Lip Augmentation

The lips are one of the most appealing facial features. Full, luscious lips can convey femininity and youthfulness, while thin, lackluster lips can detract from your natural beauty. If you're unhappy with the appearance of your lips, many safe and simple procedures can help you achieve the full, beautiful lips you've always wanted.

Dreaming of fuller lips?

Having thin lips can be the result of heredity or due to natural volume loss that comes with age. It is important to remember with any cosmetic enhancement, we are our own worst enemy. What you see isn’t what everyone else sees. With that in mind, lip enhancement can help you feel more confident. Whether you have a surgical or non-surgical procedure, our injectors and board-certified plastic surgeons are the top in their field. Lip enhancement can help to improve the symmetry of your face and give you a more youthful appearance.

APSI can help you achieve fuller, poutier lips

The Austin Plastic Surgery Institute was established in 2003 by a group of board-certified plastic surgeons. Our goal is to provide the best possible care to our patients while maintaining a close-knit, family-like atmosphere. We believe that open communication and honest discussion are key to achieving the best results. Our team of nurses, aestheticians, and support staff work together closely to provide each patient with individualized care.

We offer a wide range of surgical and non-surgical procedures and utilize cutting-edge technologies to achieve the best possible outcome.

Whether you are looking for a non-surgical injectable treatment or a more complex surgical procedure, we are confident that we can exceed your expectations.

Overview The journey to fuller lips

Lip augmentation techniques are sometimes performed in tandem with other facial procedures at Austin Plastic Surgery Institute, such as facial implants, BOTOX®, chemical peels, and facial laser resurfacing. Did you know lip augmentation can not only improve the appearance of the fullness of your lips but also minimize fine lines and wrinkles around your mouth? Whatever your lip enhancement desires are, be sure to make a consultation appointment with our trusted, board-certified plastic surgeons to explore which option is best for you.

What is the procedure like?

The technique used to perform lip augmentation will vary depending upon whether the patient is having a surgical or non-surgical procedure. Patients who are having a surgical procedure with an implant or with AlloDerm will have incisions that will start on the outer corner of the mouth. These incisions allow the surgeon to create a tunnel within the lip where the implant can then be placed. The same approach is used for AlloDerm. Once the implants and/or tissue are in correct placement, the lips are then sutured, and the incisions closed. These sutures are dissolvable.

What is the filler procedure for lip enhancement?

Lip enhancement done with filler injections will take place after a local numbing anesthetic is placed. These injections are made through a syringe that is placed inside the lip. The substance that is used is injected in layers until the desired fullness has been achieved. Some patients will need to have this process repeated several times depending on how quickly the body absorbs the injected material.

Your options for lip enhancement

Lip Implants

This is a surgical procedure that provides a lifelong increase in lip size. There are two alternatives available that most surgeons use, including PermaLip, which is a solid silicone material that offers a natural, soft result; and Advanta Lip, which uses a synthetic Gore-Tex material that offers a fuller result with a firmer feel.

AlloDerm

This is a popular surgical method to enhance the lips. It consists of components from the most durable part of the skin, known as the dermis. It is harvested natural tissue that is placed within the lips through tiny incisions. It integrates with the natural tissues and fibers within the lips to create a smooth, natural appearance.

Natural fat transfer

This is a non-surgical injection, also referred to as a fat transfer. The process involves removing fat through liposuction from the patient’s body, filtering this fat, and then transferring it to the lips.

Dermal filler

This is a nonsurgical injection to the lips to create a fuller look. There are a variety of filler products available including those made of collagen, hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite or another plumping ingredient. These are marketed under various brand names, including Juvéderm, Restylane, Radiesse, and some others.

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The surgical procedure What to expect

Lip augmentation (surgical and non-surgical) is performed as an outpatient procedure in an accredited surgical facility. The surgical process to place an implant typically takes about an hour and is performed under general anesthesia, in most cases.

Lip augmentation using an injectable filler is performed in-office and usually takes about 30 minutes. A numbing cream is generally used for injections. The lips will be sore and swollen for a few days. This subsides and the results are fuller soft lips.

Lip Augmentation FAQs

Should I get an implant or filler?

The good news is that there are many choices and alternatives, each one offering specific benefits to meet each patient’s goals and desires. Women who wish to have long term results will probably be better suited to have implants or some sort of filler treatment that produces longer-lasting results. Some patients may not be sure how they will feel following lip augmentation and may want to take baby steps with their lip enhancement. Luckily, many procedures offer a fuller lip that won’t last forever. During your consultation, all techniques will be discussed so that the right decision can be made.

Will implants look fake?

Lip implants are made with flexible, synthetic materials that are produced to result in a natural look and feel. After a few months, the lips will take on a normal appearance and the implant will integrate with the natural tissues and fibers of the lip. Most patients remark that their new lips look and feel both natural and soft.

Is it reversible?

Patients who do not like their lip implants can have them removed. It’s important to make sure all swelling has subsided before deciding to have them taken out. Injections will slowly absorb into the body and thus the lips will naturally become smaller when an injection is involved.

What about scarring?

Scarring is very minimal with lip augmentation surgery because the incision is placed on the outside of the mouth in the natural crease of the lips. Once healed, the incision line is virtually invisible.