Full, shapely lips can make a woman look younger and enhance feminine appeal. Many women choose to have lip augmentation to add volume and improve definition and shape so they look and feel more attractive.
At Cara Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Los Angeles/Orange County, we provide several different surgical and non-surgical lip augmentation options to our patients. All of the surgical procedures are performed in our AAAASF accredited facility for maximum safety assurance.
Lip Augmentation Options
Based on your facial anatomy, cosmetic goals, and personal preferences, Dr. David Kahng and Dr. JoAnna Nguyen can recommend a lip augmentation procedure for you. Options include:
Injectable Dermal Fillers
Soft tissue fillers, such as Juvéderm® and Restylane® can shape and add volume to the lips and soften the appearance of vertical lip lines. These dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the skin. Hyaluronic acid retains moisture, fills in lines and wrinkles, and adds plumpness to the skin. With many kinds of fillers available, hyaluronic acid fillers are the only ones that can be injected into the lips.
Dermal fillers are injected to reshape and augment the lips in a minimally-invasive procedure with little or no downtime. Results are visible immediately after treatment and last up to one year.
Fat Transfer/Lipofilling
In this minimally-invasive treatment, our surgeon uses gentle liposuction to harvest fat from another area of the body. The fat is purified and injected into the lips to add volume and enhance appearance. There is no chance of rejection or adverse reaction, as the patient’s own body fat is used in the procedure.
Fat transfer treatment for lip augmentation may require a few days of downtime. Post-procedure discomfort is minimal. This treatment produces beautiful, natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Lip Implants
Permalip implants are an option for patients who want long-lasting lip augmentation. These soft, silicone implants are manufactured by Surgisil and approved by the FDA. They are tapered at each end to mimic the natural shape of the lips.
The implants cannot leak or rupture. They are available in different sizes for varying degrees of augmentation and custom-tailored, permanent lip enhancement.
The Procedure
The procedure to place the implants can be performed with local anesthetic and typically takes approximately 15 minutes. Our plastic surgeon will make small incisions on the upper and lower lips at the corners of the mouth through which the implants are placed. The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures.
Benefits of Lip Augmentation
Full, pouty lips are a symbol of youth and beauty, and the lips are among the most important features of the face. The end result of lip augmentation should bring harmony and balance to the eyes and nose, while giving the mouth a more luscious, appealing appearance. Some of the benefits of lip augmentation are:
- Non-surgical procedure
- Natural results
- Little, to no recovery
- More confidence in your smile
- Gradual progression; augmentation can be done slowly over time
Lip augmentation can help reverse the effects of aging on the lips and improve on what you were given by nature. At Cara Plastic Surgery & Laser Center, we offer options for lip augmentation in Orange County/Los Angeles. Schedule a consultation with Dr. David Kahng and Dr. JoAnna Nguyen for a recommendation about what would be the best treatment option for you.
What will recovery be like for me?
Immediately following your treatment, ice will be applied to help with any swelling for 20 to 30 minutes. Most patients can return to work or their regular activities on the same day. Although recovery is relatively quick, it is not recommended to plan a big event such as a holiday party or wedding the day after your lip augmentation.
Who can benefit from lip augmentation?
If you are looking for fuller, shapelier, voluminous lips, a lip augmentation might be a good option. Lip augmentation can also improve those who are frustrated with:
- Thin lips
- Flat lips
- Unbalanced lips
- Fine lines and wrinkles around the lips
How long before I can see the results of my lip augmentation?
You should be able to see results immediately. For injectable fillers, optimal results will be realized in a day or two after any swelling that has occurred subsides.
How long does lip augmentation last?
Augmentation using fillers can last anywhere from six to 12 months. Your body will begin absorbing the compound naturally, and you’ll need to follow up with additional treatments.
Are there any risks with injectable fillers?
The risks of lip augmentation are minor. An allergic reaction to the filler can happen. It is best to talk with Dr. Kahng before your treatment if you have had previous allergic issues.
Is lip augmentation reversible?
One of the benefits of lip augmentation is you can progress slowly. Lip augmentation with dermal fillers is temporary. If you don’t like your new look, it will wear off in time, and you can adjust in volume at your next treatment. Lip augmentation with an implant is also reversible, but the implant must be surgically removed.