If you find yourself wanting a plump, Kylie Jenner-esque pout or a little lip boost, you’re certainly not alone. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 2.7 million people got soft tissue fillers and nearly 30,000 got non-injectable lip augmentations in 2017 alone.1
Lip augmentation can take many forms, including:
- Injectable fillers
- Fat grafts
- Silicone implants
Each method varies in its permanency and benefits. At Virginia Surgical Arts, we offer both Juvéderm® injections and fat grafting for our patients.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Lip Augmentation?
Lip augmentation is a simple way to:
- Create plumper, fuller lips
- Reduce signs of aging, like fine lines
- Fix drooping and sagging
- Reshape the lips
- Even out asymmetry
Patients of any age can benefit from lip augmentation. As long as you have realistic expectations and are getting the procedure for your own satisfaction, you will likely be pleased with the results.
Option 1: Juvéderm
Juvéderm is a popular brand of lip filler that temporarily alters the size and shape of your lips. At Virginia Surgical Arts, we use Juvéderm® Ultra Plus XC for lip augmentation. The gel is made of hyaluronic acid, a safe and natural substance that already exists in our bodies and moisturizes the skin. Hyaluronic acid fillers are the industry standard and are preferred over collagen injections.
The Process
Lip fillers are minimally invasive and can be administered in a single 15- to 20-minute appointment. The process is simple:
- If desired, a numbing cream is applied to the injection site to reduce any discomfort
- The gel is injected into the lips using a small needle for precise shaping
That’s it! You will see immediate results, and you can go about your day as soon as you leave your appointment. For a few days, your lips may look overfilled, but the swelling will subside on its own. You may gently apply ice to the area to reduce swelling and relieve discomfort. Other side effects could include:
- Pain
- Soreness
- Bruising
- Redness
- Irritation
- Bumps and lumps
- Numbness or tingling
- Allergic reaction (rare)
- Blood vessel damage (rare)
The Benefits
Results last for a year, so you can avoid the hassle of appointments every three to nine months, as is common with other lip fillers. Better yet, the results are not permanent. If you decide you no longer want full lips, the hyaluronic acid will dissolve and be absorbed into the body. Or, if for some reason you change your mind after the injection, it is possible to inject hyaluronidase and break down the filler quickly.
Another benefit of Juvéderm is that it works well for people with darker skin tones. Other fillers have been known to cause hyperpigmentation and hypertrophic scarring at the injection site.
All in all, you will benefit from Juvéderm if you want:
- Temporary, yet long-lasting results
- A pillowy-soft feel to your lips
- A filler that works with darker skin tones
- Confirmation that you like full lips before getting a fat transfer or implants
Option 2: Fat Grafting
Another popular type of lip augmentation is a fat graft, otherwise known as a fat transfer or fat injection. The fat comes from your own body, typically from the stomach, hip, thigh or buttock. After extraction, it is purified and re-injected into the body.
The Process
Injecting fat is similar to injecting a lip filler. However, you will need separate appointments or a longer appointment so your doctor can perform liposuction to collect the fat. You only need enough fat to alter your lips – about one or two syringes’ worth. There will be little to no change in the area where the fat is extracted since it is such a minuscule amount.
The Benefits
Many people prefer fat grafting over fillers because the results last longer. At most, 50 percent of fat cells will be reabsorbed by the body over time, whereas fillers are entirely absorbed.2 The rest of the fat stays in the lip area for a permanent pout.
This procedure also brings some patients peace of mind, as they do not want to be injected with a foreign substance. Because the fat comes from your own body, the chance of an allergic reaction is practically nonexistent, and it’s likely your body will accept the fat transfer.
Lip Augmentation at Virginia Surgical Arts
If you’re looking for a safe and simple way to enhance the look of your lips, consider visiting Dr. Sergio Vendetti at Virginia Surgical Arts. He offers several lip augmentation options, including Juvéderm injections and fat transfers, so you can get the perfect smile. Call (757) 430-7690 today to schedule your appointment.
