Aesthetic & Cosmetic Surgery in New York
Lip Augmentation
Allure Plastic Surgery
Lip Augmentation in Staten Island
Lip enhancement gives you fuller lips. Patients seek it for several reasons, most often the fine lines that form around the mouth with age, commonly called smoker's lines.
Before & After
Several lip injection procedures are available at our Staten Island office to restore the volume and plumpness lost with age. If you are younger and simply want more volume in thin lips, we can help with that too.
Non-surgical lip enhancement is popular and, given its relative cost, can be a quick and affordable option.
To discover how our qualified surgeons can help you enhance your lips, please call (866) 477-2023 to schedule a free consultation at our New York City plastic surgery center.
Overview
When Should You Consider Lip Enhancement?
While the decision to enhance your lips is likely going to be a very personal one, there are a number of common reasons why someone would want to augment their lips.
- Thin lips that fade away when you smile, laugh, and talk.
- Lips that have lost their fullness due to age.
- Lips whose appearance makes you self-conscious.
- When you desire to have fuller lips that will help to balance the appearance of your face.
How Does the Procedure Work?
Before your procedure, you'll meet with one of our surgeons to decide which type of procedure to have and to review your medical history and any current conditions. Most important is whether you take any medications that could increase bleeding during the procedure.
A series of tests then determines whether you are fit for surgery, including an allergy test for the chosen method of application.
At your consultation you'll be asked whether you smoke. Cigarette smoking affects the lips substantially and may even be the cause of your dissatisfaction, so you'll need to stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery.
Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can cause problems before, during, and after the procedure, so stay hydrated, especially during recovery.
Which Option Is Best for You?
Depending on your needs and goals, our surgeons can use several procedures to achieve the look you want. Some require allergy testing before they can be administered.
Upper Lip Lift
An upper lip lift is a surgical procedure, usually done under local anesthesia. It involves removing a strip of skin from the part of the lip close to the nose to shorten it's vertical length. The incision is concealed under the nose where it meets the upper lip.
After the excess skin is removed, the upper lip is lifted by suturing the cut edges together deep beneath the skin. This gives the lip the strength to hold its shape and keeps the scar hidden.
The procedure is permanent, so choose a specialist who has performed it many times. Your face is the most visible part of your body, and you don't want to end up looking like Kenny Rogers after a brow lift.
If you'd rather not have a surgical procedure, there are several non-surgical options to choose from.
Board Certified Surgeons
Fat Injections
These injections use your own body fat to add volume to your lips. Fat is taken from areas of the body where there is excess and used as a natural filler.
Because the fat comes from your own body, the chance of an allergic reaction is minimal. Some patients store fat removed during a liposuction or other fat removal procedure and use it to add volume to their lips.
Fat injection isn't as quick as a dermal filler, but it typically produces better, longer-lasting results.
Injectables
Silicone Injections
Like fat injection, silicone injections take time to develop but last longer. If you want a permanent solution, silicone can achieve it.
Using microinjections, our surgeons enhance numerous ares of the lip over time to keep the chance of side effects low. Because the result is permanent, the consultation starts with studying the shape of your lips before recommending how to proceed.
Injectables
Dermal Filler Injections
In the 1990s, the most common fillers included Autologen, Collagen, Dermalogen, Alloderm, Radiance, and Gore-Tex implants. Few are used today, but it helps to understand what they are and why newer methods are more effective.
However, these substances aren't typically used in modern plastic surgery procedures thanks to the ability to use fat and silicone injections, as well as the more recent range of dermal fillers you'll find today like Restylane®, Restylane-L, Restylane Silk, Juvederm® Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, Belotero Balance, HylaForm, Elevess, Prevelle Silk and Captique.
- Autologen is a dermal filler, derived from the patient's skin that's usually quickly absorbed by the body.
- Collagen is derived from bovine hides, and lasts between 30 and 90 days, as it, too, is absorbed by the body.
- Dermalogen is derived from the patient's skin to create a concentrated collagen which lasts longer than bovine collagen.
- Alloderm is derived from the extracted tissues of cadavers, purified for safety and then placed into the pink part of the lips for more definition.
- Radiance is a synthetic compound which can provide results that typically last from 3-5 years.
- Gore-Tex implants come in strips and tubes which are surgically implanted by surgeons.
Juvederm Injection
This is the simplest procedure available with many benefits.
It takes the least time to apply and can be performed in our office in a few minutes, the same day as your consultation, with instant, natural-looking results.
Results look natural and last up to eight months. Because it is non-surgical, there is no general anaesthesia and no going under the knife.
The procedure has been tested on many skin types and proven safe. The hyaluronic acid in the fillers is human-based, so allergy testing is typically not required.
Compared with other lip augmentation procedures, Juvederm is among the least expensive and most effective.
How Long Does It Take to Recover?
After the procedure, you'll be observed for a few hours before your surgeon allows you to leave. You'll receive detailed instructions on what activities to do during recovery and what to avoid.
Even with a non-surgical option, you'll likely need a liquid diet for the first few days while your lips are tender and sore. With a surgical upper lip lift, recovery can range from six to eight weeks, though you can resume normal activity and diet after the stitches come out on the eighth or tenth day.
You may notice common after-effects of the surgery during recovery. This is normal. Your surgeon will explain what to expect and what to do.
Follow the instructions carefully and call your surgeon if something doesn't feel right. Results differ from person to person, so seek your surgeon's advice if you see or feel anything that seems off.
Take your time choosing a surgeon. At Allure Plastic Surgery, every lip enhancement is done with a natural approach so you can enjoy the result without looking artificial.
How Can I Improve My Small, Thin Lips?
Juvederm is normally used to “plump” up your lips and can last approximately six months. It gives a natural appearance and is easy to go through.
Silicone can also be used. However, you will need multiple sessions to achieve the look you want, because only a little at a time can be injected. After you achieve a nice result with silicone, the result can be permanent. For more information, please arrange a free consultation at our New York City office by calling (866) 477-2023 or completing our online contact form.
★★★★★
My lip filler at Allure is so natural and balanced. They listened to exactly what I wanted and did not overdo it. I finally feel confident smiling.Mia C., Google Review
Flexible Financing
Pay Over Time with Affirm, Cherry, or CareCredit
We work with Affirm, Cherry, and CareCredit so you can spread the cost of your procedure into manageable monthly payments. Approval usually takes minutes, and there is no penalty for paying off early.
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Ready for the fuller lips you want?
Meet our team for a consultation in Manhattan, Staten Island, or Edison, NJ.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your individual needs.