The Ultimate Guide to Lip Augmentation

Have you always wanted plumper lips? There are various ways of achieving a fuller look with the array of surgical and non-surgical options for lip augmentation. Overseas clinics are often considerably less expensive than at home, so why not take advantage of the savings and book a vacation too? Depending on what procedure you decide to have, the recovery time is a matter of hours to a couple of weeks.

Am I suitable for a lip augmentation?

Lip enhancement procedures produce desirable, more youthful-looking lips. As we get older, our lips become thinner as our collagen production and hyaluronic acid (the things that make our skin and soft tissues strong and firm) decreases. You can get your youthful shape and size back by choosing one a of the lip enhancement treatments. Of course, the treatments are for any ages (above 18) if you just want a fuller, sexier pout.

It is wise to do a little research into the various treatments on offer for lip enhancement – there are surgical and non-surgical options; temporary and permanent. Temporary treatments will require top-ups every few months or so – so if you don’t like the effect your lips will return to their natural size. Permanent fillers are lasting, and often difficult to remove, even with surgery – so be very sure that is what you want if you decide to go for this option.

What is involved with the lip augmentation procedures?

This rests on what particular treatment you decide on and whether it’s surgical or non-surgical (typically using products that are injected into the lips):

Surgical Lip Augmentation:

Lip Lift – This is done to increase the upper lid by making an incision under the nose. The skin between upper lip and nose is then shortened by pulling it up, removing a small section, and stitching it under the nose. This method can also be used on downward-turning mouths by making incisions either side of the mouth.

Lip Implant – Incisions are made in the corners of the mouth where the implants (either natural or synthetic) are inserted.

Dermal Graft – Fat-grafts from deeper layers of the skin are inserted under the lip lining through incisions made inside the mouth.

Vermillion Advancement – By removing a thin strip of skin around the coloured part of the lips, the lips are stretched slightly when joined back to the remaining skin, increasing their size. Scars are hidden in the lip line.

Non-Surgical Lip Enhancement Treatments:

Injection treatments add volume and can be permanent or temporary. The most popular are:

Fat transfer method – where fat is removed from another part of the body, cleansed and infected into the lips. It is usually done if you are having liposuction in another area.

Fillers – New products are coming to market constantly, and they may be made from natural or biocompatible materials as well as synthetic. They usually go by brand names, such as Juvederm or Restylane. Results are temporary so you will need to maintain regular treatments if you want to keep your lip volume.

What is the recovery time for lip augmentation procedures:

Downtime is minimal, especially for the injection treatments and you can usually return to your normal routine immediately. Surgery takes longer to recover from, but most people are abe to return to work only after a couple of days.

How much can I save on the cost of lip augmentation procedures abroad?

Prices do vary depending on what procedure you have, but as a guideline, surgical lip augmentation procedures cost, on average, in The Philippines $700, in Thailand $650 and in Mexico around $1,500.