|
|
|
|
Ultrasofttm Lip Augmentation 6 months Post Procedure
What is the Ultrasoft facial implant? The Ultrasofttmfacial implant is
persistent yet reversible (removable) facial implants for the treatment of
facial soft tissue augmentation. The indications for ultrasoft include: lip
fullness/definition, deep facial furrows or creases (including the nasolabial
fold) and deep frown lines. The Ultrasofttmimplant only
recently became commercially available in July 2001. Dr. Adams was closely
involved with the development of this implant with over 2 years of clinical use.
Ultrasofttm was developed from a previous redesigned Softform
facial implant. It is a hollow tube shaped implant made of expanded
polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). This product has been used for over 20 years
for a variety of medical applications including the replacement of degenerating
blood vessels (currently used in over 3.5 million patients), hernia repair and
facial soft tissue augmentation. The redesign of this product for facial soft
tissue augmentation has revolutionized its application. How does the Ultrasofttmfacial
implant work? The Ultrasofttmimplant provides
structure and support beneath the skin. This can provide more fullness in the
area and even raise the depressed skin level making a furrow or crease less
visible. Who it a candidate for the Ultrasofttmfacial
implant? The Ultrasofttmimplant is best
suited for a patient desiring more lip fullness or correction of certain facial
creases or furrows. You will need to be evaluated by Dr. Adams during a
consultation to determine if Ultrasofttmis the correct product for
you. Dr. Adams is an expert in lip enhancement
procedures and he will discuss the pros and cons for each product for lip
enhancement with you. What are the important considerations for
lip enhancement with Ultrasofttm? Due to the recent increase in the number of
patients desiring to undergo lip enhancement procedures, Dr. Adams has evaluated
several of the most popular products in clinical trials to determine how they
can be best implemented into plastic surgery. The Ultrasofttmimplant has
demonstrated excellent early results in lip enhancement and carries the added
benefit of permanence (meaning the implant will not reabsorb or dissolve). Dr.
Adams will review all the different types of procedures with you during your
consultation and the informed consent process; however, in general all lip
enhancement procedures for lip fullness are performed in Dr. Adams’ office as
a minor procedure. (See below for details.) Although the Ultrasofttm
implant carries the benefit of permanence, patients should expect a 3-4 month
period where the will be able to feel the implants and their lips will feel
stiff and not move as natural as usual. At approximately four months enough soft
tissue incorporation is present in that most patients state they are unable to
feel the presence of the implant; however, still benefit from the fullness
created by the implant. The first two weeks after the Ultrasofttmlip
procedure are critical to obtain long term results. Dr.
Adams will stress to you the extreme importance for you to be very careful with
your lips during the first 2 weeks post procedure. It is recommended that you stay at home for
the first 2-3 days after the procedure to allow most of your swelling to
resolve. The first two weeks it is advised that you only eat soft foods, which
may only be eaten with a fork or a spoon. Sandwiches, apples, steak, etc. may
cause potential problems and should be avoided during the initial 2 weeks
. During the first week you will notice your lip stiffness will begin to
resolve; however, it is important for you to continue to minimize excessive
talking or laughing during this period to prevent any complications with your
lip incisions or problems with the implant moving during the early post
procedure period. What can I expect after a Ultrasofttm
lip enhancement? Dr. Adams and his staff will go over your
pre-procedure routine with you including calling in medication for you to begin
the night prior to your procedure. Dr. Adams prefers for patients to come in
approximately 30 minutes prior to their scheduled procedure to take a dose of
pain medicine and to relax before the procedure. Dr. Adams will perform several
anesthetic blocks within your mouth to numb your lips. Dr. Adams feels it is
very important for you to have excellent anesthesia during the procedure. Most
patients find this numbing procedure is only slightly painful and once complete
have no more pain for the remainder of the procedure. Following placement of
your anesthesia, Dr. Adams will commence with inserting your Ultrasofttm implants.
This takes approximately 30-45 minutes and some patients even doze off for a
short nap during this portion. Dr. Adams will place tiny clear sutures in your
incisions which are 5-6 mm long. Following the procedure you will place a small
bag of ice over your lips and Dr. Adams prefers his patients to remain in the
office approximately 30 minutes to have some liquid to drink and assure that
they are feeling well. Post procedure, most patients do not
experience much pain; however, Dr. Adams will provide you with pain medicine
that will treat any soreness you have over the first few days without problem.
Most patients do experience a fair amount of swelling during the first 2-3 days
post procedure and this usually resolves by the third day. A small amount of lip
bruising may occur in isolated cases. In general, patients find the procedure very
easy to tolerate and the recovery period is generally relatively easy. Dr. Adams
recommends that you remain relatively quiet during the first two days by reading
and watching movies. You may return to work 3 days after the procedure.
Dr. Adams will not want you to work out until 8 days after the
procedure. It is always important to continue to be
very careful with your lips during the first two weeks to avoid any potential
problems with the implant moving or problems with your incision’s healing. Dr.
Adams will see you back 3-5 days after the procedure to check you and then you
will return again at two weeks to have your sutures removed. Should you have any
questions after your procedure, Dr. Adams is available 24 hours day, seven days
a week. Can I wear lipstick after the procedure? Dr. Adams prefers you do not wear lipstick
during the first two weeks post procedure; however, after your first visit a
number of patients do use a small amount of lipstick or lip gloss over the
central part of their lips between weeks 1 and 2. Following the suture removal
at two weeks you may begin wearing lipstick at any time. Will people be able to notice that I have
had something done with my lips? Most patients state that their friends can
immediately have more lip fullness; however, after day three post procedure, the
initial swelling of the procedure will be mostly resolved. You will have tiny
sutures in your lip; however, these are not readily discernable by others unless
they examine your lips closely. How do I know if the Ultrasofttmimplant
is right for me? All this information serves as only a
general guideline; however, only a face to face consult with Dr. Adams can
completely individualize your care and determine whether Ultrasofttmimplant
if right for you.
|
|
For further questions or to schedule a consultation call 214-965-9885 or email Dr. Adams. Dallas plastic surgeon offers plastic surgery procedures - forehead lift, browlift, breast augmentation using saline breast implants, silicone breast implants, cohesive gel breast implants, Gummy-bear breast implants, liposuction, rhinoplasty and more to Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin, Houston and surrounding areas.
|
