Lip Enhancement

Some people are born with naturally full lips. However, even full lips will grow thinner and longer over time due to the effects of sun damage, gravity and aging, and wrinkles will eventually develop around the mouth. For those who desire to regain their lips’ natural volume and shape, or for those who were born with naturally thin lips, lip augmentation or enhancement procedures offer a solution. The most common procedures involve the use of injectable fillers.

The Science of Beautiful Lips and Lip Augmentation

To improve on the appearance of lips, let’s first review what makes an aesthetically pleasing lip.

	Lips are not uniform. To avoid ending up with an unnatural look, remember that the upper lip is not straight, but has the overall shape of a soft letter “M.”
	There is a natural depression in the middle of the upper lip, called the “cupid’s bow.”
	The cupid’s bow is formed by two vertical lines that extend from the base of the nose, called the “philtrum.”
	The natural lip has a slight fullness at its edge called the “roll” or the “vermillion border.”

Some practitioners of lip injections simply inject fillers into the lip itself, creating so-called “hot dog” lips; that is, lips which are bigger but ultimately shapeless because all of the “landmarks” mentioned above have been erased. Dr. Gilmore, on the other hand, carefully recreates these lip “landmarks” to ensure the most natural result.

Lip Augmentation & Enhancement Injections FAQs

Where are the lip injections done?
Lip injections are performed in our medical office. You will be numbed with a “dental block” prior to the lip injection to minimize discomfort associated with the procedure, after which a soft gel is injected into the lip area. The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes.

Are lip injections painful?
Most discomfort is eliminated by Dr. Gilmore utilizing the idea of a “dental block” where you will receive lidocaine injections inside your mouth in the upper and lower gum area prior to the procedure. You will feel numb for a few hours but it is worth it. The lip area is a very tender area and Dr. Gilmore wants you to feel as comfortable as possible.

Do I need to take time off?
Although there is minor swelling after the treatment, most patients return to work the same or following day.

What do I need to do after the procedure?
You will be advised to apply ice to the area to help decrease the swelling. While the majority of patients report minimal or no pain once the procedure is completed, an over-the-counter pain medication, like Tylenol or ibuprofen, can be used if discomfort persists.

How long will the results last?
Typically, results last anywhere between four to six months. With time, your body absorbs the gel until it disappears. You may choose to return for a touch up before the gel completely disappears, to maintain a more consistent appearance.

Is there something more permanent than fillers for lip augmentation?
Yes, there are several options for introducing permanent synthetic material in the lip to enhance its shape and fullness. Typically, these procedures can be done in the office and require minimal down time. To determine which option is right for you please schedule your consultation with Dr. Gilmore.

Who Should Do Your Lip Augmentation
Although lip injections are becoming more commonplace, it’s important to remember that injections are a surgical procedure, not a cosmetic one. Don’t assume that just because someone is performing lip injections, they are qualified to do so. Dr. Gilmore is a highly trained facial plastic surgeon and always performs his procedures personally.