Lip Augmentation
Fuller, more youthful lips through artful enhancement

Upper Lip Features: The center of the upper lip contains a small projection called the tubercle. This fullness should be preserved and enhanced. Flanking the center are the philtral columns, the ridges that extend from the cupid’s bow toward the nose. Between these columns lies the philtral dimple. The cupid’s bow itself creates the characteristic double curve of the upper lip border. As the lip extends toward the corners of the mouth, volume should taper significantly.

Lower Lip Features: The lower lip naturally has two subtle “cheeks” of fullness separated by a gentle central cleft. The lower lip should project the same as or slightly more than the upper lip and should be approximately fifty percent larger in volume.

Proportions: In ideal lip aesthetics, the lower lip is 1.5 times the volume of the upper lip. The majority of visible lip (the red vermilion) exists in the central two-thirds, tapering rapidly toward the mouth corners. These proportions must be respected during augmentation.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are the most common lip augmentation method. Products like Juvederm and Restylane are exceptionally safe, produce immediate results, and can be dissolved if needed.

How They Work: HA fillers are gel-like substances that add volume when injected. The hyaluronic acid also attracts water, providing additional subtle plumping. Results are immediate, though mild swelling in the first 24-48 hours means final results are apparent after a few days.

Duration: Lip filler typically lasts 6-12 months, though this varies by individual metabolism and the specific product used. The lips are a highly mobile area, which tends to break down filler faster than other facial zones. Regular maintenance is required to preserve results.

The Procedure: Topical numbing cream is applied first. The filler itself also contains lidocaine for comfort. Using fine needles or cannulas, filler is precisely placed in specific lip subunits. The procedure takes approximately 15-30 minutes. There is no downtime, though some swelling and possible bruising occur.
Reversibility:
One major advantage of HA fillers is reversibility. An enzyme called hyaluronidase can dissolve the filler if you’re unhappy with results or if complications occur. This safety net provides peace of mind for first-time patients.

For patients seeking permanent lip enhancement, fat grafting (fat transfer) offers a lasting alternative to fillers.

How It Works: Fat is harvested from another area of your body (typically the abdomen or flanks) using gentle liposuction. The fat is processed and purified, then carefully injected into the lips. Because the transferred fat is your own tissue, there is no risk of allergic reaction.

Longevity: Not all transferred fat survives. Typically, 50-70% of the grafted volume persists permanently. Dr. Neavin may slightly overfill initially to account for this absorption. Once the fat “takes” (usually by 3-6 months), the results are permanent.

Advantages: Fat provides a very natural feel and appearance. Results are permanent once the fat has stabilized. There are no ongoing costs for maintenance treatments. Fat grafting can be combined with facial fat grafting elsewhere for comprehensive rejuvenation.

Considerations: Fat grafting is a more involved procedure than filler injection. It requires harvesting fat, which means a small liposuction procedure. Results are less predictable than fillers since fat absorption varies. The procedure cannot be easily “undone” like filler can be dissolved.

Lips exist in relationship to other facial features. Comprehensive facial enhancement often includes lip augmentation as one component.

With Chin Augmentation: The lips, nose, and chin balance each other in profile. A weak chin can make lips appear to protrude excessively, while a strong chin may make normal lips appear thin. Augmenting both creates harmonious proportions.

With Rhinoplasty: Lip and nose proportions affect each other. Larger lips can make a nose appear smaller, and vice versa. When performing rhinoplasty, Dr. Neavin considers whether lip enhancement would optimize overall facial balance.

With Facial Fat Grafting: When performing fat grafting to the cheeks, temples, or other facial areas, adding fat to the lips during the same procedure is efficient and provides comprehensive rejuvenation.

With Lip Lift: For patients with a long upper lip (excessive distance between nose and lip), a lip lift surgically shortens this distance and increases upper lip show. This can be combined with filler or fat for volume, addressing both lip length and fullness.

With Perioral Rejuvenation: Vertical lip lines (“smoker’s lines”), marionette lines, and nasolabial folds all affect the appearance of the mouth. Treating these areas alongside lip augmentation creates comprehensive perioral rejuvenation.