What Are The Different Types of Lip Augmentation?

Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure used to create more full and more voluminous lips. When it comes to altering the shape of our bodies, cosmetic procedures like lip augmentation can now seamlessly add a touch of youth at any age. We all deal with loss of volume in our lips as we get older. Now, we just have better options to remedy our appearance! There are many different types of lip augmentation with many different types of enhancements. In order to figure out what works best for you, discuss your goals with your dermatologist to help you determine which type of lip augmentation is the right option. They are seemingly endless!

Until then, here are a few of the different types of lip augmentation procedures you can choose from:

Different Types Of Lip Augmentation

The most common type of lip augmentation is lip fillers. Lip fillers are a semi-permanent procedure done in-office that can be completed in as quickly as 15 minutes. 

Prior to the procedure, you will schedule a consultation with your doctor to assess your lips and facial balance. It’s not only important to evaluate your lips but also to discuss your goals with your doctor. This way your doctor can determine the shape and symmetry of your lips, ensuring that with lip augmentation, your desired look will properly fit your face. Your doctor will then decide where and what areas your lips could be improved.

Nowadays, the most common type of lip fillers are products that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a substance you naturally find in the body and a key sugar molecule when it comes to moisture and skin aging.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that helps water bind to collagen which, in turn, gives your skin the moisture and dewy look that defines all youthful skin. As we age, losing hyaluronic acid is what causes our skin to become more dehydrated over time. 

Hyaluronic acid in the form of an injectable is presented as a gel-like product that, once injected, helps to attract water to regenerate volume and loss of structure. This reduces the appearance of saggy or sunkenness in the face and lips. 

Some of the most popular hyaluronic acid filler injections are Juvederm Voluma, Revanesse Versa, and Juvederm Ultra XC. Injections like Revanesse are known to be a great hyaluronic acid filler to retain shape and moisture of the lips because it produces less initial swelling. This is especially useful for patients who have had previous issues with swelling from dermal filler injections. 

This lip augmentation option has had lasting results that can range from 6 to 18 months, depending on the patient. 

Collagen Dermal Fillers

There are also collagen-based dermal fillers called Bellafill used for lip augmentation. These injections can last up to 5 years because collagen lasts longer in the body. However, it also takes time to develop after the injection. Seeing final results from collagen injections can take a few weeks. 

Fat Grafting

This is an all-natural and non-synthetic procedure that uses just your own fat. It is a type of autologous lip augmentation. Autologous lip augmentation means “using your own tissue for lip augmentation.” 

First your doctor will use liposuction to collect a small amount of fat (normally from around your abdomen), purify it, and then re-inject it into the targeted area on the lips. This can take up to 90 minutes to complete and the results can last close to 5 years or longer. 

Tissue grafting

Like fat grafting, there is an option called tissue grafting for lip augmentation. Tissue grafting uses a piece of your skin for augmentation, normally from the lower stomach area. Once the skin is extracted, it is rolled into a cigar-like shape and then inserted into your lips. A second type of autologous lip augmentation. 

This procedure is done in-office and performed in sixty to ninety minutes under a local anesthetic and lasts for up to 5 years or more!

Renuva Injections

A newer option is an injectable made from natural human fat. The purpose in using natural human fat as an injectable is to stimulate your own fat cells to puff up. These results have been proven to be long-lasting. After the injection, patients start to see changes right away and continue to see gradual improvement over the following three months.

Renuva is ready to inject right away and rehydrates immediately in the syringe. Unlike traditional fat grafting, this removes the need for a more liposuction and fat processing that is normally required.

Lip Implants

A more permanent option for lip augmentation are implants. Lip implants are an in-office procedure, completed in about thirty minutes. 

With a consultation, your doctor will determine if/what implants are right for you to help you reach your lip augmentation goals.

For example, your doctor may suggest the lip implant called the “permalip”. This is done by first sterilizing the surgical area and numbing the lips. Once the lips are numb, an incision is made in each corner of the mouth. Your doctor will then use a clamp called the curved alligator clamp to carefully create a tunnel that follows the shape of your lips. Once the clamp reaches the end of the tunnel, the clamp opens and the implant is dragged into the lip tunnel. Once the implant is positioned under the fat and above the muscle, the incisions are closed with absorbable sutures. 

Lip augmentations done with lip implants are permanent. However, depending on the treatment and the patient, seeing your doctor for touch ups can vary in frequency.

Benefits of lip augmentation procedures

Typically our face is the first thing anyone notices. Simple procedures like lip augmentation, no matter the option you choose, can help improve symmetry and dramatically improve your facial appearance. 

With options of all different types of lip augmentation procedures, you can choose the procedure that is best for your lifestyle. If you’re looking for semi-permanent or low maintenance lip augmentation, lip fillers are just the solution. If you’re looking for long-lasting or permanent results, options like fat grafting can also be a terrific treatment. Balshi Dermatology will work with you to fit you to your best option.

Am I a good candidate for lip augmentation? 

Lip augmentation procedures are great for both men and women! Anyone that has been considering lip augmentation for a while can be a great candidate. Talk to Dr. Balshi about getting a better understanding of what these treatments can achieve and how they will impact your overall look. 

If you’re looking for a quick solution with no down time and no time off of work, look into lip fillers as an option. If you’re not concerned with a few days of rest, an option like fat or tissue grafting could work for you too! 

Overall, lip augmentation is a convenient option no matter which type you choose!

Want to dive deeper into the different types of lip augmentation? Schedule a consultation with Balshi Dermatology in South Florida!

For over ten years, Balshi Dermatology has provided the most exceptional state-of-the-art skincare and cosmetic services to patients of all ages in South Florida. Dr. Thomas Balshi is board certified in both internal medicine and dermatology. His specialties include the aesthetic enhancement of pigmented skin conditions, non-invasive skin rejuvenation, and cosmetic dermatology like lip augmentations.

Contacting Balshi Dermatology is the first step toward getting those beautiful and youthful lips back. What are you waiting for? To schedule a preliminary consultation with a board-certified dermatologist in Delray Beach, contact Balshi Dermatology at (561) 272-6000 or request an appointment online.