The cosmetic surgery industry is a big one. In fact, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports an 84 percent increase in lip augmentation procedures since 2000.
The goal of lip enhancement is to make the lips look fuller and healthier. There are several choices available to you, so it’s a good idea to determine which is best before you move ahead.
Want to know more? Keep reading for your lip enhancement options.
Lip Fillers
Fillers are one of the most popular non surgical lip enhancement options. This is a semi-permanent choice that plumps the lips using products like Juvederm or Restylane.
This option involves having the fillers injected into the upper and lower lips to fill them and create a symmetrical look. Often a numbing agent is used to keep the procedure from being too painful.
This is an in-office procedure, but you can return to normal daily activities soon after. The entire treatment takes between 15 and 30 minutes, and the results last for six to eight months.
The cost ranges between $600 and $800 per syringe, so your total cost depends on how many fillers are needed to achieve the results you want.
Lip Implants
If you’re looking at permanent lip enhancement options, lip implants are something to consider. The most common is a Permalip implant that can fill out your lips and make them symmetrical.
This is an in-office procedure that requires local anesthesia. Once numb, small incisions are made at the corners of the mouth. Next, a tunnel is made in the lip using an alligator clamp.
The implant is then inserted into the tunnel and positioned properly. They close the incisions with sutures.
This option takes about 30 minutes, and you can go home as soon as it’s complete. The cost of lip enhancement surgery is between $2000 and $4000.
Fat Grafting
Another lip augmentation option is fat grafting, which uses your body’s own tissues to fill out your lips. This involves transferring fat from another area of your body, usually the abdomen.
The fat is removed from the stomach, then purified. It’s then injected into your lips. This is a great choice if you’re also having other cosmetic work done, such as liposuction.
Fat transfer takes a bit longer than lip fillers or implants, because there are more steps in the process. Expect the procedure to last between 60 and 90 minutes.
You can go home the same day as the procedure, and can expect the results to last for up to five years.
The cost of fat grafting for lip enhancement is between $3000 and $6000.
Choosing Between the Lip Enhancement Options
With a few options to choose from, you’re probably wondering which is best for you. The best way to determine this is to make a consultation appointment with a plastic surgeon.
He or she will look at your lips and determine which option will give you the results you want. Your preference also plays a role, so keep that in mind.
Insurance doesn’t usually cover cosmetic procedures, so be ready to take on the cost out of your own pocket.
The Next Step
Once you’ve chosen a plastic surgeon and decided which of the lip enhancement options is best, it’s time to get prepared for the procedure.
Be sure you set aside enough time to have it done and understand the possible side effects. Stay in contact with your surgeon during healing to get the optimal results.
Before you go, read our other articles about looking and feeling your best.
