Lip Augmentation Surgery For Westlake Village And Thousand Oaks From Dr. Kristina Tansavatdi

In a lip augmentation, Dr. Tansavatdi artistically shapes tissue grafts taken from another part of your body to plump the upper and/or lower lips, providing more attractive, softer, fuller lips. Although synthetic implants are available, Dr. Tansavatdi does not prefer them because your own tissue is often preferred and results in a more natural appearance.

In addition, implants can become infected, leading to further complications. As we age, certain characteristics around the upper lip cause it to flatten and appear more elongated. In these cases, lip lift surgery can shorten and lift the upper lip. After an exam, Dr. Tansavatdi will determine whether she can achieve the results you are looking for with lip augmentation alone or whether she recommends combining it with lip lift surgery.

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What Can a Lip Augmentation Surgery Accomplish?

Lip augmentation surgery can give you attractive, fuller lips that feel and look completely natural. This procedure is excellent for patients who are self-conscious about their thin lips. The tissue grafts used for this surgery are taken from another part of your body. Hence, they feel soft and pliable and really integrate into your lips.

There is very little risk of rejection as opposed to silicone implants, which can get infected and must be removed if infected. After allowing for swelling to subside, you may expect long-lasting, luscious results. Besides lip augmentation, Dr. Tansavatdi also offers lip lift surgery for those who want a curl or lift at the lip border, similar to what people seek with a “lip flip”.

How Is Lip Augmentation Surgery Performed?

Those undergoing lip augmentation surgery are generally placed under local anesthesia or mild sedation. The tissue grafts are usually harvested from a separate incision around the ears. The grafts may be taken from behind the ears (mastoid fascia graft), from in front of the ear during facelift surgery (SMAS graft), or from fat around the belly area (fat graft).

After the grafts have been obtained, Dr. Tansavatdi expertly shapes them to the length, size, shape, and width she would like to enhance the existing lips. To place the tissue grafts, Dr. Tansavatdi makes small incisions on the inner lip at the corners of the mouth. The grafts are then secured in place, and the incisions are closed with sutures. During the procedure, Dr. Tansavatdi may adjust the size and/or placement to achieve the desired result.

Lip Augmentation Before & After

Recovering From Lip Augmentation Surgery

After lip augmentation surgery, patients will be limited in what they can eat and when. A special diet comprised of liquids and soft foods is recommended for the first week. Bruising, swelling, and mild discomfort are temporary and normal. To avoid graft dislodgement or migration, excessive talking, smiling, and laughing should be minimized during the first 2 weeks. Lip augmentation surgery patients generally achieve full recovery within 2 weeks, but can resume some daily activities within 24 to 48 hours of the procedure, provided these activities do not involve excessive talking or social interaction with others that could jeopardize their results.

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Lip Augmentation Candidates

Prior to surgery, Dr. Tansavatdi carefully examines each patient to determine the amount of lip plumping needed to achieve excellent yet natural results. She will also examine the lips' current shape to determine whether the graft needs to be tailored in specific areas for greater or lesser enhancement. She then determines the size and shape of the tissue grafts, which also depend on the patient’s own aesthetic desires.

Addressing Pre-Augmentation Filler

Before coming to Dr. Tansavatdi, patients often have already had hyaluronic acid filler injections to the lips. These filler injections can distort the natural anatomy of the lips and lead to an inaccurate assessment of the size of the graft needed, particularly because the filler may dissolve months to years after the surgery is complete. Thus, Dr. Tansavatdi will require you to obtain your filler records and provide photographs of your lips without fillers so she can better assess the size and shape of the graft needed to achieve your desired outcome. She will also recommend dissolving the fillers with a special injection several weeks prior to surgery. Lip augmentation candidates must also be in good general health. Pre-operative testing and medical history screening help Dr. Tansavatdi determine each patient’s candidacy for this procedure.

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Frequently Asked Questions Lip Augmentation

Will I lose sensation in my lips after lip augmentation surgery?

Some temporary changes in sensation are normal as the tissue settles and heals. Most patients find that sensation returns to normal within a few weeks. Dr. Tansavatdi will discuss what to expect for your healing process during your consultation.

Are there visible scars after lip augmentation surgery?

Incisions are placed on the inner lip at the corners of the mouth, keeping any scarring discreet and well-concealed. With proper healing and care, scarring is minimal and not visible in normal social interaction or photographs.

How does surgical lip augmentation compare to a lip lift, and do I need both?

Lip augmentation adds volume and fullness using tissue grafts, while a lip lift shortens the space between the nose and upper lip to restore definition and shape. Some patients benefit from a single procedure, while others combine procedures for a more comprehensive lip rejuvenation.

How long do surgical lip augmentation results last compared to fillers?

Because lip augmentation uses your own tissue rather than a temporary injectable product, the results are long-lasting and do not require the regular maintenance appointments that fillers require. Dr. Tansavatdi will discuss realistic longevity expectations during your consultation.

Can lip augmentation surgery be performed at the same time as other facial procedures?

Yes. Lip augmentation is frequently combined with lip lift surgery or other facial procedures such as a facelift. Combining treatments allows for a more cohesive result and a single recovery period rather than separate healing processes.

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Contact Thousand Oaks Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kristina Tansavatdi

For more information on lip augmentation in the Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village area, schedule a consultation with Dr. Tansavatdi. She is highly experienced in lip augmentation and lip lift procedures and, with her fine-tuned aesthetic judgment, helps patients make informed decisions that yield optimal results. Contact Dr. Tansavatdi by calling her office at (805) 715-4996 or contacting us online.

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You deserve a plastic surgeon who sees you for who you truly are. Contact Dr. Tansavatdi today to learn more about her practice and schedule your private consultation.

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