Lip Augmentation

Dr. Etai Funk is a plastic surgeon of the face and neck exclusively.  He has an intimate understanding of the anatomy of the lips and understands what is aesthetically pleasing to the eye when it comes to the lips.  He understands concepts such as pout, fullness, and contour.  Dr. Funk is conservative when it comes to lip augmentation.  Remember, you want to look attractive, not like an attraction.


  Houston Lip Augmentation Before & Afters View Lip Augmentation Before & Afters

Lip augmentation is a procedure performed to enhance the appearance of the lips. The lips are a part of the face that attract much attention, especially in women, and therefore enhancing this region is a common procedure. Lip augmentation can enhance the volume, pout, and definition of the lips. It outlines the lips more prominently allowing lipstick to remain in place. Lip augmentation can also improve the appearance of the small vertical wrinkles around the lips that develop from constantly pursing our lips throughout life.

Lip enhancement can typically be achieved with beautiful result using non-surgical methods such as injection of fillers. Restylane, Juvederm, and Perlane are all excellent facial fillers for augmenting the lips. Radiesse cannot be used for lip augmentation and Dr. Funk does not recommend the use of silicone injection as it may migrate.

Injection of the lips with fillers will last anywhere from 6-12months depending on the volume, patient, and type of filler used. Restylane and Juvederm Ultra will feel softer after injection but may degrade more quickly. Perlane and Juvederm Ultra Plus may feel more firm in the lips but may last longer. The lips are a mobile structure that we move often with speech, eating, and daily activities. Therefore, the filler agent will degrade more quickly in this area.

Another option for lip augmentation are permanent lip implants. These are place surgically and are typically made of silastic. These implants do not degrade and remain in the lip permanently. Silastic permanent lip implants can be removed surgically, but this can leave a residual deformity of the lip afterwards. Dr. Funk recommends trying temporary injectable lip augmentation before considering surgical permanent implantation. He does not recommend permanent augmentation with injectable fillers as these may lead to infection and are extremely difficult if not impossible to remove.

Make an appointment withDr. Funk for a thorough evaluation of your lips and to discuss the best possible treatment to provide the desired result for your lips.

 

How do I get fuller lips?

Lip augmentation can be performed through numerous techniques. Injectable filler using Restylane, Perlane, or Juvederm are excellent options for temporary lip augmentation. Permanent silastic lip implants can be implanted surgically as well.

How do I avoid overdone lips or "duck lips"?

As a facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Funk not only understands the detailed anatomy of the face and lips, but he has been trained and understands facial aesthetics. He is fully aware of facial beauty and what looks natural and overdone. He understands where the upper lip should lie in relation to the lower lip. Initially, your lips will appear quite large after injection with Restylane, Perlane, or Juvederm. However, after about 24 hours, the swelling will subside and you will have fuller, more sensual, yet natural and soft lips. Location of filler injection into the lips and volume are essential for achieving a satisfying aesthetic result.

What type of filler are there for the lips?

The major types of fillers for the lips are the hyaluronic acid fillers or HA's. These are Restylane, Perlane, and Juvederm. These fillers are clear, smooth to inject, and are a gel. They are soft to the touch and provide a natural enhancment to the lips. Radiesse injection cannot be used for the lips. Silicone injection is an option, but can lead to migration.

Is there something permanent for the lips?

Permanent implants need to be inserted surgically into the lips. They are typically made of silastic, a safe substance that does not degrade in the lips. This implant can be removed, but it must be done so surgically and can leave an unnatural deformity to the lips. Dr. Funk recommends a trial of a temporary injectable filler before pursuing a permanent surgical solution. Other options are a lip lift where a small incision is made removing the white portion of the upper lip and lifting the red portion of the lip giving a more prominent, full, and aesthetically pleasing upper lip.

How long do fillers in the lip last?

The lip is a very mobile structure. Speech, eating, and pursing while placing lipstick are all actions requiring our lips. As a mobile unit, the filler in the lips does not last as long as filler in other locations of the face. Fillers for the lips can last anywhere between 6 months to 1 year. Perlane and Juvederm Ultra Plus will last longer than Restylane and Juvederm Ultra. However, Juvederm Ultra Plus and Perlane may feel a little more firm in the lips than Restylane or Juvederm Ultra.

Is filler for the lips painful?

Filler for the lips is typically not painful. There are numerous ways to prevent pain when injecting filler for the lips. Both Juvederm and Restylane now both are prepackaged with lidocaine, a local anesthetic, inside of the syringe. Therefore, the procedure is much more tolerable during the injection. Other options include topical anesthesia with a numbing agent or a few small injections under the lip with local anesthesia as in the dentist's office.

What is the recovery from lip injection?

Most patients' swelling resolves within 24 hours. A small amount of bruising may occur after filler injection to the lips. This however can easily be covered with lipstick.

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