Lip Enhancement
Lip Augmentation

The lips can be an important part of your appearance, especially for a woman. Most often, patients see me to enlarge the lips, but I sometimes have requests to narrow them. The key to lip aesthetics is a good balance between the two lips, and a harmony with the face.

Lip enhancement can be done with injections or implants. The most common injection is Radiesse, a calcium-based substance we have been using in dentistry for more than 20 years. As it is made of a substance which is identical to what is found in our body, unlike collagen, no skin testing is required. A numbing cream can be applied to the lip, but discomfort often still occurs. Radiesse is one of the longest lasting fillers available in the market, it has been reported to last anywhere from 1 to 2 years. Expect swelling to be present for the first12-24 hours.

Other injections, such as fat from your own body, can last a little longer, but the procedure takes longer, as the fat needs to be removed from another location in your body and cleaned before transplant. Since fat is a living tissue, some of it will survive permanently, but 3-5 injections are often needed to achieve a stable level. A newer injectable, Juvederm manufactured by Allergan, promises no allergies, as it is a clear gel-like substance, it is optimal for the lips, and offers a 6 month to 1 year stability. Similarly, Restylane is another gel-based products that is also injectable. Both Juvederm and Restylane are reported to last somewhat longer than collagen.

Lip implants have been successfully used for several years now. For the lower lip, I prefer the Goretex implants, such as Ultrasoft and Softform, as they are permanent and well tolerated. They are placed through a tiny incision at the corners of the lip. This can be done under local anesthesia or with an anesthesiologist giving a sedative. It is a 15 minute procedure. It is vital that you take your antibiotics and avoid licking the sutures for the 5 days they are in. For the upper lip, Goretex works, but you may experience a stiffness for a few months. It is permanent, and remains a viable long term option, but not for everyone.

Lip reduction is a procedure where tissue is removed from the inside of the mouth, so that no scars can be seen. It is fairly straightforward, and can be done under either local anesthesia (injections) or with mild sedation given by an anesthesiologists so you do not feel anything. It takes 30 minutes, and all stitches are inside the mouth and dissolve on their own. Some swelling occurs, and ice is helpful for the first day. For no one to notice, 5-7 days off work is helpful.

With so many options, discussion of all of them and an understanding of your needs is the best predictor of your happiness. No written discussion is adequate, and a personal consultation is essential. With these newer tools, we can do more than ever before.