What Are My Lip Augmentation Options?
Drs. Martin and Adam O’Toole offer three options to achieve your lip augmentation goals and will discuss these options with you in detail during your lip enhancement consultation.
Schedule a ConsultationInjectable Dermal Fillers
For a more subtle and temporary lip augmentation solution, Dr. O’Toole offers several other facial fillers that can add volume to lips. However, he generally recommends JUVÉDERM®
JUVÉDERM® is made from hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in the body and helps lips and other facial features retain their structure and volume.
Fat Transfer
Fat transfer to the lips is a long-lasting option popular for patients who want more volume in their lips but don’t want to commit to lip implants.
Fat transfer involves using liposuction to harvest fat from another area of your body to enhance the lips.
Lip Implants
This permanent lip augmentation option involves placing a soft, flexible implant into either your top or bottom lip, and sometimes both.
There are a wide variety of implant sizes and shapes to help you achieve your desired results.
What Are the Benefits of These Lip Augmentation Options?
If you are unhappy with thinning lips or changes in the shape of your lips caused by aging, lip augmentation can help you restore a lush, sensual appearance. Building volume in the lips also has the additional effect of diminishing fine lines around the lips.
Even slight changes in the look of your lips can improve your overall facial appearance. Many of our lip augmentation patients report a sense of invigoration and newfound confidence.
These options result in more beautiful lips without scarring, each with advantages.
What is a Long Lip?
The distance between the bottom of your nose and the top of your upper lip is called a long lip. As we age, this distance increases and detracts from the appearance of your lips and face.
A surgical approach is often a better option in this case, as using fillers cannot address a long lip. Using fillers when the lip is long can contribute to an undesirable “simian” appearance.
Natural-Looking Facial Surgery Results
At Pasadena Cosmetic Surgery, our plastic surgeons are committed to providing natural-looking results that meet or exceed your expectations. We accomplish this by examining your facial anatomy carefully and using mapping techniques to target areas where contours and facial symmetry can be improved.
Contact UsWhat Are Your Concerns?
Recovery
Lip augmentation with fillers requires little to no downtime, while fat transfer and implants involve a short recovery period.
You can alleviate any discomfort using a cold compress, but avoid taking aspirin or NSAIDs, which can increase bleeding and bruising before and after your procedure.
Cost
The cost of your lip augmentation procedure will vary depending on the option you choose. While facial fillers require maintenance treatments, they cost significantly less than implants initially. Your lip augmentation options and costs will be addressed in detail during your consultation.
Pain
Lip implant surgery and fat transfer are performed under local or general anesthesia so that you will remain comfortable during your procedure. A topical numbing cream is applied before lip augmentation with fillers to prevent pain, but some discomfort may be experienced after the procedure. This can also be reduced with cold compresses and over-the-counter medicine.
Scarring
Incisions for surgical lip augmentation are made inside the lip and will conceal any scars. Dermal fillers like JUVÉDERM® may cause some redness at the injection site that will disappear in a few days.
Fat transfer will result in tiny scars at the liposuction incision sites that fade nicely with time with no scarring on the lips.
Results
Our surgeons are dedicated to providing excellent results when performing all our surgical and non-surgical procedures. Our implant and filler lip augmentation patients are usually amazed at how natural their results look while achieving significant aesthetic improvements.
Lip implants and injectables offer nearly immediate improvements with little downtime. Some temporary swelling can occur with implants but subside quickly. Dermal fillers and fat transfer offer the ability to add more if you desire more dramatic results.
With fat transfer, you will see immediate results, but the final outcome will appear in about 10 to 14 days.
Your Pasadena Lip Augmentation Experts
Drs. Martin and Adam O’Toole are highly skilled board-certified plastic surgeons providing surgical and non-surgical lip augmentation options in Pasadena, California.
Call (626) 671-1756 to schedule your Pasadena lip augmentation consultation.
Lip Augmentation FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
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What is lip augmentation, and how does it work?
Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of the lips. It can be achieved through the use of implants, dermal fillers, or fat transfer. Each method involves different techniques to achieve fuller lips.
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What are lip implants, and how are they inserted?
Lip implants are synthetic materials surgically inserted into the lips to add volume. The procedure involves creating small incisions at the lip corners, and the implants are carefully placed to achieve the desired lip augmentation.
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How do dermal fillers enhance lip volume?
Dermal fillers, commonly made of hyaluronic acid, are injected into the lips to add volume and improve contour. Results are temporary, lasting several months, after which the procedure can be repeated for maintenance.
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How is fat transfer for lip augmentation performed?
Fat transfer involves harvesting fat from one part of the body (commonly the abdomen or thighs), purifying it, and injecting it into the lips. This method provides a natural and longer-lasting solution for lip augmentation.
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Which lip augmentation method is more suitable for a natural look: implants, fillers, or fat transfer?
Achieving a natural look depends on individual preferences and the practitioner’s expertise. Dermal fillers and fat transfer often provide more natural results, while lip implants can offer a defined and longer-lasting enhancement.
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Is lip augmentation painful?
Pain levels vary based on the method used. Dermal filler injections usually involve minimal discomfort, while surgical procedures like lip implants or fat transfer may have a more extended recovery period with some swelling and bruising.
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Are there risks or complications associated with lip augmentation?
All cosmetic procedures carry some risks. Complications may include infection, bleeding, or asymmetry. Choosing a qualified and experienced practitioner can help minimize these risks.
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Can lip augmentation results be reversed or adjusted if I'm not satisfied?
Results from dermal fillers can be adjusted or reversed using hyaluronic acid dissolvers. Surgical procedures may require additional surgery to correct or change results.
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How long do lip augmentation results with implants, fillers, and fat transfer last?
- Lip augmentation with fillers: Temporary, lasting several months to a year.
- Lip augmentation with fat transfer: Longer-lasting, with results often persisting for years.
- Lip augmentation with Implants: Long-lasting or permanent.
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Who is an ideal candidate for lip augmentation?
Ideal candidates are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and wish to enhance the volume or shape of their lips. A consultation with a qualified practitioner can determine candidacy.