The Skinny
Average Recovery
2 weeks
Permanence
Permanent
Application
Implant
Surgical
Yes
Cost
$1500 - $5000
The Specifics
What is a lip implant?
A lip implant is a permanent surgical lip enhancement procedure performed by a plastic surgeon to alter lip shape, lip size, and create a more youthful appearance.Anatomy of the Lip
Local anesthesia, or, less commonly, general anesthesia, is administered and small incisions are made at the corners of the mouth. The implant material is then pulled through the tunnel into the desired shape and size. The incisions are closed with sutures. Implant materials include, ePTFE, SoftForm, Gore-Tex, and Ultrasoft. Most patients resume most activities within one to two weeks.
What cosmetic concerns does a lip implant procedure treat?
1. Lip Size: A lip implant can be used to augment lip size through artificially placed materials 2. Lip Shape: Lip implant materials can be placed and molded as desired to alter the overall shape of the lip.Who is the ideal candidate for a lip implant procedure?
Ideal candidates for a lip implant procedure are those in good health with naturally thin lips, undesirable lip shape or symmetry, or those with age related decreases in lip volume. Lip implants are not recommended for those with infections in and around the mouth, smokers unwilling to quit around the time of the procedure, and those with certain chronic conditions.What is the average recovery associated with a lip implant procedure?
Most lip reduction patients resume most normal activities within one week. Modifications to a soft diet and limited strenuous activities are recommended for two to three weeks. Patients should limit excessive movement of their upper lip and lower lip. Most swelling and bruising will resolve within three to four weeks.What are the potential side effects of a lip implant procedure?
Possible side effects from a lip implant procedure include bumps, lumps, migration of materials, foreign body reaction, asymmetry, bruising, bleeding, and swelling.What can someone expect from the results of a lip implant procedure?
A lip implant will provide immediate and permanent results. Swelling and wound healing will resolve over three to four weeks.What is the average cost of a lip implant procedure?
A one time, permanent surgical procedure, a lip implant costs range $1,500 to $5,000. The actual cost of the procedure is dependent upon location, plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the surgery. Remember this is a cosmetic surgery (not a reconstructive surgery), and so it will not be covered by insurance.Pros
- Permanent
- Immediate Results
Cons
- Visible Implant
- Asymmetry
- Invasive
Invasiveness Score
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
What to Expect
Implants permanently alter the shape of existing lip tissue by inserting a mold that will enhance the volume of the lips. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after lip implants.
Before Treatment
- Stop taking blood thinning medications for 2 week
- Stop smoking 4 weeks before and after the surgery
- No alcohol 2 days prior
- Do not eat or drink anything 6 hours before
During Treatment
- General or local anesthesia with sedation
- Stab incisions made at each corner of the lip
- A tunnel is made from incision to incision
- Implant is pulled through the tunnel into the desired position
- Excess material or tissue is trimmed
- Sutures to close
During Treatment
- Lips will be sore and swollen
- Numbness and changes in sensation
1-3 Weeks After Treatment
- Soft or liquid diet for 1 week
- Limit expressive facial movements
- Clean incisions daily
- Return to work after 3 days
- No strenuous activity for 2 weeks
- Take antibiotics and prescription ointments as directed
3 Weeks After Treatment and Beyond
- No contact sports for 6 weeks
- Numbness will subside in 3-4 weeks
- Swelling subsides in 4 weeks
Result Notes
- Results are permanent
- Noticeable immediately
The Takeaway
Lip implants are permanent lip augmentation procedures performed by a plastic surgeon to enhance lip volume, lip size, and lip shape. Small incisions at the corners of the mouth allow for lip implants to be placed and molded into the desired shape and size. Most patients experience two to four weeks of downtime.
