lower lip that you want your top lip to match better. The procedure really just unveils more of your actual lip that is hiding under the skin. So, the more lip fullness you already have underneath, the better results a lift can give. People without enough actual lip fullness are better candidates for fillers instead of surgery.

What is Recovery Like?

Recovery is fairly quick after a lip lift. There will be swelling and bruising, but that resolves within about two weeks. Most people feel comfortable going out publicly about 7 to 10 days after the procedure once the swelling goes down. There will be a small scar under the base of your nose that fades quickly. Plus, your lip enhancement will balance out the scar, so it is hardly noticeable.

Your upper lip will feel slightly numb for a few months since nerve endings are disrupted. But you will retain full mobility. The whole recovery is less than fillers since there are no repeat injections needed. Just one and done!

Should I Consider This?

If you want subtle yet permanent lip enhancement without the hassle of regular lip injections, a lip lift may be worthwhile. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Andrew Trussler in Austin, TX, to discuss whether you’re a good candidate. Give the office a call at 512-450-1077 to book an appointment and learn more details. You could walk away with the exact lip profile you’ve always envisioned.

The post What Exactly is a Lip Lift? appeared first on Andrew Trussler, MD, PLLC.

Why Might Someone Need Lip Reconstruction?

People might require lip reconstruction for various reasons, such as traumatic injuries, congenital lip deformities, or surgeries to remove tumors. Additionally, individuals seeking gender affirmation may undergo lip reconstruction as part of their overall transformation.

Who is a Candidate for Lip Reconstruction?

Candidates for lip reconstruction include individuals with congenital deformities, those who have experienced trauma or injury to the lips, and patients undergoing surgeries for conditions like oral cancer. An experienced plastic surgeon will assess the unique circumstances of each patient to determine their candidacy.

What is the Recovery Process Like?

Recovery after lip reconstruction varies depending on the extent of the procedure. Patients can generally expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort initially. Following post-operative care instructions is crucial for a smooth recovery, and the healing process might take several weeks to months.

Are There Risks and Complications?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with lip reconstruction. These might include infection, bleeding, scarring, or changes in sensation. However, a skilled surgeon will discuss these risks with the patient beforehand and take necessary precautions to minimize them.

Will Lip Reconstruction Look Natural?

One of the primary goals of lip reconstruction is to achieve a natural appearance. Plastic surgeons use their expertise to ensure that the reconstructed lips harmonize with the patient’s facial features and expressions. Advances in surgical techniques and materials contribute to achieving more natural-looking results.

How Long Do Results Last?

The longevity of lip reconstruction results varies, but in many cases, the outcomes are long-lasting. Factors such as the patient’s overall health, lifestyle, and adherence to post-operative care can influence the longevity of the results.

Get Lip Reconstruction in Austin, TX

Lip reconstruction is a transformative procedure that can positively impact both aesthetics and functionality. Consult with a qualified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Andrew Trussler. He can help you explore your options for lip reconstruction. Book an appointment today by calling 512-450-1077 or filling out our online form.

The post Addressing Common Concerns: FAQs About Lip Reconstruction Answered appeared first on Andrew Trussler, MD, PLLC.

Lip shape and volume can be improved in numerous ways other than filler injections. The majority of techniques involve utilizing your own body’s tissue (autologous lip augmentation)

What are the Permanent Lip Augmentation Techniques?

Lip shaping: lip lift, diamond procedure and VY mucosal advancement

Lip Volume: fat grafting, palmaris tendon graft, SMAS grafting, dermal fat graft

What are the Advantages of Volumetric Fillers for the Lips?

• Most lip fillers are an injectable hyaluronic acid gel with variable cross-linking that can last up to one year.
• Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring substance in the body and your body gradually breaks it down. It can be dissolved with an injection of enzyme (Hyaluronidase)
• There is little to no allergic reaction potential.
• Predictable volume enhancement per amount of filler injected.
• No donor site and easily accessible with pre-filled syringes of Juvederm or Restylane

What are the Disadvantages of Volumetric Fillers for the Lips?

• Longevity in the lips is variable and is typically shorter than one year for most hyaluronic acid fillers
• Expense of fillers every 6 to 8 months in the lips
• Inconvenience of injections in the lips with associated swelling and bruising

What technique is right for my lips?

• Shaping indications include a flat and long upper lip or downturned corner of the mouth. Typically the patient will draw the lip line above the lip and apply heavy lip stick.

• Volume indications include a thin lip without much mucosal show or red part of the lip.

• Combination techniques can help to define and fill the lips, which can include shaping and volumizing the lips

What Autologous Lip Augmentation Procedures are available?

• Lip Lift helps to shape the upper lip though an incision under the nose and removal of skin in a gull wing pattern that helps to lift the long upper lip. This can volumize the upper lip as well as stabilize the upper lip so that it can be volumized without rolling inward.

• Diamond Procedure lifts the corners of the mouth to help with a down-turned mouth. Diamond shaped skin incisions are made and closed in a straight line along the lip line.

• VY Mucosal Advancements involves incisions on the under-surface of the lips to give more mucosal tissue show. This is typically performed with some type of dermal or SMAS filler.

• Fat Grafting utilizes your own body’s fat, which is harvested with a suction technique, prepared and then injected along the upper and lower lips

• Palmaris Tendon Grafting utilizes an expendable tendon in the wrist to act as a collagen implant in the upper and lower lip.

• Dermal Fat Grafting involves harvesting a segment of scar or expendable skin and utilizing the under-surface with the fat as a natural graft for the lips.

• SMAS Grafting is similar to a dermal fat graft, but utilizes the fibro-fatty layer often discarded in a SMAS facelift and is threaded through the lip as a natural lip implant.

Silicone Implants are only mentioned out of completeness and are similar to a palmaris tendon graft though they are foreign bodies and not autologous making them prone to infection, extrusion and malignment.

Andrew P. Trussler MD is an experienced plastic surgeon in Austin Texas with advanced training in facial aesthetics including lip augmentation including autologous techniques and injectables.

Dr. Trussler’s Austin plastic surgery office can help guide you in your choice of lip augmentation techniques.

The post What Permanent Lip Augmentation Techniques Are Available? appeared first on Andrew Trussler, MD, PLLC.

1. Exfoliate And Moisturize: Dead, dry skin makes your lips look older and thinner. Gently exfoliate your lips occasionally to smooth them out and use lip balm to keep them moist throughout the day. Avoiding too much sun exposure is also a good way to keep your lips from getting dried out.
2. Switch Out Your Regular Lipstick: There isn’t a wrong shade of lipstick, but certain colors of lipstick can make your lips look thinner while other options can make them look fuller. Dark red lipstick, for example, can be sexy, but a light pink color will make your lips look fuller. If you want larger looking lips, opt for light pinks, nudes, and lip gloss.
3. Use Concealer Strategically: If you still want to use dark, bold lip color, you can use concealer to create a larger canvas and create the appearance of fuller lips. Apply the concealer to your lips and then line just outside your normal lip line. Fill in your lips with the same color used to line your lips to create the look you want. As an added bonus, the concealer will help to hold the lip color on your lips and help it last longer.
4. Consider Lip Augmentation: The above tips are good temporary solutions, but if you would like long-term results, it may be best to consider lip augmentation. Dr. Trussler offers a variety of lip enhancing treatments including hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane® Silk. Many injectable fillers can be used to increase volume, smooth out lip lines, or both. Other patients may consider fat injections or collagen implants if they’d like to use fat or collagen from their own body.

To learn more about enhancing your appearance and getting larger lips, schedule a consultation with Dr. Andrew Trussler.

The post 4 Ways To Get Fuller, Smoother Lips appeared first on Andrew Trussler, MD, PLLC.

The upper lip can elongate with age and some dental procedures. This process causes thinning of the lip and vertical creases with loss of volume secondary to the lip rolling inwards as it lengthens.

• The knee jerk response to this problem is adding filler to the upper lip to give it more volume, such as in a lip augmentation.

Volumetric Filler only makes this worse by accentuating the length of the upper lip by adding more volume at the bottom of the lip. Ultimately, the lip is left without shape and can result in the dreaded “duck-lip” look.

Considering a lip lift procedure in Austin Texas?

• dissatisfied with previous attempts at lip fillers
• the upper lip completely covering the front teeth at natural repose

Typically, this is picked up in a facial rejuvenation consult with Dr. Trussler in Austin Texas because you have to look for it and identify it.

What is a Lip Lift?

A lip lift is a surgical procedure which can be performed in the office or in combination with other facial procedures in the operating room.

• It is performed through a modified “gull wing” incision at the base of the nose which is an area of a natural skin crease.
• The upper lip is shortened through a conservative skin excision and shaped with the pattern of incision.
• This procedure naturally everts the upper lip giving it fullness without a “duck-lip” look.
• Two layers of stitches are used to secure the incision and help to contribute to healing in a fine line.

What is the recovery from a lip lift?

• The lip lift is over emphasized initially, but relaxes over the first two weeks.
• The stitches are left in place for about one week.
• Swelling and bruising can occur, but resolve after one week.
• The incision line fades over the first two weeks and is ultimately not noticeable

A lip lift can be combined with peri-oral skin resurfacing such as a chemical peel in the same setting. Volumetric fillers can be added at a later date for added fullness and definition, though typically just the lip lift is needed for long lasting and natural shape to the upper lip.

• Restylane® Silk could be easily added to help erase fine peri-oral lines and balance lip volume.

A lip lift is not for every patient, but it is a very effective procedure that can return natural harmony to the peri-oral area.

The first step to achieving a natural lip augmentation is discussing your options with Dr. Trussler in his Austin Texas plastic surgery office.

The post Fillers Got Your Lips Down? Try a Lip Lift. appeared first on Andrew Trussler, MD, PLLC.

The most common method for lip augmentation is volumetric fillers such as hyaluronic acid gels like Juvederm® or Restylane®. They really are the first line choice for patients and cosmetic plastic surgeons.

I prefer hyaluronic acid gel fillers for the lip and for lip augmentation in Austin Texas because they are reliable, safe and easy to use.

• Hylauronic acid based fillers can be dissolved with Vitrase® (Hyaluronidase)

However, hyaluronic acid gels are not permanent and need to be re-injected every 6 to 8 months to maintain lip volume. This can be costly over time and patients may seek longer lasting options. One thing that I have found is that with gel fillers, if you maintain your volume with frequent small volume fills there is a long lasting result.
The options for longer lasting lip augmentation include:

• Autologous tissue from your own body, including fat, collagen and fascia.
• Allograft biologic implants which are collagen implants from cadaver or animal sources.
• Synthetic implants such as silicone lip implants.

The problem with allograft lip augmentation is they seem to resorb quickly (not long lasting), can become infected, and are expensive. Synthetic implants are convenient and when they work provide a long lasting, natural result, though they are fraught with complications of infection, scarring, and malposition.
For another lip augmentation option a patient can look within their own body for a filler source such as fat injections, collagen implants from tendon and fascia form the face. These options can provide long lasting and natural results, which are safe and not prone to infection. The one downside is that the autologous material needs to be harvested from another region in the body called a donor site and usually needs to be done in the operating room.

• Fat for fat injections is harvested from usually an abdominal fat deposit with liposuction and then injected into the lips.
• Collagen implants can be fashioned from an expendable tendon in the wrist (Palmaris Longus Tendon) and then threaded through the lip.
• Fascial grafts are usually harvested from tissue removed in a facelift and placed in the lip at the same time as the facial procedure.

Lip Lifts can help to shape the upper lip through a nasal incision and can be used in combination with a volumetric lip filler.

Mucosal Advancements can help to provide a pocket for autologous fillers through an incision inside the mouth.
These autologous lip augmentation techniques are offered by Dr. Trussler in his plastic surgery office in Austin, Texas. The decision for lip augmentation is an individual choice and Dr. Trussler can help guide you through the process.

The post Options for Lip Augmentation: Look Within Yourself appeared first on Andrew Trussler, MD, PLLC.

There are multiple options available for lip augmentation in Austin Texas. They include volumetric fillers, such as hyaluronic acid gel like Restylane® or Juvederm® and fat grafting. These products can be selectively injected into different anatomic areas in the lip to achieve different effects. The gel fillers are fine enough and smooth enough, so they can be injected under the skin to increase the upper and lower lip line, as well fill the mucosa or red part of the lip. Fat can be utilized in this area, though is not fine enough for the lip line. Other options include other autologous sources which by definition are from your own body, which include dermal fat grafts which are more solid than injectable fat, breast capsule and even tendon. Artificial implants include silicone implants which can fill the mucosa of the lip, though these can be prone to scarring and infection.

When evaluating a patient for lip augmentation, I would ask them what effect they are trying to achieve and where they would like the filler to be placed. Common complaints include “a thin upper lip” or “vertical upper lip lines”. The thin upper lip is treated with filler in both the lip line and the lip mucosa, where as lip lines can be injected directly and then balanced with a lip line fill. The bottom lip should as well be addressed to achieve a balanced and natural appearance to the perioral area.

First line products for lip augmentation are the hyaluronic acid gel fillers because they are reliable, easy to inject and reversible. There are minimal risks for infection and nodularity. Typically I first inject the lips with a local anesthetic block of the upper and lower lips which is injected inside the mouth and lasts 4 hours. The filler is injected into the desired location and usually 2 syringes of hyaluronic acid based filler is used. I do prefer Juvederm Ultra Plus over Ultra for mucosal volume because it is more form stable and longer lasting. Restylane® is great for fine lines and a softer, natural look. The total procedure takes about 30 minutes in the office. After the lips are injected I advise the use of ice every 4 hours with the most common complaint being swelling and bruising. This usually resolves after 2 weeks. The volume usually lasts for over 8 months in this area.

Other procedures which can be applied to the lips include laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels to eliminate fine lines, Botox to help smooth fine lines and excisional procedures like the “lip lift” which can help contour the shape of the lip.

All of your options for lip augmentation and perioral rejuvenation will be discussed with Dr. Trussler in the plastic surgery office in Austin Texas. He does perform the procedures in the Austin Texas office and will help guide you to achieving beautiful, natural appearing lips.

The post Lip Augmentation: Lip service for fuller lips appeared first on Andrew Trussler, MD, PLLC.