Procedures Menu

Lip Enhancement FAQs

What is lip enhancement?
Lip enhancement, also known as lip augmentation, is a procedure which can add fullness to thin lips or restore shape and fullness to lips which have become thin with age. Gore-Tex may be inserted into the lips or a permanent injectable filler used to permanently add fullness to the lips. Temporary fullness may be achieved using hyaluronic acid fillers.

Who is the best candidate for lip enhancement?
The best candidate for lip enhancement is a physically healthy, psychologically stable man or woman who is realistic in their expectations and looking to add fullness or restore shape and fullness to their lips.

Are there any age restrictions?
Men and women of all ages can undergo lip enhancement.

Where is the lip enhancement procedure performed?
The procedure may be performed in a doctor's office, surgical center or hospital. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 62% of cosmetic surgery procedures performed by their member doctors in 2004 took place in an office, 21% in a hospital, and 17% in a free-standing ambulatory surgical facility.

What type of anesthesia is used?
Topical anesthetics may be used for lip injection procedures, while local anesthesia is typically used for procedures involving Gore-Tex.

How is the actual procedure performed?
With lip injections, topical anesthesia is applied to the lips and then a soft substance is injected directly into the lips using a small needle. With Gore-Tex, local anesthesia is usually given, and then a small incision is made, typically on the inside of the lip or the corners of the lips, and a space made for the Gore-Tex piece which is then inserted.

How long does the actual lip enhancement procedure last?
Lip enhancement typically take anywhere from a half hour to two hours to complete.

Where are the incisions made for lip enhancement?
Incisions for the insertion of Gore-Tex are typically made either inside the lip or at the corners of the lip.

Are there scars after lip enhancement?
Lip injections should not result in scarring. Lip enhancement utilizing Gore-Tex may result in a fine, imperceptible scar depending on where the incisions are made.

Is there much pain with lip enhancement?
Some form of anesthesia is often used for lip enhancement, either topical anesthesia with lip injections or local anesthesia with the insertion of Gore-Tex. This allows the procedure itself to be painless. After your lip enhancement procedure, the lips may hurt and you may experience some discomfort. Procedures involving Gore-Tex typically involve more pain and discomfort than lip injections. Your surgeon can prescribe pain medication to help control any discomfort that you experience.

What is the recovery like?
The lips may be swollen immediately after the lip enhancement procedure, and cold compresses can help to control swelling. Talking and chewing may need to be avoided during the first forty-eight hours. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to help control any discomfort you experience. To avoid infection, the lips should be kept clean and antibiotics will likely be prescribed. Bruising and swelling after lip injections may last as long as one week. Procedures involving Gore-Tex typically involve more pain and longer recovery times and patients may experience drooling and the lips may feel unnaturally stiff for two to three months. Stitches are typically removed within seven to ten days.

How much time will I need to take off from work?
After lip injections, patients are typically able to return to work and normal activities within a couple of days. After procedures utilizing Gore-Tex, patients can typically resume their normal activities and work within one to two weeks.

When are the stitches removed after the procedure?
Any non-dissolving stitches used are typically removed within seven to ten days.

What are the risks or complications?
Potential risks associated with lip enhancement may include adverse anesthesia reactions, infection, numbness, scarring, stiffness of the lips, and swelling.

How much does the procedure cost?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) the average surgeon/physician fee charged by their member doctors in 2004 for lip enhancement (not including injectable materials) was $1,199. The average surgeon/physician fee charged by ASPS member doctors in 2004 for soft tissue filler procedures were as follows:

• Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse, formerly Radiance) - $901
• Collagen - $368
• Fat - $1,226
• Hyaluronic acid (Hylaform, Hylaform Plus, Restylane) - $539

Does insurance cover lip enhancement?
Lip enhancement is typically not covered by insurance, though some degree of coverage may be available if the procedure involves treatment of a scar or indentation from an accident or injury. Be sure to check with your own insurance carrier regarding the degree and/or availability of coverage.

Is it possible to get lip enhancement financed?
Financing is available for facial plastic surgery procedures. Your plastic surgeon should be able to provide you with further information about financing.

What should I look for in a surgeon to perform my lip enhancement procedure?
It's important that you do your homework and carefully choose the surgeon to perform your lip enhancement procedure. First, make sure that the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS). This ensures that they've completed the proper training to safely conduct your procedure according ABPS standards. You can visit the ABPS's website at www.plasticsurgery.org to locate a certified plastic surgeon in your area. You should also ask any potential surgeon the following questions:

• Does the surgeon have privileges to perform surgery in an accredited hospital and, if so, which hospitals?
• How many lip enhancement procedures has the surgeon performed?
• Where and how will the surgery be performed?
• Is the surgical facility accredited by a nation or state-recognized accrediting organization?
• What are the risks of your particular procedure?

Are there any medications that need to be avoided before lip enhancement surgery?
With any surgery, it's important that you monitor your medication and vitamin intake beforehand because some medications can interfere with anesthesia, inhibit recovery, or lead to blood loss or other circulation issues. Make sure that you tell your doctor prior to surgery about all medications, vitamins and herbal supplements that you take. Some medications that you may be required to stop taking may include aspirin, MAOIs, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin K, vitamin E, evening primrose oil, St. John's Wort, echinacea, melatonin, and others.

Are the results of lip enhancement permanent?
The results of lip enhancement can be either permanent or temporary. Gore-Tex may be inserted into the lips or a permanent injectable filler used to permanently add fullness to the lips. Temporary fullness may be achieved using hyaluronic acid fillers.

Lip enhancement questions and answers.