Have your lips lost volume with age or were they never particularly voluminous in the first place? Lip augmentation can restore or provide volume. Patients have various options for lip augmentation — some more long-lasting than others. Dr. David Bray, Jr., a triple board-certified plastic surgeon in Torrance, CA, discusses what you need to know about lip enhancement and how long it lasts.
Fat Grafting
Your own fat can enhance your lips. Fat is removed via liposuction from the abdomen, buttocks or thighs — virtually anywhere it is abundant — then purified and injected into the desired area. Not all of the fat that is injected will survive, but the fat that does survive may last a long time.
Because your own fat is used, your body will not reject the graft.
Dermal Lip Fillers
Dermal injectable lip fillers such as Juvéderm, Restylane or Belotero are popular choices for lip enhancement. Swelling may take place after the injections and should subside within a few days.
The effects of dermal lip fillers generally last between six months and one year. Routine touch-ups will keep your lips in full form.
Botox Lip Flip
There’s no end to the cosmetic benefits of Botox. This purified form of botulinum toxin works by relaxing muscles. The Botox lip flip involves injecting Botox into the edges of the lips and the mouth corners. The result is lips that appear fuller and poutier.
It’s dubbed a lip flip because by relaxing the upper lip muscles, Botox can cause the upper lip to “flip” up a small amount, making it larger visually. It takes about a week for the full effects to occur.
The Botox lip flip may also reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth. However, it is not permanent. Expect results to last three to four months. You can then repeat this procedure.
Schedule Your Lip Enhancement Consultation in Torrance
If you would like more information about lip augmentation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bray, Jr. at our Torrance, California office today. Dr. Bray, Jr. is the only plastic surgeon in the South Bay area who is triple board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
