Lip enhancement, also known as lip augmentation, is an office-based procedure using a variety of surgical and non-surgical techniques to enhance the appearance of the upper and lower lips.

Patients may seek lip enhancement with a desire for fuller, more shapely lips or to address unwanted vertical lines and wrinkles around the lips known as smoker’s lines. Lip enhancement can improve the appearance of deflated or excessively thin lips resulting from age which may make a person appear sad, angry or old.

Individuals desiring fuller, more shapely lips may be good candidates for lip enhancement. Patients may seek lip enhancement to improve lips which have deflated or thinned with age. Some patients desire more volume along the red portion of the lip as well as a more defined vermillion border (the junction of the red lip and white lip). Other patients are seeking additional augmentation around the vermillion to address unwanted vertical lines and wrinkles, termed smoker’s lines.

Restylane® is the most popular injectable filler that is used for temporary lip enhancement. Because it appears smooth and natural when placed under the superficial skin, it is a great option for adding volume to the lips and surrounding area. With the ability to place Restylane® just below the lip and skin surface, even finer lines and wrinkles can be effectively erased in one simple office-based procedure. The soft and natural appearing enhancement that is seen with Restylane® augmentation of the lip will last an average of six to nine months.

Lip enhancement procedures are typically performed in the office setting.

The type of anesthesia used for lip enhancement will depend upon the particular technique. Restylane® lip enhancement can be performed with topical anesthesia with or without a nerve block.

Restylane® lip enhancement is done by injecting the upper and lower lip with the desired amount of filler to enhance the natural contour of the red and white lip. One must be careful to enhance the upper and lower lip with a sufficient amount of Restylane® to achieve a balanced look.

Lip enhancement usually takes less than 15 to 30 minutes to complete.

Restylane® does not involve incisions and, thus, will not result in scars.

There is typically minimal pain or discomfort associated with lip enhancement.

In our experience, a very small percentage of patients will develop bruising or swelling at the Restylane treatment site lasting beyond twenty-four hours. This may last for upwards of three to seven days, after which patients are considered publicly presentable. Most patients are instructed to minimize use of the lips and mouth for several days in order to maximize the results of the procedure. Work and other normal activities can typically be resumed within twenty-four hours after Restylane® enhancement.

Most patients are able to return to work and other normal activities within twenty-four hours following Restylane® enhancement.

Patients are usually able to resume aerobic exercise within twenty-four hours after Restylane® treatment.

In rare cases, Restylane® can result in slight lumping in the lip which can usually be addressed successfully with frequent massage and/or hyaluronidase to melt away the unwanted areas of filler.

Lip enhancement procedures which are performed for cosmetic purposes are typically not covered by insurance. However, patients should be sure to check with their own insurer.

The results of Restylane® augmentation last an average of six to nine months.