Facts on Lip Augmentation and Lip Enhancement

Lip augmentation, or lip enhancement, is a process of filling in or plumping up the tissue around and inside the lips. This procedure can help diminish lines that form around the lips (“lipstick lines”), give thin lips more volume and fullness, and take away years from a patient’s appearance.

Techniques for Lip Enhancement

There are essentially three main options for lip augmentation: transferring fat from another part of the patient’s body to the lip area, injecting a dermal filler made of natural or synthetic material under the skin in the target area, or surgically inserting an implant prosthesis. Each of these methods has its strengths and weaknesses, which you should cover with your doctor during an initial consultation.

Fat transfer involves the removal and purification of a patient’s own fat, donated from the abdomen, buttocks, thigh, or elsewhere–which is subsequently injected or surgically placed in the treatment area. One of the main advantages of using a patient’s own fat cells is that allergic reactions and rejection are virtually nonexistent. The drawback is that, being composed of natural tissue, fat will gradually be reabsorbed into the body, meaning the effects generally last only six months to a year.

There is a wide selection of dermal fillers available today with different properties and uses. From bovine- and human-based collagen to hyaluronic acid-based products such as Juvederm®, Restylane®, and Perlane®, dermal fillers provide quick results, no scarring, and easier recovery than more invasive treatments. However, like fat transfer, they will be absorbed into the patient’s body over time and require re-treatment to maintain results.

A more permanent solution is to surgically place a lip implant made of synthetic or natural material into the lips. A surgeon will make a tunnel and thread the implant through, then close the ends with stitches. This method provides longer lasting results, but also carries more risks such as rejection, implant displacement, and scarring.

For more information on types of injectables and dermal fillers used for lip augmentation and other procedures, see our injectable dermal filler page.

The content of this Web site is intended to be used for informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice or instruction. If you have more questions about Philadelphia lip augmentation, other cosmetic treatments, or plastic surgery procedures, please call Dr. Lohner’s Main Line Pennsylvania office and we’ll be happy to schedule a consultation.