Lip Augmentation & Fillers

Lip augmentation
is a popular procedure performed to make the lips larger.  There are generally two types of patients who seek lip augmentation.  There are those patients who have lost volume in their lips during the aging process and wish to rejuvenate their lips by adding volume.  These patients would like their lips to return to the volume and shape they had when they were younger.  Another type of patient seeks lip augmentation to enhance their lips beyond their natural state.  These patients have always felt their lips were too small and would like a significant increase in size.

Lip augmentation is more complex than simply adding volume to the lips.  Balance and proportion are critical in lip augmentation.  The lips must be in harmony with the face.  In addition the upper and lower lip must be in the proper aesthetic proportion.  The lower lip should be larger than the upper lip.  A common mistake is to add too much volume to the upper lip and not enough to the lower lip causing the lips to be out of balance.

There are many techniques that may be used to enhance the appearance of the lips.  Some of these techniques are listed below.

Lip Injections:
Injectable fillers, such as Juvederm, Restylane, or Belotero, may be added to the lips.  These lip injections do not require surgery and have minimal downtime.  Lip fillers may last from 6 months to a year.  Dr. David Bray, Jr. uses blunt tipped injection cannulas to place filler in the lips. The blunt tipped cannulas cause less pain and bruising than the traditional approach with needles.  The cannulas do not injure blood vessels and therefore reduce the risk of injecting the filler into a blood vessel.  Dr. Bray, Jr. is able to precisely place the filler to provide a symmetric and controlled lip enhancement.

Fat:
Fat may be placed in the lips.  The fat is harvested from another part of the patient’s body and then transferred to the lips.  Blunt tipped cannulas are used for placement.  Not all of the fat will survive, but the fat that does survive can last for years.

Implants:
Permanent implants may be placed into the lips.  Some implants are made of silicone.  These are placed through a small incision at the corner of the mouth.   The implants come in different sizes and can be selected based on the goals of the patient.

Lip Lift:
Surgical techniques have been developed to create a more youthful appearance to the lips.  A lip lift involves incisions made along the base of the nose, and in some cases an incision is made along the corner of the mouth.  Skin is excised in order to elevate the lip.  During the aging process the lip will lengthen, lose volume, and turn down at the corner.  Lip lifting techniques help reverse this process and provide a more youthful appearance to the lips.

There are many techniques used to enhance the appearance of the lips. It is important to go to a board certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. David Bray, Jr., who is skilled in a variety of lip enhancement techniques.

Lip Augmentation Candidates

If you think you may benefit from lip augmentation, it is time to meet with Dr. Bray, Jr. He will evaluate the prospective treatment area and address all of your questions during a consultation. A lip augmentation may be beneficial to patients who:

• Have good physical health
• Are non-smokers or plan to quit smoking ahead of their treatment
• Have realistic expectations for their results
• Are interested in restoring or gaining a plumper lip appearance

Lip Augmentation FAQ

How long will my lip augmentation results last?

The longevity of your lip augmentation results depends on the type of technique used during your procedure. Injections containing lip filler materials such as Restylane are made up of hyaluronic acid and can last six months to a year. Fat transfer to the lips is another option, so if you opt for this type of lip augmentation, results may last for years. A lip lift can also produce long-term results; this surgery cannot halt the body’s natural aging process but can give you a more youthful appearance for years to come. Lip implants are permanent but can be removed, making this a versatile solution for some patients.

Does fat transfer lip augmentation require liposuction?

If you choose to have fat transfer to the lips, you will first need to harvest fat using liposuction techniques. The fat can be taken from areas of the body with excess fat but is typically sourced from the abdominal area. The harvested fat is then purified before Dr. Bray skillfully injects it into the lips. The procedure can take 60 to 90 minutes.

Are there any risks associated with lip augmentation?

As with any treatment, lip augmentation does come with some risks, but these can be minimized by choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon to complete your work. Dr. Bray, Jr. is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Board of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. He is committed to delivering outstanding care and facilitating open and honest communication during every patient interaction. Before your lip augmentation procedure, you will be provided instructions for recovery, including information on how to care for the treatment area as it heals.

Will my lip augmentation results look natural?

Lip augmentation is designed to enhance the appearance of your lips. Dr. Bray, Jr. will use the most appropriate techniques and filler materials for you to help create a natural yet noticeably improved lip result.

What is the recovery time for lip augmentation?

The recovery timeline for lip augmentation depends on the technique used to help you achieve your desired pout. With lip fillers, there is usually little to no downtime required, and many patients feel ready to get back to work and other daily activities right away. If you have undergone a surgical lip procedure, you may need days or weeks to recover. Dr. Bray will let you know when it is safe for you to resume your normal activities after surgery.