Beautiful lips have specific proportions, with the lower lip being about twice as full as the upper lip. In addition to proportions, beautiful, youthful-looking lips are also well-defined. The mouth exhibits a marked cupid’s bow and a distinct border around the red part of the lip and surrounding skin. When it comes to borders, definition, and shape, many people could benefit from a little help. We offer that in the form of nonsurgical lip augmentation.
What is Non-Surgical Lip Augmentation?
Nonsurgical lip augmentation is an enhancement procedure that we perform in the office using various dermal fillers. The treatment focuses on enhancing the balance between the lips, overall lip shape, and proportions between the lips and the overall facial structure. While no two people have or should have exactly the same smile, there are characteristics that make the lips more appealing. Dermal fillers can achieve these characteristics very quickly and with few, if any, side effects.
Some of the improvements that can be achieved with nonsurgical lip augmentation include:
- Smooth vertical lines around the mouth, including smoker’s lines
- Add fullness to the body of the upper and lower lips
- Enhance the curvature of the cupid’s bow
- Improve the definition of the vermillion border around the lips
- Reduce the appearance of a downturned mouth
- Reduce the appearance of marionette lines
Who Is a Good Candidate for Lip Enhancement?
Lip enhancement is a very popular procedure sought by adults of all ages. Any healthy adult who would like to temporarily augment the fullness and shape of their lips may be a good candidate for lip injections using an appropriate dermal filler. Most lip fillers contain hyaluronic acid. This naturally-occurring substance increases tissue volume by binding to water molecules in the skin. Because the body makes hyaluronic acid, there is very little risk of allergic reaction to lip injections. Because most fillers are also made with lidocaine anesthetic, patients must not have an allergy to this substance. To obtain the best results from injectable lip enhancement, patients should also have a clear idea of what they want to achieve and also of the capabilities and limitations of soft tissue filler treatment. Our goal in each lip enhancement treatment is to achieve those ideal proportions that will look naturally full and defined.
Which Lip Filler Is Best for Me?
Skilled injectors use a few common soft tissue fillers for lip enhancement. Examples include Juvéderm Volbella and Restylane Silk. Each of these products is made with hyaluronic acid but has unique characteristics. Dermal fillers used for lip augmentation are softer than standard dermal fillers. Their consistency is lighter and more fluid. This helps to boost volume and definition without compromising the natural softness we expect the lips to have. When you visit our Houston office for lip enhancement, we will discuss your desired outcome and observe the target areas for treatment. Based on the information we receive, we can recommend a particular dermal filler product and explain the reasoning for our selection.
How Long Does it Take to Get Lip Fillers?
One of the advantages of nonsurgical lip enhancement is that it takes only a few minutes to perform injectable treatments. Including your consultation, your lip filler appointment may last only about half an hour. As the provider injects the selected dermal filler into the target areas, results start to develop immediately. You can resume most normal activities right away and feel great about your new and improved appearance.
How Soon Will I See the Results of My Lip Augmentation?
Lip fillers achieve immediate results. This is another reason patients love this treatment. Minor swelling may make the lips appear slightly fuller than they will after a few days, so we advise patients to wait a few days before assessing their treatment outcome.
How Long Will My Lip Augmentation Results Last?
To maintain the natural softness of the lips, providers use dermal fillers that are made with a lighter consistency than fillers that are used in areas like the cheeks and nasolabial folds. Being softer and lighter, lip fillers tend to last three to six months. Touch-ups can be scheduled as needed to maintain the desired amount of volume and definition.
How Much Do Lip Injections Cost?
Dermal filler treatments are an investment. It is understandable that patients may want to shop around for their dermal filler treatments in order to obtain the best “deal.” What needs to be understood is that dermal filler treatments, while injectable and nonsurgical, are not without risk. The treatment should be conducted only by a well-trained and clinically-experienced physician or nurse injector. Otherwise, the risk of hitting a blood vessel or nerve may be higher than it needs to be. The cost of lip injections is calculated based on the amount of product the provider uses. The amount of product needed is estimated based on each patient’s desired outcome and their current lip shape and volume. We observe these factors carefully during our consultation and can discuss treatment costs at that time.
Are Lip Fillers Safe?
Generally, lip injections are considered a safe and effective way to enhance the shape of the lips. The FDA-approved hyaluronic acid that is most commonly used for lip augmentation is naturally-occurring so presents very little risk of adverse reaction. Injections are administered using a very fine needle, keeping the risk of infection and bleeding to a minimum. A skilled injector is very familiar with facial anatomy and takes great care to avoid blood vessels and other structures when administering lip injections. We understand that it can be tempting to receive injectable treatments from new providers or at cosmetic parties, and we must advise against it. There is a process for lip enhancement that is more involved than inserting a tiny needle into the skin. To ensure safety and a satisfying outcome, patients should always receive lip enhancement in a clinical setting and from a board-certified or licensed professional.
Schedule a Consultation
If you would like to learn more about injectable lip augmentation, contact our Houston office at 713-771-8941 for Dr. Kronberg and 713-988-8442 to schedule a consultation.