Model
Lip Augmentation Plastic Surgeon Beverly Hills & NYC
Award-winning, celebrity facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, New York City, and Dubai
Schedule A ConsultationShapely, plump lips are widely considered an alluring feature that complements any face shape or aesthetic. As an increasingly popular procedure, lip augmentation offers multiple techniques for increasing the size, volume, plumpness, and shape of the lips for a customized pout.
Dr. Harrison Lee is a facial enhancement specialist whose skill and vast experience have earned him a reputation as the premier facial surgeon to the stars. Dr. Lee approaches each procedure with artistry, meticulous attention to detail, and compassion for the needs of his patients.
Model
What Is Lip Augmentation?
Lip enhancement procedures are designed to improve the appearance of the patient’s lips through a variety of techniques. Depending on the needs and goals of the patient, lip augmentation can increase the size and volume of the lips, reshape them for a more pleasing appearance, and even move the lips closer to the nose for a youthful pout.
What Are the Benefits of Lip Augmentation?
If you want to reshape and volumize your lips, lip augmentation is the procedure for you. Dr. Lee offers three types of lip augmentation procedures, each with different benefits and potential results:
- Lip Injections with dermal fillers offer instant lip-plumping results with little downtime or recovery and are slowly dissolved by the body, providing a temporary option for those who aren’t ready for surgery.
- Lip augmentation with fat transfer is the “natural” lip augmentation, as it uses the patient’s own fat to restore volume and create a pleasing shape. This option also provides longer-lasting results, often resulting in a permanent augmentation.
- Subnasal lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the bottom of the nose and the lips, resulting in a more open, lifted shape of the lips.
What Are My Lip Augmentation Options?
During your lip augmentation consultation, Dr. Lee will listen to your needs and goals for the procedure and will recommend one or more of the following techniques:
Lip Injections
Lip augmentation using dermal filler injections such as JUVÉDERM® or Restylane® is a non-surgical treatment for patients looking to increase the volume of their lips. Non-surgical lip injections provide a subtle plumpness that lasts six months or more.
Lip Augmentation with Fat Grafting
Another option for lip augmentation is through fat transfer. During this procedure, Dr. Lee will use liposuction on an area of the patient’s body that has excess fat. The fat will then be purified and reinjected into the lips for a more uniform, plump appearance.
Lip Lift
Unlike the other two options, a lip lift does not increase the volume of the lips. During this procedure, Dr. Lee will make a small incision just below the bottom of the lip to reduce the length of the upper lip. This result is more of the teeth and upper gumline is visible when the lips are resting or smiling, giving the appearance of a youthful, rounded mouth shape.
Model
Am I a Candidate for Lip Augmentation?
If you want fuller, more shapely lips, then lip augmentation might be the procedure for you. Candidates for lip augmentation should be in good health, are nonsmokers, and have realistic expectations for results.
How Is Lip Augmentation Performed?
Dr. Harrison Lee is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, and Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery). A world-renowned facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Lee is uniquely qualified to trust with your lip augmentation or facial surgery. Each procedure is designed to meet the patient’s needs and goals, so Dr. Lee will choose the best technique for the desired outcome.
Lip Injections
Non-surgical lip injections are performed in the office, and the procedure usually takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on the needs of the patient. You may be given a topical anesthetic to numb the lips for your comfort. Using the filler with the ideal consistency, Dr. Lee will use a syringe to inject your lips in very precise locations to create the desired look, volume, and shape.
Lip Augmentation with Fat Transfer
This process involves two steps: the liposuction and then the injections. To begin, you will be placed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation. Dr. Lee will make small incisions in the donor area (usually the abdomen, hips, or thighs) before inserting a small, thin tube called a cannula. He will use the cannula to gently remove excess fat in a smooth and even motion. After the fat is purified, Dr. Lee will carefully inject it back into the lips in a manner similar to that of dermal injections. He will carefully build up the desired volume and create a pleasing shape for the lips.
Subnasal Lip Lift
A surgical lip lift can reshape the appearance of the lips in relation to the nose. During this procedure, you may be given a local anesthetic so that you do not feel pain. If you have combined your lip lift with another facial procedure, you may be placed under general anesthesia.
Dr. Lee will make a very small incision directly under the base of the nose, where the lip and nose meet. Through this incision, he will remove a strip of skin and tissue in order to pull the lip up closer to the nose and close the gap. He will then close the incisions with very precise sutures to help avoid the risk of visible scarring.
How Much Does Lip Augmentation Cost?
The cost of your lip augmentation in Beverly Hills, CA, will depend on various factors, including the type of lip augmentation you receive (fillers, fat transfer, or lip lift) and the specifics of your surgical plan (such as what type of filler you use, how much fat is injected, etc.). Other factors include combining procedures, the type of anesthesia used, and any facility fees.
Since each treatment is designed specifically for the patient, Dr. Lee can provide an accurate cost estimate once a surgical plan has been created and agreed upon.
How Long Is Lip Augmentation Recovery?
Each technique requires different recovery care:
- Lip Injections require no downtime or recovery. Patients can use a cold compress to reduce any swelling or slight bruising that may occur.
- Lip augmentation with fat transfer may also result in some swelling and bruising, which can be treated in a similar manner as dermal fillers. You may experience some excess volume in your lips initially; this is completely normal and will subside as a small portion of the transferred fat is naturally redistributed in the body.
- Lip lift recovery is more involved, as it is a surgical procedure with sutures and incisions. You may be asked to avoid moving your lips for the first few days of recovery, and you should avoid using a straw until fully healed. Dr. Lee will provide you with specific aftercare instructions, including instructions on how to monitor your incisions, so be sure to follow these closely.
Model
When Will I See My Lip Augmentation Results?
Each procedure will offer immediate changes to the shape and look of your lips, although final results will vary.
- Lip injections will display the fastest final results as soon as the initial swelling and bruising subside, about three days after your injections. Your lips should hold their plumpness for a few months; most patients will need touch-ups about twice a year.
- Lip augmentation with fat transfer will provide an immediate plumped pout, although the initial results are usually not permanent. Any time fat is transferred to a new location on the body, a small portion is reabsorbed naturally. Dr. Lee will prepare for this by adding slightly more fat than you need to account for this loss. Patients can see their final results about one month after the procedure, and once your fat has fully settled and you are satisfied with the results, your lip augmentation is permanent.
- Lip lift results will also be immediately apparent, although they may be disguised by swelling and bruising. Once your sutures are removed and your swelling has dissipated, you will be able to see the subtle lift to the shape of your lips, creating a more youthful appearance.
-
How can I make my lip fillers last longer?
All dermal fillers are eventually reabsorbed into the body naturally, especially when injected in places with a lot of movement–like the lips. However, each patient is different, so your injectables may break down at a different rate than someone else’s. You can prevent accelerating this effect by following Dr. Lee’s aftercare instructions, avoiding putting pressure or massaging your lips, and keeping your skin and lips hydrated.
-
How do I know which lip augmentation option is best for me?
It depends on your goals and natural anatomy. For example, if you have naturally thin vermillion (the red part of your lips), not just in volume but in shape as well, lip injections may not be able to help increase the shape of your lips. In this case, you may benefit from a lip lift, as this actually pulls part of the vermillion back when smiling or talking, making the lips appear fuller.
Patients who want to increase the volume of their lips but are opposed to surgery can benefit from lip injections with filler only, while those who want a more permanent result may benefit from lip augmentation with fat transfer.
Dr. Lee can give you his expert opinion on the best option for you during your consultation.
-
Do lip injections hurt?
We take every precaution to avoid causing pain during our lip injection procedures. Lip lifts and lip augmentation with fat transfer will utilize a strong anesthetic, as there are surgical components to these procedures.
Lip injections are relatively painless, especially when using a topical numbing cream. Patients may experience a slight pinch when they receive the injection, but it is very mild.
-
Can I combine my lip augmentation with any other facial enhancement procedures?
Absolutely. Dr. Lee routinely combines procedures to create a more balanced facial result. Some possible combinations include cheek surgery, chin surgery, or blepharoplasty.
Lip augmentation is also a popular addition to facial feminization surgeries.