Lip augmentation, a transformative cosmetic procedure designed to enhance and redefine your lips. Whether you desire fuller, more voluptuous lips or simply want to restore lost volume and definition, lip augmentation offers a personalized solution to help you achieve the perfect pout. With various techniques and materials available, this procedure can be tailored to suit your unique preferences and aesthetic goals.
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What is Lip Augmentation?
Do you wish you had fuller lips? Many women decide to improve the appearance of their lips with lip augmentation. This is a simple cosmetic procedure that can give you the lips you’ve dreamed of for years.
Dermal fillers are a popular treatment to augment and shape the lips. There are many dermal fillers that your doctor can inject into the lips and around the mouth to enhance their appearance.
The most popular lip augmentation filler used today contains hyaluronic acid, a natural substance in your body. It usually plumps and adds volume to the skin, but it can also augment the lips.
Smita R. Ramanadham, M.D.– Female Plastic Surgeon
As a New Jersey native, Dr. Smita Ramanadham understands the unique goals of women and men in the New Jersey Area. After a successful academic career at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA. she is excited to be back in her home state.
Dr. Ramanadham completed her plastic and reconstructive surgery training at the prestigious University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, TX, nationally ranked number one by Doximity for their plastic surgery program. Here, she trained directly under the world’s leading experts.
She serves as an active member of The Aesthetic Society, a highly esteemed society representing the most qualified group of aesthetic plastic surgeons. Additionally, she serves as an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and values the opportunity to improve the field of plastic surgery on a greater scale. Here she serves on multiple national committees, including, Women Plastic Surgeons, Young Plastic Surgeons Steering Committee, Curriculum Committee, Social Medial Subcommittee, Wellness Task Force, and Coding and Payment Policy Committee.
Types of Lip Augmentation
Types of lip augmentation include the following. Talk to your surgeon about which lip enhancement method is best for you:
Fat Grafting
Another option is to use fat from your body for lip augmentation. Fat is usually harvested from the abdomen or flanks with liposuction, washed and processed, and slowly injected into the lips.
Some prefer fat grafting because it’s natural, and there’s no chance your body will reject its own fat.
Lip Implants
People who want a permanent solution to increase lip volume may choose lip implants. One of the most common options is the Permalip implant done in the office.
The surgeon uses a tool to create a tunnel in the lip for the implant, and it’s done with topical anesthetic.
Tissue Grafting
Some surgeons use other tissue from the body to augment the lips. Skin might be removed from the lower abdomen, for example. Some women who have had a C-section may have the scar resected and used for their lip augmentation.
Lip Augmentation Benefits
Lip augmentation with hyaluronic fillers offer several benefits over other methods:
- Precise control of lip volume: It’s easier for the healthcare provider to control how much filler is injected. This means you will get the amount of fullness you desire, and it can be increased or decreased as needed.
- Gradual treatment: Hyaluronic acid can be slowly added over several treatments until you get the results you want.
- Bumps will dissolve: Some patients get lumps and bumps when the acid is injected, but these should fade after a day or two.
- Dermal filler lip enhancement is more affordable than other options
- Dermal filler injections can also enhance the lip line
- Less bruising: Hyaluronic acid usually bruises less than other dermal fillers.
- Results last: The lip augmentation effect can last between six months and a year.
- Few allergic reactions: Hyaluronic acid is similar to collagen in the body, so most people aren’t allergic to this substance.
If you decide to have lip augmentation with implants, you will need to undergo surgery and have a short recovery. But the benefit of lip implants is it gives you permanent fullness, whereas you need regular touch-ups with dermal fillers.
Another benefit of lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid is it can be done quickly in a doctor’s office will little downtime.
However, if you have lip augmentation with fat transfer, you also will need to undergo liposuction to remove fat from another part of the body.
Ideal Candidates For Lip Augmentation
Candidates for lip augmentation with dermal fillers are in good overall health, at normal body weight, and don’t smoke.
Your surgeon will give you a full medical examination and check your medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. It’s important to tell your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you take.
Also, If you have diabetes, the condition should be well controlled before having lip augmentation.
If you have lip implants, you should not take any medications that thin the blood, and don’t smoke for several weeks before and after the procedure.
Preparation For Lip Augmentation
Before the filler is injected, the doctor will probably use a topical anesthetic to reduce pain when the needle is inserted. Also, you can hold ice to your lips before the injections to reduce discomfort.
You should notice that your lips are fuller right after the treatment. Most patients don’t have any side effects and can go back to work or their other activities the same day.
If you choose lip implants, you shouldn’t smoke or take blood thinners for a few weeks before and after the procedure. Lip implants use a local anesthetic, so you can drive yourself home after the procedure.
Lip Augmentation Procedure
Lip augmentation is usually an in-office procedure where dermal fillers such as Juvéderm or Restylane are injected into the upper and lower lips. The doctor will numb the lips with a topical anesthetic and inject the filler into several parts of the lips.
If the surgeon uses fat grafting, fat will be harvested with liposuction from another part of the body. It’s then washed and processed and injected into the lips.
If the surgeon uses lip implants, they make a tunnel in the lip with a special instrument, then insert the lip implant.
Lip Augmentation Risks And Complications
Most patients don’t have significant side effects from hyaluronic acid fillers, but the following are possible:
- Bleeding from sites where filler was injected
- Swelling and bruising
- Tenderness and redness where filler was injected
Rarer complications include swelling that doesn’t dissipate after a week. Others may have lip asymmetry, requiring another procedure.
Other rare complications include:
- Infection
- Filler injection into a blood vessel, which can damage tissue
- Lumps in the lips
- Scarring or lip stiffening
Most trained surgeons who are board-certified rarely have complications from this procedure, so choose your provider wisely, please.
If you have lip implants, you could have an infection at the incision site or longer-term swelling, but these problems are rare.
Lip Augmentation Recovery
Liposuction is usually done on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day. But if you are having more than a few pounds of fat removed, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight.
No matter when you leave, you will need someone to take you home when the surgeon clears you. You will probably be sore and tired after surgery, and it’s unsafe to drive after general anesthesia.
During the first three days, the surgeon will provide you with a compression garment to wear. It’s important to wear it so your skin adheres to your new shape.
You can expect a moderate level of pain and swelling in the first week. Dr. Smita will prescribe pain medication if needed for the first week.
You should limit your activities for at least a week, but it’s good for recovery to go for a walk every day.
It could take up to three months for all swelling to fade, and up to a year before you see the final results.
To have a faster recovery:
- Eat a healthy diet: Even if you are in the best health, surgery is tough on the body. Healing properly requires good, healthy food every day. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to speed recovery and reduce inflammation.
- Rest: Remember to rest for the first week after surgery gets a full night’s sleep. Doing both will give your body time to heal.
- Go for a walk: While you should avoid strenuous exercise at first, going for a walk every day can improve the healing process.
- Get help if you need it: You should talk to friends or family if you are having trouble cleaning, caring for children or doing errands. It may be difficult to lift children for a week or two, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Lip Augmentation Cost New Jersey
The cost of lip implants typically ranges between $2,000 and $4,000 on average. On the other hand, tissue transfer implants may cost between $3,000 and $6,000.
Although the results of tissue transfer implants can last for five years or more, it’s important to note that they are not considered a permanent lip augmentation solution.
Complementary Procedures
If you decide to undergo lip augmentation, you may consider other facial procedures simultaneously to enhance your transformation. Doing so allows you to have all of your recovery completed at one time, which saves time and money.
Popular procedures that patients sometimes choose with lip augmentation include:
Lip Augmentation FAQ
Some of the most common questions about lip augmentation are:
How Many Dermal Filler Injections Do I Need?
It depends on how much lip augmentation you want. Most surgeons recommend a subtle lig augmentation so the results are subtle and not too obvious.
Usually, no more than one syringe of hyaluronic acid is used in one session. If you heal well and want a bit more, tell your healthcare provider.
How Long Does Dermal Filler In The Lips Last?
Lips move more than most other parts of the body, so the filler will be absorbed faster. Most patients need a touch-up after six to 12 months.
What Risks Are There To Lip Augmentation?
Serious side effects are rare, but infection, allergic reaction, and tissue death are possible.
Can I Reverse Lip Augmentation?
If the doctor uses hyaluronic acid, the filler can be removed with a special enzyme. But most patients like the results.
What Is The Best Dermal Filler For Lip Augmentation?
There are several types of dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid that are ideal for this procedure. Which works best and looks more natural depends on your anatomy.
For example, if you have small lips, or fine lines above the lip, Juvederm Volbella or Restylane Silk may be ideal.
If you have younger lips that need more volume, Juvederm Ultra may be best.
How Can I Avoid Lips That Are Too Big?
One of the problems with lip augmentation is too many patients want ‘celebrity’ lips such as Kylie Jenner. But not everyone will look good or natural if the doctor attempts to make you look like someone else.
It’s best to rely on an expert plastic surgeon who is experienced with lip enhancement to make the lips you have look the best they can. They won’t look like a celebrity’s but they will look the best they can look on you, which is the goal.
Can I Eat After Lip Augmentation?
Yes, but alcohol and salty foods can make the lips swell, especially for the first few days. You also shouldn’t smoke or sip through a straw for the first week after lip enhancement.
Will I Need Anesthesia For Lip Injections?
Your doctor will probably numb the lips with a topical anesthetic so the injections won’t hurt. The topical anesthetic wears off after about 20 minutes. Because you aren’t put under with general anethesia, you can drive yourself home after the procedure.
Can I Exercise After Lip Augmentation?
You shouldn’t engage in exercise for the first 24 hour after your injection. Increasing blood flow to the face can affect the filler until it bonds to your tissues.
Can I Have Only One Lip Done?
Yes. Say you already have a full lower lip but a thin upper one. You can just have the upper one injected with filler. But if you already have a full lower lip, it’s important to use enough filler on the upper one, so things are symmetrical.
How Much Dermal Filler Do I Need?
This depends on the effect you want. Using ½ cc per lip might not be enough for many people, but ¾ cc per lip produces a good result that isn’t too obvious.
If you want a more dramatic look, 1 cc per lip is right. But if you are more conservative, this could be too much. People who want the most effect may want 1.5 cc per lip.
It’s always best to start with a smaller amount of filler and see if it’s enough to get the effect you want. More can always be added if needed.
Should I Augment The Corners Or Just The Middle Of The Lips?
It depends on your anatomy and what you want. If money is an issue, you may want to only do the middle part of the lips because it’s the most noticeable. But augmenting the corners of the mouth will accentuate the effects.
Is Lip Augmentation Worth It?
Lip augmentation is a relatively simple and effective way to increase the size and shape of your lips. If you want to enhance your lips to please yourself, this can be a good way to improve your appearance. But you shouldn’t have lip augmentation or any cosmetic procedure to please someone else.
Also, it’s important to have realistic expectations about lip augmentation. Your doctor can add volume to the lips, but can’t completely change their appearance. If you are realistic about what the procedure can do, lip augmentation can be a great choice.
There also are several different lip augmentation options, from dermal fillers, to lip implants, to fat injection. It’s important to talk at length with your surgeon to determine which is best for your situation.
Love Your Lips
Our New Jersey practice wants to help you feel confident in the look and feel of your mouth. With lip enhancement options, you can have full, plump lips that enhance your overall appearance.
Contact us to schedule a consultation with plastic surgeon Dr. Ramanadham. She will evaluate your shape and contour to develop a personalized augmentation treatment plan to accentuate your pout.
References
Surgical And Nonsurgical Options To Plump Up Your Lips. (n.d.). Accessed at
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/surgical-and-nonsurgical-options-to-plump-up-your-lips#
Lip Enhancement Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at
https://www.facialesthetics.org/patient-info/facial-esthetics/cosmetics/lips/
Lip Augmentation And Injections. (n.d.). Accessed at
https://aedit.com/procedure/lip-augmentation-and-injections
Lip Augmentation. (n.d.). Accessed at
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-lip-augmentation