Whether you’ve always wanted fuller lips or you just want to refine the shape and definition of your current pout, there are different ways to get the job done: dermal fillers, soft tissue lip augmentation, a surgical lip lift and even lasers. Each option comes with its own indications, benefits and risks.  Therefore, it’s important to know which one is right for you before deciding on a permanent solution.

Keep reading to learn more – 

Comparison of techniques

Lip Fillers

Are molecular substances that are injected into the lips where they add volume or bulk to increase their appearance. They work by hydrating cells beneath your skin and making them appear fuller and thicker than they would otherwise on their own. The effects of fillers can last up to 12 months depending on the product used.  There are also thinner fillers used to help with lip definition and even to fill in the fine lines that occur around the mouth with age.  The thinner the filler is, though, the shorter the longevity in many cases. In any case, fillers are meant to be temporary.

Lip Augmentation

Soft tissue augmentation involves a surgical procedure whereby a patient’s own soft tissue like fascia or fat can inserted or injected into the lip to provide bulk and increase volume.  Soft tissue augmentations like these can provide longer lasting results. 

Lip Lift

Lip lift is a surgical procedure used shorten the height of the upper lip.  As we age the lips lose fat volume, muscle bulk, and have increased skin laxity.  The result can be a longer upper lip overall with a thinner red lip.  By excising skin below the nose, the upper lip can not only be shortened, but this will also cause the red lip to roll up and outward, providing a fuller red lip.

Laser resurfacing

Is another great way to rejuvenate the skin of the upper and lower lips and chin.  This can be thought of like sanding of the lip skin.  Then, as the skin heals and regrows, the fine lines and wrinkles are blended and fade away.

Filler longevity

Fillers and soft tissue lip augmentation are two different means of achieving the same goal: fuller, more voluptuous lips. Both methods can be used to achieve an attractive result, but there are a few key differences between them.

Over time, fillers breakdown and dissolve, and thus, must be repeated about every 9-18 months. This is why those who use fillers tend to have very full lips for about two years before returning for further injections. Lip soft tissue augmentation can last for years but may still require small touch up procedures overtime to maintain lip volume and contour.

What’s the price range 

Lip rejuvenation may cost between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the technique that is right for you. The cost of lip augmentation varies depending on the procedure but also depends on your doctor’s experience level, so this should be something that you discuss with him or her before scheduling your appointment.

The recovery process 

The downtime from lip injections is usually minimal and should last no more than a few days. Most patients experience very little pain, but can have significant swelling of the lips in the first 1-3 days after any procedure.  There may even be bruising as the lip tissues are very thin.   Bruising and swelling can be minimized by applying an ice pack immediately after treatment. The swelling usually subsides within a week, and most patients recover completely within 10 days.

More invasive surgical procedures and laser resurfacing may require longer to heal – 7-14 days.  

Knowing if you’re a candidate

There are a few factors that determine if you’re a good candidate for lip augmentation. The most important of these is your overall health, especially if you have a history of any blood or blood vessel issues. Injections into the lips can cause bruising and swelling, so may be best to avoid this procedure if you tend to bruise easily or are on blood thinners.

It’s generally recommended that people stop smoking before undergoing any cosmetic procedure on their face or body due to the likelihood of decreased healing so if you’re a smoker a procedure like this might not be the best idea. 

Contact Dr. Stallworth to get started! 

Choosing a doctor to perform your lip augmentation is one of the most important steps in the process. If you want the best results, it’s crucial that you choose a professional who has experience with both fillers and surgical procedures for lips. Contact us today to get started!