Do you ever feel like the world is unfair? Why weren’t you born with beautifully full lips like Angelina Jolie? Nature hasn’t blessed everyone with naturally voluminous lips, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have them. Aesthetic medicine offers several methods to transform thin and unremarkable lips into a striking feature.
Every era defines its own beauty ideals. In addition to a toned physique, long healthy hair, and smooth skin, today’s standard of beauty also embraces full, sensual lips. This is why lip augmentation remains one of the most popular procedures in aesthetic medicine. Below, we explore the available lip enhancement options and how each procedure is performed.
Before choosing a method, it is essential to determine whether you are seeking a temporary enhancement or a permanent solution. If you have never had lip augmentation before, we recommend starting with a temporary method to assess how you feel about your new lips before committing to a long-term solution. Equally important is selecting a reputable aesthetic clinic and, most importantly, a qualified surgeon to perform the procedure.
Lip Augmentation with Hyaluronic Acid
Lip augmentation, contouring, or correction of asymmetry using hyaluronic acid is among the most popular non-surgical and temporary methods. Why hyaluronic acid? Because it is a naturally occurring substance in the human body that helps maintain skin hydration and elasticity.
Procedure Overview
Before the procedure, a local anesthetic is applied to the lips in the form of a cream or injection to minimize discomfort. The filler, based on hyaluronic acid, is then injected with a fine needle to achieve the desired result.
The enhancement effect is visible immediately, but the lips may be slightly swollen, sensitive, and bruised. The final result becomes apparent once these temporary side effects subside
The effects of hyaluronic acid fillers typically last up to nine months, depending on individual absorption rates.
Lip Augmentation with Autologous Fat Transfer
Have you heard of lipofilling? This technique involves harvesting fat from an area of excess and injecting it into the lips to add volume.
The process is similar to hyaluronic acid injection, except that your own fat is used instead of a synthetic filler. Lipofilling is a temporary enhancement, as a portion of the transferred fat is gradually reabsorbed by the body, and it is also subject to natural changes over time.
Tip: Read about the difference between lipofilling, liposuction, and lipolysis.
There are several methods for lip enhancement. One widely used option is permanent makeup, where a tattooed contour creates the effect of fuller and larger lips. You can also find various lip-plumping products on the market, though their effectiveness is debatable.
Lip lift
A lip lift is a minimally invasive permanent procedure that gives you younger, fresher-looking lips and a more attractive appearance. How? By shortening the distance between the upper lip and the nostrils, creating the illusion of a fuller upper lip.
Procedure Overview
The lip lift is performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision above the upper lip and removes a small strip of skin. This shortens the distance between the lips and the nose, exposing more of the pink part of the lips, creating the appearance of fuller and more youthful lips. The incision is then carefully sutured just below the nose, resulting in a nearly invisible scar. The entire procedure takes approximately 45 minutes.
After the procedure, you can immediately resume your daily activities. However, it is important to rest for the first few days and avoid physical exertion. Stitches are removed one week after surgery, and the final results will be visible within 2–3 weeks.
Silicone Implants for Lip Augmentation
Another option for permanent lip augmentation is the use of silicone implants. These are made from medical-grade silicone, which is soft and flexible.
Procedure Overview
The procedure is minimally invasive and performed using local anesthesia. The surgeon makes small incisions at the corners of the mouth through which the implant is inserted into the lips. The incisions are then closed with absorbable stitches. The entire procedure typically takes about one hour.
The recovery period lasts about two weeks, during which the lips may be slightly swollen and sensitive. It is recommended to follow a rest regimen during the recovery period.
Tip: If you’re tempted to have fuller lips but have concerns, read about how to manage the fear of plastic surgery or other aesthetic procedures.
Whether you choose temporary or permanent lip augmentation, always first schedule a consultation with a doctor. It is important for the doctor to understand your expectations regarding the final shape and size of your lips. Based on this, they will recommend the most suitable method to achieve the desired result.