Looking to make a change to the shape, size, and symmetry of your lips? Then a lip augmentation may benefit you. Below is a general overview of ideal candidates:
Increase the fullness of the lips
Lip augmentation is a cosmetic treatment meant to increase the fullness of the lips. After all, having a set of pouty lips is one of today’s most desired assets. Fuller lips represent sensuality, beauty, and elegance. Lip augmentation lets patients defy aging or genetics and achieve a noticeable, natural-looking pair of lips.
At Esthetica of Newport Beach, we offer two safe and efficient solutions for patients to step up their lippy look: Hyaluronic Acid fillers and/or fat transfer procedures.
Injectables are the most popular and the easiest and quickest way to achieve volume, however certain patients may need a fat transfer procedure if their desired results are unable to be achieved with filler alone. Once you meet with one of our medical professionals it will be determined what treatment will best suit your needs.
Dr. Kouli and his staff are here to champion patients’ needs and meet their aesthetic goals. His years of experience in the medical field ensures every set of lips is treated with care. If you’re interested in getting plusher-looking lips, schedule a personal consultation at our offices in Newport Beach. Or, reach us at (949) 919-6526 to speak to a friendly staff member.
About Lip Augmentation
Lips are often one of the first facial features we notice because they communicate both non-verbal and verbal messages. The size, shape, fullness, and contours of the lips affect how others assess our appearance and perceive our personality. Besides highlighting our smiles for a warmer, more joyful appearance, lips are also a tool of sexual attraction.[2]
And, there’s no shortage of products and techniques that claim to boost the appeal of your lips. From topical plumpers to makeup tricks, temporary solutions are aplenty, however, oftentimes their effectiveness is adequate at best. But thanks to the advances of cosmetic medicine, people now have a chance to achieve this desirable look–long term. Lip augmentation procedures allow today’s patients to pursue several effective treatments. Your treatment to a fuller pout may take on two forms: injectable fillers or fat transfer. While both give you luxuriant lips, they have their own unique advantages.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) – Injectable Cosmetic Fillers
Injectable fillers are one of the most commonly used methods for an immediate improvement in the size and shape of the lips. HA is a naturally occurring substance that plumps the skin, keeps the skin moisturized, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. [1] These fillers are gently injected around the mouth using an ultra-fine needle until the desired aesthetic is achieved. Treatment sessions take under an hour. The results are new buxom lips that last for up to six months!
Fat Transfer
Fat transfer, also known as autologous fat grafting, is another excellent way to reshape the lips to flattering dimensions. This procedure is an entirely natural process as it uses your own fat which can be taken from areas with unwanted fat deposits. The abdomen, flanks, and thighs are usually good areas to extract the fat. Dr. Kouli starts the process by administering anesthesia for your comfort.
Then, a tiny incision is made in the harvest area so the fat can be liposuctioned with a small cannula. [3] The fat is processed in a centrifuge to purify it. [4] Next, the fat is injected into the lips to create a more prominent volume. Once the living fat tissue adapts to its new location, you will be able to enjoy your new look for many years to come.
Benefits
Lip augmentation using either method can plump and enhance lips for a subtle effect, or a significant, yet natural-looking difference. Some key benefits to an augmentation procedure include:
Improved Appearance
Lip augmentation provides fuller contours that will undoubtedly get you noticed, even if others can’t quite put their finger on the difference. So not only will your self-esteem experience a big boost, you’ll be able to enjoy a wider range of cosmetics, including today’s trending matte shades of lipstick.
Natural, Fuller Lips
The fat transfer method is a natural way for patients to achieve a voluminous pair of lips. It harvests fat taken from areas you’d like to contour and transfers it to the lips. By comparison, most injectables use a lab-formulated hyaluronic acid (HA) gel to plump the lips. However, HA is found naturally throughout the body. When injected, this safe, absorbable cosmetic helps support the underlying structure of the skin and fill in areas where needed. Both methods are effective ways to
Treats Signs Of Aging
Both have the benefit of eliminating fine lines and wrinkles that develop around the mouth. In addition, they work to firm and smooth the skin on your lips for an overall more youthful-looking mouth.
Minimal Side Effects
Injectables are safe and have an extremely low risk of side effects or allergic reactions. With a fat transfer, there’s no risk of these occurring since it’s your own fat tissue. Patients can count on a safe, reliable procedure with little downtime.
Candidates
- Free of health issues such as blood diseases and cold sores
- Unsatisfied with thin, asymmetrical lips
- Experience wrinkles and smile lines around the mouth
- Do not smoke or be willing to stop temporarily
- Hold realistic expectations about your results
Your consultation will determine which method is suitable for you. Use the contact form or call (949) 919-6526 to speak with a staff member.
Procedure
Injectable Filler
We’ll disinfect the area and administer a topical anesthetic before we start. Filler injections use tiny, delicate syringes to administer the filler where needed. A series of carefully placed injections around the lips and mouth will perfect the desired look. Each injection takes only a few seconds to administer. [1] The areas will then be massaged to evenly distribute the filler. In under an hour, patients can look forward to gorgeous, enhanced lips with little downtime.
Fat Transfer
Dr. Kouli starts the process by making a small incision in the fat harvest areas chosen during your consultation. The fat is then liposuctioned, purified, and injected into the lips and around the mouth. [3] Fat will add volume to the lips while smoothing away wrinkles. Depending on the specifics of your treatment, a fat transfer procedure can last up to two hours.
Personal Consultation
At Esthetica of Orange County, we tailor our services to best suit each patient’s concerns. Dr. Kouli carefully selects his staff to provide an individualized approach to all non-surgical treatments, and we are committed to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Esthetica of Orange County is located in beautiful Newport Beach. Your personal consultation will be a conversation about your current aesthetic and the look you’d like to achieve. This helps us determine whether a fat transfer or injectable fillers treatment will benefit you most. Once it is determined what treatment is needed, you will meet with your Patient Care Coordinator to go over the financial aspects with you.
See how you can revamp your look with your consultation with Dr. Kouli. Can’t make it to our office? We offer convenient virtual consultation that fits any schedule.
FAQ
Recovery and Results
There is no downtime associated with injectables. Patients are free to resume their life once complete. Most patients experience minimal redness, soreness, or tenderness following their treatment, which usually only lasts up to five days. Until then, you can apply an ice pack to the area to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort. Most patients will see some immediate results following treatment, with final results gradually appearing 7-10 days after. Lip fillers typically last 3-6 months. After that, you can schedule a touch-up appointment to maintain your new fuller lips.
Recovery from a fat transfer is slightly longer than an injectable. Like injectables, you will be able to see noticeable results right away, with long-term results developing in the weeks ahead. Symptoms of swelling and soreness around the lips may be felt for up to a week. The area that received the liposuction treatment will also need time to heal, with bruising and swelling subsiding in the coming weeks. Light activities and work can resume after one week. [3] You should fully recover from the fat transfer procedure within six weeks. Results are usually long-lasting to permanent.
Cost
Lip augmentation treatments are highly customizable procedures. Because each patient is different, the method of treatment, amount of injections, and the type of filler will vary with each augmentation treatment. As such, this means the final cost associated with your treatment will vary. Dr. Kouli will give you an accurate estimate during your consultation.