The cupids bow is the part of the upper lip that is shaped like a bow. It is the part of the mouth that is considered by many to be the most attractive and which draws the most attention.
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Many women place a lot of emphasis on the cupids bow when applying cosmetics. Those who want a more permanent fix will have this part of the mouth augmented in order to obtain a more sensual looking pout.
There are a number of ways that individuals can have their cupids bow augmented. Injectable wrinkle fillers are amongst the most popular. However, a procedure that is becoming increasingly popular is autologous fat grafting.
Autologous fat grafting is a procedure which takes fat from one part of the body and injects it into another. When it is done for cosmetic purposes, the fat is used as a filler. Doctors may inject it into the cupids bow to make it more pronounced and hopefully more attractive looking.
This is a simple procedure and one that can be done pretty quickly. It offers an alternative to artificial fillers. Some people are averse to having any foreign substance injected into their bodies. The idea of using fat from their own body is preferred.
The use of fat grafting rather than artificial fillers is advantageous for a number of reasons. There are fewer possible, negative side effects and many people believe that the results are more natural looking, though others disagree.
It is important to note that while autologous fat grafting may be a good option for some individuals, it isn’t without its risks. We will discuss what some of those are a little later in the article.
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Autologous fat grafting for the purpose of cosmetically improving the appearance of the cupids bow is relatively new. As mentioned above, wrinkle fillers were first used for this purpose and are still used today. In fat, it is the most popular way to augment the cupids bow.
Autologous fat grafting is becoming increasingly popular, in part, because both patients and cosmetic surgeons are on the hunt for more natural ways to perform those procedures which typically use artificial fillers and implants. Fat grafting fits the bill.
Autologous fat grafting to make the cupids bow more pronounced is a procedure that people of all ages undergo, though it primarily performed on women. As we age, our lips begin to atrophy and thin.
Fat grafting helps to add back some of that lost volume and is why some older women will choose to undergo it. Younger women with thin lips may want to also add volume for the same reason as older women, but for different reasons, older women due to aging and younger women because of genetically thin lips.
This procedure has the potential to be very successful. When it is done correctly, it can dramatically improve the appearance of a weak or thin cupids bow.
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Procedure
Step 1- Patient Preparation: The patient is prepared to undergo the procedure. The lips and the harvest site are numbed, typically with a local anesthetic. Sedation may also be used.
Step 2- Harvest the Fat: The fat is harvested or taken from whatever part of the body the surgeon has chosen. This will typically be the abdomen, hips, thighs or behind the knees.
Step 3- Process the Fat: The fat is placed in a centrifuge where it is spun until the fat cells are separated from the fat fluid.
Step 4- Inject the Fat: The fat is injected into the cupids bow
Read more details about PRP for fat transfers.
Recovery
After undergoing an autologous fat graft a patient may feel some pain but it shouldn’t be severe. They may be given a prescription pain reliever but it shouldn’t be necessary to take for more than 1 to 2 days. There will likely be some bruising, which it should subside within a week. The most lasting side effect will be inflammation. It can take several weeks before it completely subsides. Individuals should keep this in mind when attempting to gage the results of their cupids bow augmentation.
Cost
The cost of fat grafting for the cupids bow will vary depending on the doctor and what method they use. Other factors which will affect the price are the reputation of the doctor and the region of the country in which he or she practices.
However, most plastic surgeons will charge somewhere between $750 and $3500, with the average price being around $1700. The procedure is so expensive, in part, because of the liposuction necessary to obtain the fat and the expertise required to contour is correctly.
Complications
There are number of potential complications associated with autologous fat grafting for the purpose of plumping up their cupids bow. They include the injected fat becoming hard and lumpy. Fat embolism, which can occur if the injected fat makes its way into the blood stream, is another possible complication.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure? Why or why not?
- How much will this procedure cost?
- How much experience do you have with fat grafting?
- Is this procedure permanent?
- What type of side effects may I experience?
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