What Is Lip Augmentation?
A lip augmentation procedure can be performed on the upper or lower lip or both simultaneously and may offer temporary or permanent results depending on the type of material used. Most patients desiring larger, fuller lips can achieve their desired results with a straightforward procedure.
Fuller lips can be achieved through several different cosmetic techniques. The best procedure for you depends on your overall health, desired results, and several other factors. Dr. Butler will discuss these factors with you to help you decide which treatment option is best for you to achieve the lips you desire.
What Are the Benefits of Lip Augmentation?
Increased Fullness
Whether born with thinner lips or having lost volume and shape due to aging, the most popular reason patients seek lip augmentation is to increase the fullness of their lips. Lip augmentation—through injectable fillers or surgical implants—can increase your lips’ volume and create a plumper appearance.
Improved Symmetry
It’s normal to have some lip asymmetry, but if one lip is much larger than the other, it can be a source of embarrassment or feelings of self-consciousness. Lip augmentation can help restore a more proportionate balance to either lip for a cohesive look.
Reduction in Fine Lines and Wrinkles
In addition to adding volume, lip augmentation can also function as a rejuvenating procedure. Nourishing hyaluronic acid, collagen, or autologous fat can help fill in fine lines and wrinkles on and around the lips for a fuller and more youthful result.
How Is Lip Augmentation Performed?
Lip augmentation is performed on an outpatient basis and can usually be done in the office. It typically takes less than an hour to complete. Depending on the procedure, anesthesia may or may not be used. Injections may only require a topical anesthetic, while implants usually require local or general anesthesia.
Once anesthesia is applied, the filler is injected directly into the lips. This procedure takes just a few minutes, and proper placement is essential for achieving optimal results.
For lip implants, synthetic implants are inserted into the lips through tiny incisions at the corners of the mouth. The most commonly used implants for lip augmentation include AlloDerm™, GORE-TEX, and SoftForm. After inserting the implants, Dr. Butler closes the incisions with sutures. The implants will remain in place, providing permanent results.
Lip Augmentation FAQ
Is lip augmentation painful?
For lip augmentation with injections, your provider will provide a thin layer of topical anesthetic or ice application to minimize pain. Most patients report the injections are painless.
If you undergo lip augmentation with implants, Dr. Butler will utilize either local or general anesthesia so you will feel no pain during the procedure itself. You may experience minor discomfort in the early stages of recovery, but this is easily managed with over-the-counter medications.
Are lip augmentation results permanent?
With implants, yes. Injectables often require retreatment in a year. Depending on the type of material used, patients may require multiple treatments over time to maintain their desired results. Future effects of aging are unavoidable. Nonetheless, your lips will age better with these treatments than if you had not undergone augmentation.
How much does lip augmentation cost in Santa Monica?
The cost of lip augmentation in Santa Monica will vary from patient to patient, depending on the specific surgical or treatment plan Dr. Butler creates for you, the level of necessary revision, and your goals for the procedure.
Once a treatment plan has been created and agreed upon, Dr. Butler’s staff will be happy to provide you with an accurate cost estimate during your consultation.
Am I a good candidate for lip augmentation?
If your goals for the procedure are to increase lower or upper lip fullness, improve the symmetry or shape of one or both lips or restore youthful plumpness and smoothness to the lips, lip augmentation may be for you.
Candidates for lip augmentation should also be generally in good health, be nonsmokers (or willing to quit), and have reasonable expectations for results. If you are interested in seeing if you are a candidate for lip augmentation and what treatment will be best for you, Dr. Butler will be happy to discuss this with you during your consultation.
What are my options for lip augmentation?
Most lip augmentation options involve an injection of a facial filler to increase the size of the lips, although implants may also be used. Some of the options commonly used for lip augmentation include:
- The patient’s own fat from another area of the body
- Autologen injections (patient’s own collagen from another area)
- Fascia injections (donor material)
- Hylaform® injections (similar to natural hyaluronic acid)
- Restylane® injections (similar to natural hyaluronic acid)
Dr. Butler will be happy to discuss the best method of lip augmentation for you during your consultation.
Is lip augmentation safe?
Although lip augmentation is considered safe, certain risks are associated with any surgical procedure. These risks may include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, numbness, nerve damage, swelling, and scarring. Most patients undergo this procedure with no complications.
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