There’s something very aesthetically pleasing about having plump and luscious lips. However, they’re not something that very many of us are naturally blessed with via genetics. For this reason, there are many products and treatments on the market that promise to enhance our lips to varying degrees of plumpness. They range from over-the-counter, non-surgical treatments like Lip Plumper Gloss, to fat grafting, a surgical procedure in which a physician transfers fat from one part of your body to your lips, giving them the fullness many people are seeking.
In this article, we’re going to explore the differences between two of the most common lip augmentation procedures on the market today, Lip Fillers and Lip Implants, and see which one may be best suited for you.
Lip Fillers (or Lip Injections) are a non-surgical procedure in which hyaluronic acid is injected into the lips to give them more volume and shape. This treatment is semi-permanent and results typically last anywhere from 12-18 months, depending on the product being used. This makes them a great choice for anyone wanting to explore the option of having plumper lips without making a lifelong commitment to the aesthetic.
In this video, Dr. Christie Prendergrast provides insight on how best to maintain your lip injections and how frequently she suggests getting them done.
The procedure itself is very quick and relatively painless, typically only taking anywhere from 15-30 minutes to complete. The price for this treatment is roughly $600-800 per syringe, and just how many syringes you need depends on your specific goals and the existing attributes of your lips.
There is a very low risk of side effects, though it’s common to experience mild swelling, redness, tenderness, and bruising immediately following the procedure. These side effects are typically very short-lived, and most people are able to resume normal activities immediately following the procedure.
The various Lip Filler products on the market include Juvederm, Restylane, Voluma, and Perlane. Speak to your provider about the differences between each one to see which would be best for you.
Lip Implants are a surgical procedure involving the insertion of soft, solid silicone implants into the lip. These implants come in different sizes and are shaped like a natural lip. Which size you choose depends on a combination of your current aesthetic and what your end goals are, and your surgeon will be able to help you choose the size and shape that will best suit your face.
Even though this is a surgical procedure, it is still a relatively quick process and generally only takes about 30 minutes to complete. During the procedure, the surgeon will anesthetize your lips and make an incision in each corner of the mouth where the implants will be inserted. Recovery is also a bit more intense, and typically requires at least two weeks of downtime before resuming all normal activities. The price of a Lip Implant procedure ranges anywhere from $2,000-4,000.
One of the advantages for people who choose this treatment is that the results are long-lasting and considered a permanent solution, often lasting for decades. However, this comes with its own set of complications, as one needs to be fairly certain that they will be happy with the aesthetic of their lips once the procedure is complete.
It’s also important to note that removal of the implants is quite difficult, and there are more risks associated with procedure than with Lip Fillers. These risks include infections after the procedure, implant shifting, allergic reactions, and even lip asymmetry. All of these factors should be weighed very carefully with your treatment provider so that you’re able to make a well-informed decision beforehand.
If you’re looking to enhance your lips and give them more volume and shape, there’s no hard and fast rule as to which procedure is best for you. In order to make a well-informed decision, it’s important to speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon or other cosmetic specialist about your own unique goals and aspirations so that they can help you navigate the information and make the decision that you’ll be most happy with.
- BJ
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