Lip Enhancement Options for Every Age

As we age, we start losing volume and support of our lips and the surrounding tissue which leads to deflated and “rolled in” lips. Whether you are in your 20s and 30s and looking for more volume and enhancement, or whether you have more mature lip changes, there are several options to improve the shape and structure of the lips.

Neurotoxins

A lip flip is an office procedure that adds a very subtle elevation of the upper lip. A neurotoxin is injected into the upper and/or lower lip, which weakens the muscle and gives a subtle pout appearance. This is a great option for clients in their 20s and for those who have a good shape and volume to their lips, but want a little added height/fullness or pout. The effects are temporary and on average last between 6–12 weeks. This is a great option for those who want a conservative approach and are new to lip augmentation and want to progress slowly with subtle changes.

Lip Fillers

Lip fillers are a great option for any age, however depending on the age of the client and their specific needs, different techniques and fillers are required. Oftentimes younger clients want more hydration and pout whereas more mature lips require structure to be added first before volume enhancement. Filler in this area can get a bad reputation, but when performed correctly and with the right product, it can provide natural-looking results. Lip filler is an in-office procedure that can be performed with or without local anesthesia. Initially there is significant swelling of the tissue, giving the lips an overdone look, which subsides during the course of the week. In general, lip filler lasts between 6–12 months.

Fat Transfer

Similar to lip fillers, fat can be injected into the lips. Fat can be harvested from your own belly or thighs, processed and injected into the lips. This procedure does require more anesthesia and can be done in-office. The fat injected is considered permanent but anywhere from ½ to 2/3 of the fat injected dissolves over the course of 6 months, so a second transfer may be required. There is slightly less precision with this technique and is best suited for clients who want more volume without needing additional structure or shaping.

Silicone Implants

Implants have been used to augment lip volume. This can also be done in-office under local anesthesia. The effects are permanent. The implants are not customizable and oftentimes patients layer additional fat or fillers on top of the implant to achieve their desired effect. Placing implants tends to yield a more noticeable appearance and does not allow for the same degree of shape enhancement, but it can provide more volume, projection, and height to the lips.

Lip Lift

For clients who have a long upper white lip (the area of skin in between your nose and red lip), a lip lift is a great option. During a lip lift, an incision is made under local anesthesia just at the nasal base and the skin of the white lip is elevated and the excess skin is removed. The end result is a shorter upper lip with more height to the red lip. For clients who want to see more of their upper lip, this in-office procedure is a win. This is essentially a permanent change and oftentimes lip filler is added afterwards for increased volume or projection. There is a scar that is hidden under the nose, which with careful wound-care post-procedure, heals without visibility.

Whether you are looking for a subtle enhancement or a more noticeable change, there are many options to augment your lips. Carefully selecting the right procedure and product and having an interactive conversation will ensure that you get the lips you will love. Every client is different and has unique goals. At Metro ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery, your treatment plan will be tailored to your desires and designed to leave you feeling confident!