Plump, full lips can help you achieve a youthful and vivacious appearance. As you grow older, the natural aging process can affect the volume and shape of your mouth. Whether you have naturally thin lips or you want to reverse the effects of aging, lip augmentation at our Scottsdale, AZ, practice may be the solution. At Arizona Ocular and Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Dustin Heringer can use one of several techniques to dramatically improve your appearance. Options include dermal fillers, tissue grafting using your own fat cells, and using permanent lip implants. Your surgeon will explain each one of these options in detail during your initial consultation. Together, you and he can choose the method that is best suited for your budget and cosmetic goals.

Aging and How It Affects Your Lips

Most people enjoy peak volume in their lips during their twenties. After this time, fat cells in the area may begin to break down, making your lips appear flatter. Additionally, small lines and wrinkles may begin to develop around the periphery of your mouth. Finally, as it does for many patients, the area between your nose and upper lip may begin to flatten out. As a result, your lips—and the rest of your face—may have less definition.

Types of Lip Augmentation

Our three lip augmentation options can reverse the effects of aging, often making you appear many years younger than you are. Dr. Heringer can make helpful suggestions about the right treatment option. However, because he wants you to be an active participant in your care, the ultimate decision will be up to you.

Dermal Fillers

At Arizona Ocular and Facial Plastic Surgery, we offer several types of dermal fillers. Juvederm® XC and Restylane® are the most appropriate for lip augmentation. Fillers are a conservative, non-surgical option that may be appropriate if you are also concerned with small wrinkles or deep nasolabial folds. Your practitioner will inject a smooth gel to increase volume in your lips and to fill in creases. Results are immediately apparent and can last for up to a year. Because the treatment requires no downtime and poses negligible risks, you can easily receive ongoing touchups as needed.

Fat Cell Transfer

Fat grafting is another minimally invasive option, but it offers permanent results. Your doctor will use liposuction to remove extra fat cells from another area of your body. Common areas include the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs, giving you a chance to enhance these features, as well. Then, after refining and isolating the fat cells, Dr. Heringer will inject them in your lips. Because of his extensive experience and an eye for artistry, he can achieve a subtle, natural effect.

Whether you have naturally thin lips or you want to reverse the effects of aging, lip augmentation may be the solution.

Lip Implants

Lip implants offer another permanent solution. The doctor will carefully choose silicone implants to match the natural proportions of your face, yielding truly lifelike results. Nevertheless, this process involves a more extensive surgery and longer recovery time. Therefore, we typically recommend implants only in select cases. Fat grafting offers a similar effect, though your body may absorb a small number of the injected fat cells.

Recovery from Lip Augmentation

Lip augmentation requires minimal recovery, especially if you choose dermal fillers or a fat transplant. With fillers, you can typically return to your normal routine the same day. You may experience some minor inflammation and sensitivity. A fat transfer will affect your lips similarly, but you will require additional rest after the initial liposuction procedure. If you opt for lip implants, you will need to devote approximately 10 days to rest and recovery. After this time, any remaining stitches will be removed. Nonetheless, your lips may still feel stiff for about three months. Fortunately, all three options are virtually risk-free, especially with Dr. Heringer’s consummate skill.