Lip enhancement procedures can give the lips a fuller and plumper look. Depending on your goals and lifestyle, there are a few different lip enhancement procedures that can increase the volume of your lips. There are both permanent and temporary solutions that can plump your pout, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, and restore a youthful and confident smile.
Permanent Lip Enhancement
Bullhorn Lip Lift
A bullhorn lip lift, sometimes called a subnasal lift, shortens the space between the upper lip and nostrils and rolls out the upper lip. This gives an appearance of more volume in the top lip. This procedure is performed with two horizontal incisions with upward edges under the nasal base. A bullhorn lip lift is a good option for those who want an enlarged upper lip, shorter space between your nose and lips, or a more defined cupid’s bow.
Corner Lip Lift
A corner lip lift lifts the corners of the mouth. As we age, our upper lip becomes longer, which forces the corners of the mouth downward. A corner lip lift helps to bring balance and shape to the lips, and minimize the appearance of downward-turned lips.
V-Y Lip Advancement
A V-Y lip lift, or lip advancement, is a good option for those who desire fuller and plumper lips. This procedure adds volume to thin upper or lower lips. During the procedure, a small incision in the shape of a V is made in the mucosa of the upper or lower lips. Your surgeon will then lift the mucosa to add more volume and close the incision, which ends up in the shape of a Y.
Lip Implants
Another option for lip enhancement is a permanent lip augmentation. These implants can be made from materials such as silicone, a material called polytetrafluoroethylene, or from your own body. Tissue grafting and fat grafting use skin or fat from the abdomen to fill the lip. Lip enhancement procedures can lead to fuller, plumper lips in addition to reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth. The procedure helps to redefine lip borders that may be lost due to wrinkles, fill out thin lips, and improve symmetry between the upper and lower lips.
Here’s what to expect from a lip augmentation procedure:
1. You will first have a consultation with your plastic surgeon to discuss goals and your medical history.
2. The procedure itself will be done under anesthesia to ensure patient comfort.
3. Your surgeon will make a small incision at the corner of the mouth.
4. Through this incision, a pocket is created for the implant with a clamp.
5. The implant will be inserted into this pocket, and the clamp will be removed.
6. The incision will be closed with small sutures.
Temporary Lip Enhancement
If your goal is not for permanent lip enhancement, injectable dermal fillers are another option to plump up your lips. Most fillers contain hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance found in the body. Injectable lip fillers typically last around six months, so if you are looking for a short-term way for fuller lips, injectable lip fillers are a great option. Because the amount of filler injected can be controlled, your surgeon has good control over how much lip volume is created.
The procedure for temporary lip fillers is very quick, and results are nearly instant. Often referred to as a “lunchtime procedure,” the procedure is quick and relatively risk-free. Temporary results means that there is no long-term commitment.
If you are looking to plump up wrinkled or thinning lips in a subtle way, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines around the mouth, and achieve a full and youthful smile, there are many different lip enhancement procedures to choose from. Talk to your doctor about your goals and to determine which procedure is right for you.
