Lip Augmentation

Lip augmentation procedures create plumper, fuller lips. They also may reduce fine wrinkles around the mouth.

Procedures
Three primary techniques are used to add volume to and reduce wrinkles surrounding lips: injections, implants and local flap grafts.

Injections: Generally office-based procedures where a natural or synthetic substance is injected into the lips. Some of the substances only add volume to the lips while others stimulate natural collagen growth. Injections are non-surgical. They are done in a physician's office using only a topical anesthetic. A single injection can be completed in minutes. Patients can return immediately to normal activity with some short-term after effects, such as slight swelling.

Implants: The surgeon will insert more solid material into the lips, either synthetic or derived from human tissue. Incisions are made either in the mouth or on the outer borders of the lips in this surgical procedure. A common risk of using implants is that they may harden, which then requires removal and/or replacement. This surgical procedure is generally conducted on an outpatient basis in a physician's office. A light local anesthetic is used. The procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours. Patients may experience some swelling and bruising, which will dissipate in a few weeks. Patients generally return to work in a matter of days with a full recovery in about 1 to 2 weeks.

Local Flap Grafting: A surgical procedure in which skin and tissue is moved from the patient's tissues into the lips. It is a more invasive procedure than injections or implants, but also a more permanent solution. Dermal or fat grafting is generally conducted on an outpatient basis using a local anesthetic with sedation. The procedure takes between 1 and 2 hours. Swelling and bruising are normal after the surgery and will dissipate in a few weeks. Patients return to normal activity in about 2 weeks.