Am I a Candidate for Lip Augmentation?

Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that aims to give patients lips that are plumper and fuller. The augmentation, or enlargement, is normally accomplished through the use of dermal fillers or fat transfer that adds volume to the lips. However, implants can also be placed in the lips to provide augmentation.

Good Reasons for Lip Augmentation

1. Increase the volume of lips that are too thin
2. Add roundness and curves to the lips
3. Have a younger look to the lips
4. Achieve symmetry with the lips
5. Increased confidence

Bad Candidates for Lip Augmentation

1. People with unrealistic expectations
2. Patients with active infections or inflammation
3. Those who suffer from bleeding disorders or facial nerve disorders
4. Patients who have a history of multiple allergies

Cost Expectations

The cost of lip augmentation is determined by the type of procedure performed by the doctor. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, dermal lip fillers can cost anywhere from $600-$1000. The price difference depends on the amount of filler used, the cost charged by the individual doctor, the type of filler and the number of syringes used.

Lip augmentation using fat transfer runs from $350-$500. The price includes the extent of the area being treated, the number of injections, the type of anesthesia used and any facility fees (if necessary).

Lip implants cost anywhere from $1500-$4000 depending on the type of implant chosen by the patient and the complexity of the procedure.

Choosing the Type of Lip Augmentation

There are a number of lip augmentation treatments and they include:

• Injectable Fillers – In order to give the lips a plump and full appearance, doctors inject fillers in as little as 30-minutes. Collagen-based fillers such as Zyderm and Zyplast are made from bovine-derived collagen taken from the tissue of cows. In general, an allergy test is performed before the treatment to make sure the patient is not allergic to the collagen. Human-derived collagen fillers, such as Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast, are manufactured from excess skin removed during a surgery or from cadavers. Since the collagen comes from humans, it is very compatible with patients and there is no need for an allergy test.
• Hyaluronic Acid Fillers – Hyaluronic acid is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. After it is injected into the lips, the hyaluronic acid binds with water molecules which allow it to plump the lips while also moisturizing them. Popular examples of these fillers include Restylane and Radiesse.
• Implants – A lip augmentation method that is a popular choice among patients with thin lips. It takes about an hour for the implants to be placed. The surgeon places small incisions in the lips and then makes a thin tunnel where the implant is put in the lips. After the implant is placed, the surgeon threads it through the lip before trimming it to the proper length and closing the incisions. Lip implants can be made of silicone or a sterile, rubber-like material. Some popular implant choices include GORE-TEX and AlloDerm.
• Fat Transfer – The process of lip augmentation via fat transfer involves removing fat from one area of the body (such as the thighs or abdomen) through liposuction and then injecting that fat into the lips. Since the natural tissue of the body is used, there is rarely any kind of allergic reaction. This technique is a good choice for patients who want fuller lips as well as the opportunity to reduce the fat in certain areas of the body.

Risks and Complications

Patients need to be aware of the potential risks and complications before having a lip augmentation procedure. There are some general risks and complications as well as some that are specific to the type of lip augmentation being performed. These risks and complications include:

1. Infection
2. Stiffness of the lips
3. Implant rejection
4. Redness
5. Bruising
6. Implant migration
7. Tenderness

Recovery Information

The amount of time it takes a patient to recover from lip augmentation depends on the type of treatment performed as well as the extent of the treatment. Patients who have fillers or fat transfer have little to no downtime. Patients who undergo lip implants can resume their normal routines within a day or two.

Lip Augmentation Results

The results from lip augmentation vary according to the type of procedure performed. Injectable lip fillers last 4-6 months before they are absorbed back into the body. Augmentation using fat transfer and lip implants offer longer lasting results and can even be permanent in many cases.

MA