Lip augmentation is a great option for enhancing lips that have thinned due to aging – or are naturally thin. The results are fuller, plumper lips that can look as natural or dramatic as you’d like.
At Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Maria Lombardo offers a range of services for lip augmentation, including fillers and lip implants. She has provided surgical and non-surgical treatments in the Palm Springs area since 2009.
Lip Augmentation Options
There are many different approaches used in lip augmentation procedures.
When it comes to lip fillers, hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Restylane® and JUVÉDERM®, are gaining popularity. These injectables temporarily increase lip volume and can reduce the appearance of upper lip wrinkles and “smoker’s lines.”
For patients with advanced signs of aging, lip implants may be recommended. This is a surgical procedure that delivers more noticeable and more permanent results than fillers.
Features That Can Be Changed With Lip Augmentation
Dr. Lombardo’s goal with lip augmentation is unique to each patient. These are some specific areas she can address:
- Cupid’s bow: This is the name of the area in the middle of your upper lip.
- Center fullness: Signature lip beauty means they are fuller in the center, tapering off at the corners.
- Profile projection: When viewed from the side, your upper lip should project slightly above your lower lip.
- Side-to-side symmetry: Augmentation can balance asymmetrical lips.
Ideal Candidates For Lip Enhancement
Ideal candidates for surgical lip enhancement have:
- Thin lips
- Lips that lack definition or volume
- Lips that are disproportionate to the rest of the face
Candidates seeking injectable lip fillers should:
- Have thin lips
- Have a defined “cupid’s bow”
- Have a significant showing of the red portion of the lip
Fillers Used for Lip Augmentation
For most patients, Dr. Lombardo uses hyaluronic acid dermal fillers for lip augmentation. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the human body that firms and plumps the skin by combining with water molecules at the injection sites.
These are the fillers Dr. Lombardo prefers.
JUVÉDERM Ultra XC
JUVÉDERM Ultra XC is intended to visibly plump the lips. It can add definition to the borders and increase fullness throughout.
JUVÉDERM Volbella XC
While JUVÉDERM Ultra provides significant volume to the lips, Volbella XC is formulated to add subtle volume and to smooth lip lines. Volbella creates natural-looking results that aren’t as dramatic.
Restylane Silk
Restylane Silk is specifically formulated for lip augmentation and filling vertical lip lines. Compared to the other Restylane fillers, Silk contains smaller hyaluronic acid particles. This makes it ideal for plumping and adding volume to the lips without being overly noticeable.
What Are Lip Implants Made Of?
Lip implants are typically made from medical-grade materials designed for long-term biocompatibility and safety.
The two most common options are silicone and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). Silicone implants are soft, flexible, and come in various sizes and shapes to match different lip anatomies. ePTFE is a porous material that facilitates tissue integration, potentially reducing the risk of shifting over time.
Both materials are non-reactive and FDA-approved for cosmetic use.
Lip Filler Procedure
Lip enhancement using fillers is a quick, outpatient procedure performed in our office. A numbing agent is applied to the lip area to minimize discomfort during the injections. Then, the lip filler you’ve chosen is injected into the lips.
You won’t experience any side effects other than some swelling and bruising, which subsides within a few days. Most people don’t even need to adjust their day-to-day schedules after receiving lip enhancement with fillers.
Lip Implant Procedure
Lip implants require local anesthesia or sedation as well as incisions. These incisions are located in natural creases where scars will be less noticeable, such as the base of the nose or at the lower and upper borders of the lip. After the implant has been placed, the incision site is sutured closed both internally and externally.
Lip Filler Recovery
Recovery time for injected lip fillers is minimal. The lips may be sore, swollen, and bruised after the procedure. Swelling should subside within 3 days, with bruises taking up to a week to disappear.
Lip Implant Recovery
A recovery time of 1 to 2 weeks is normal for lip implants, with sutures being removed around day 5. You will need to take special care cleaning around your lips during this time.
Why Choose Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery?
Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery offers personalized lip augmentation backed by the skill and dedication of Dr. Maria Lombardo, a board-certified surgeon with extensive training in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
Known for her warm, approachable manner, Dr. Lombardo prioritizes patient education and safety, guiding individuals through every step with clarity and care. Her practice combines surgical precision with artistry to deliver personalized, natural-looking results.
Located in Rancho Mirage, the practice is equipped to provide both surgical and non-surgical treatments. It’s a trusted destination for patients seeking subtle lip enhancements or more permanent solutions, such as implants.
FAQs
How Many Lip Augmentation Procedures Will I Need?
Lip filler administration is typically intended as a single treatment. You don’t need to return for additional sessions in a series, and your results are fully realized after a single injection appointment.
How Long Does A Dermal Filler Lip Augmentation Session Take?
Dermal filler injection sessions generally take from 30 minutes to one hour.
How Long Does the Lip Implant Procedure Take?
The lip implant procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and is commonly done in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. Most patients are discharged shortly after the procedure and can return to light activities within a few days, provided there are no complications.
What Are The Risks Involved With Dermal Filler Lip Augmentation?
To minimize any swelling or bruising, gently ice your lips immediately after your session. There is a chance of developing lumps, but that is rare and can be reversed immediately with an injection of an enzyme that neutralizes the hyaluronic acid.
How Long Will My Results Last From Lip Augmentation With Dermal Fillers?
JUVÉDERM Volbella and Ultra will add volume and shape to your lips for up to one year. At that point, the body will fully absorb the hyaluronic acid, and your results will begin to fade. Restylane Silk lasts around six months.
Will Lip Implants Affect My Ability To Speak or Eat?
Lip implants may cause temporary changes in how your lips feel and function during the initial healing period. However, they should not affect your long-term ability to speak or eat.
Swelling and tightness are common during the first few days, which may slightly alter your lip movement. As the swelling subsides and the tissues adapt to the implant, normal function returns.
It’s essential to follow aftercare instructions, such as avoiding hard or spicy foods and minimizing excessive mouth movement in the early stages. This promotes a smooth recovery and reduces the risk of irritation or implant shifting.
Can Lip Implants Be Removed or Adjusted Later?
Yes, lip implants can be removed or replaced if necessary. While they are designed to be a long-lasting enhancement, some patients may want to adjust the size, switch to a different material, or remove them altogether due to personal preference or rare complications such as asymmetry or discomfort.
The removal process is relatively straightforward and can usually be done under local anesthesia. If a patient is unhappy with the initial result, most surgeons recommend waiting until the healing process is complete before making any changes. Discussing your expectations beforehand can reduce the likelihood of needing revision surgery.
Why Is Hyaluronic Acid Preferred Over Augmentation With Fat?
Hyaluronic acid fillers are easy to work with, and results can be finely tuned to achieve the desired look. Conversely, augmentation with fat is more difficult to control precisely, as you cannot be sure how many of the injected fat cells will survive.
How Do Lip Implants Compare in Cost to Lip Fillers?
Although lip implants have a higher upfront cost, they can be more economical over time. Lip fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based products, are generally less expensive per session. However, they require repeat treatments every 6 to 12 months to maintain results.
Over several years, the cumulative cost of fillers can surpass the one-time price of implants. Additionally, implants offer consistent volume without the fluctuations associated with filler absorption.
Patients at Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery can use Allē Payment Plans to make their treatments more cost-effective.
Schedule a Lip Augmentation Consultation
Call (760) 610-8990 today to contact Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery and schedule a lip augmentation consultation. We serve patients in the greater Palm Springs & Palm Desert areas.
Call 760-610-8990 for information on any of our services.
Visit our Before & After Gallery >>
Watch our Collection of Videos >>