Both procedures are performed under local anaesthesia. Many prefer to be given some light intravenous sedation. Many patients request the procedure be performed in combination with some other surgery where they are already asleep, thus totally eliminating feeling anything.
The amount of lip augmentation is determined by the patient. It is helpful when the patient brings to the consultation downloaded photos showing lips he or she admires. Generally, the procedure takes about 30 minutes. Most post-operative swelling disappears completely in 2 weeks. Discomfort is minimal.
Finally, occasionally a patient will request lip injection using medical-grade silicone. This too is a permanent enhancement, but unlike the Perma Surgisil strips, cannot be easily removed. Though such a procedure is legal, it is definitely off-label. There is some risk. Dr. Baeke will only consider performing this technique if the patient has previously undergone such injections and had no problems. He will not consider performing silicone injections on someone for the first time.
