Lip enhancement before and after photos are displayed with patient consent.

What is Lip Enhancement?

Lip enhancement has become very popular and gained much recognition recently. Patients are now desiring fuller, more sensuous lips. As we age, our lips become thin, are less full and lack projection and definition.

Like other areas of cosmetic surgery, there are a number of ways to enhance the lips. The outline of the lip and the V shaped area of the upper lip called "Cupid's Bow" can be enhanced. The body of the lip can also be plumped as well for a fuller more natural shape. Ideally, lips should not be over-filled and with proper techniques they can be made fuller yet still look natural.  The lip may also be lifted in the case of a long upper lip.  A complete consultation with Dr. Joseph will help determine the best treatment for you.

Lip Augmentation

There are a number of substances that can be injected into the lips to make them fuller. Dr. Joseph has experience with many procedures ranging from the simplest to the most complex, the short-term to permanent and least to most expensive.

Restylane

The simplest and most cost effective treatment is with Dermal fillers. Hyaluronic acid fillers, Restylane®, Restylane Lyft®, Juvederm®, and Volbella® have become the most popular lip enhancing substances in our practice due to the simplicity of placement and greater longevity than Collagen. The patient’s own fat may also be used. The next level of lip enhancers for longevity and a natural appearance is Alloderm®. Alloderm® a dermal skin graft material is inserted through a small incision inside the lip to add body and fullness.

Lip Augmentation Before & After Photographs

Lip Lift

Not only does the lip deflate with age, but it also becomes longer to the point where it may completely cover the upper teeth. This can be camouflaged by upper lip enhancement. It can also be shortened by a “lip lift operation”. The lip lift removes a small amount of skin below the nose, in a natural crease to both lift and reshape the upper lip. By tapering this excision, an enhanced Cupid’s bow shape can also be restored.

Lip Lift Before & After Photographs

Lip Reduction

For patients who have lips that are too full, the lips can be made smaller. The incision is hidden completely inside the mouth and a strip of lip mucosa (the wet skin of the lip) along with some of the deeper lip tissue is removed.