Lip Augmentation

Lip augmentation adds volume to thinning lips, creating a more youthful appearance. There are several types of lip augmentation, including lip fillers, implants, fat transfers, and lip lifts. Recovery time, results, and possible risks vary with each procedure.

Overview

What is lip augmentation?

Lip augmentation is an in-office cosmetic procedure that creates fuller, more youthful-looking lips. There are different types of lip augmentation to fit your needs and goals. Some procedures are nonsurgical, using fillers to plump up the lips temporarily. Others involve small incisions in your lips or face for longer-lasting results.

What are the types of lip augmentation?
  • Fat grafting: A plastic surgeon takes fat from another area of your body — commonly your stomach — purifies it, and injects it into your lips.
  • Lip fillers: A healthcare provider injects lip filler, also called a dermal filler, into your lips or around your mouth.
  • Lip implants: A plastic surgeon makes a small incision in each corner of your mouth and inserts an implant into your lips.
  • Lip lift: A plastic surgeon removes excess skin between your nose and upper lip (or the corners of your mouth) to pull up your lips.
What are the different types of lip fillers?

Healthcare providers mainly use lip fillers that contain hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in your body. Common hyaluronic acid fillers include Restylane® and Juvéderm®. Some fillers also contain lidocaine, which numbs your skin to prevent pain or discomfort from the procedure.

How long does lip augmentation last?
  • Lip fillers last six months to a year.
  • Fat grafting lasts at least five years.
  • A lip lift is permanent.
  • Lip implants are permanent but can be removed at any time.
What is the best lip augmentation procedure?

The best lip augmentation procedure is different for every person. The right procedure for you depends on your goals and lip shape and size. For example, lip implants or a lip lift may be ideal if you prefer permanent results. However, implants may not be appropriate for razor-thin or asymmetrical lips.

Who’s a good candidate for lip augmentation?

In most cases, you’re a candidate for lip augmentation if you:

  • Are in good health.
  • Don’t smoke or can quit smoking before the procedure.
  • Don’t have an active infection like a cold sore.
  • Don’t have a chronic condition like diabetes or lupus.
  • Have realistic expectations about your results.

Lip Augmentation Procedure Details

How do I prepare for lip augmentation?

Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on how best to prepare. A few weeks before the procedure, you’ll need to stop smoking and taking blood-thinning medication, which can worsen bruising. Avoid pain relievers like aspirin and herbal supplements like multivitamins and fish oil.

What happens before lip augmentation?

Your plastic surgeon will likely use local anesthesia to numb the area so that you don’t feel any pain. You’ll be awake for the procedure. If you’re having multiple cosmetic surgeries, you may receive general anesthesia and be asleep the entire time.

What happens during lip augmentation?

Here’s what to expect according to the type of lip augmentation procedure you have:

  • Lip fillers: Healthcare provider uses a fine needle to inject the filler into your lips. The injections typically take 10 to 30 minutes.
  • Fat transfer: Liposuction removes fat from your belly, purifies it, and your surgeon injects it into your lips. Procedure takes about 60 to 90 minutes.
  • Lip implant: Lasts about 30 minutes. The surgeon numbs your lips, makes small incisions, creates a tunnel, pulls the implant through, and closes with stitches.
  • Lip lift: Typically takes about an hour. Surgeon numbs the area, makes an incision under the nose, removes a strip of skin, lifts the upper lip, and closes with stitches.
What happens after lip augmentation?

You’ll receive instructions to help your lips heal and optimize results:

  • Eat soft foods for the first few days.
  • Elevate your head during sleep.
  • Avoid excessive movement of your lips.
  • Use an ice pack on your lips for several days.
What are the risks or complications of this procedure?

Possible risks and complications include:

  • Allergic reactions like redness and itching.
  • Bleeding, bruising, and infection.
  • Lip stiffening, scarring, and uneven lips.
What are the benefits of lip augmentation?

Lip augmentation gives your lips a fuller, younger look. Some procedures are reversible, such as removing implants or dissolving fillers with hyaluronidase if you’re unhappy with the outcome.

What is the recovery time?

Recovery time depends on the procedure type. Lip fillers have little to no recovery time, while surgical augmentation may take several days to weeks for swelling and bruising to subside.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Call your provider if you experience:

  • Allergic reactions or infection.
  • Bruising that doesn’t go away.
  • Excessive bleeding or severe swelling.
  • Fever.
A note from Covai Cosmetic Surgery

Lip augmentation uses various nonsurgical and surgical techniques. For a fuller look, fillers with hyaluronic acid or your own fat may be injected into your lips. Your plastic surgeon will help you decide which lip augmentation procedure is best suited for your lips and goals.