Fast facts

Lip augmentation

What it is: Lip augmentation can be described as any procedure that intends to combat aging around the mouth and/or provide the appearance of fuller, sexier lips. These goals can be achieved with a variety of different methods, including dermal fillers and lip implants.

What it addresses:  Age related conditions of the mouth, including:

- Thin or aging lips
- Laugh lines
- Smoker's lines

Was it worth it?

Percent of consumer reviews saying "Yes":

86% Tummy tuck
83% Invisalign
83% Blepharoplasty
81% Smart Lipo
80% Silicone breast implants
79% Photofacial
78% Facelift
78% VASER Liposelection
78% Lasik
75% Laser resurfacing
74% Rhinoplasty
74% Botox
72% Permanent makeup
70% Liposuction
69% Pixel laser
67% Active FX
67% Microdermabrasion
66% Chemical peel
63% Juvederm
61% Restylane
58% Sculptra
53% IPL
52% Radiesse
51% Fraxel Laser
50% Mesotherapy
48% Accent XL
44% Zoom teeth whitening
41% Lifestyle lift
37% Thermage
37% Lipodissolve

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Question

What are my options for permanent lip augmentation?

I had collagen in my lips and I loved it, but I cannot afford to keep  having injections.  I saw a web site that suggest Artecol or  silicone.  Do they do the same thing?

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Asked by: Anonymous from Montpelier, VT

Answers (4)

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1
December 18, 2008

Permanent Lip Fillers: Silicone, Fat Grafting, Implantable Lip Augmentation

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

There are many options for every procedure, including permanent lip augmentation.  However, the real question is whether any of these should be performed.  Just because a treatment is available does not mean that it is a practical solution to the problem.

In general, you should not consider permanent lip augmentation.  Let me repeat...do not even consider permanent lip augmentation for the following reasons:

  • Your lips will change as you age and this permanency may not look harmonious in the context of an aging lip.  Think 20 years from now with an aged lip on the outside with an artificial filler that cannot be removed on the inside.
  • The lips are dynamic and constantly move.  This may alter the pattern of the lip fillers in the future.
  • There is no reversal of permanent injectable fillers.

I conduct a clinic for patients with silicone injections on their face.  Just speak to any one of these patients who have had their lives practically destroyed by complications associated with permanent fillers and you will understand the reasons not to do them.

Finally, just because a company touts a new type of filler, you should do your homework.  Practically speaking, permanent fillers are not advisable.

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2
October 28, 2008

Saline lip implants

Sam Naficy, MD
Sam Naficy, MD
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Answer by Sam Naficy, MD

Artecoll or Silicone are not your best option for lips since they are very difficult if not impossible to remove if there is a problem.

Saline implants (made by Evera) are a great option for lips and have a number of advantages over the older Gore-Tex or Advanta implants.

For more information visit http://www.salinelipimplants.com

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3
May 3, 2008

To be complete, Verafil is a lip augmentation option

Steven Weiner, MD
Steven Weiner, MD
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon

Just to make this discussion more complete, Verafil is an option.

Verafil is a small saline-filled implant that is placed in the lips with a minor surgical procedure done in the office in about 15 minutes. Supposedly, the body does not produce scar tissue around it, so it stays soft. I don't have any experience with this procedure. My gut feeling is that it has potential for creating scar tissue and might become very difficult to remove down the road, which ultimately might be a major problem.

If you can wait a while, Evolence Breeze will be FDA approved in 6-12 months, and should give you about 12 months of correction. I'd say that's pretty good.

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4
April 8, 2008

Fat injection is safe for permanent lip augmentation

Julius W. Few, MD
Julius W. Few, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

The largest experience with Artecol and silicone injections is outside the U.S. Neither is FDA-approved in the U.S. for cosmetic indications.

ArteFill is similar in principle to Artecol and is U.S. FDA-approved; it is used for filling deeper static facial creases, but is not recommended for the lips. The use of these products for lip enhancement has been described, but there have been several warnings for using these products in the lip enhancement area.

Over time, these products have been shown to be associated with a risk for "angry bumps" that develop and are difficult to correct. These bumps can cause difficulty for the patient, both in terms of their appearance and their ability to use the lips.

I currently have two patients in my practice, who had silicone injection to the lips years ago and now have a deformity that will require surgical correction. Fat injection is a safe and effective alternative to non-permanent fillers. Fat injection is very effective, lasting years in many cases, and without significant risk.

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