Lip Augmentation

Local complications may occur following lip augmentation. Most are temporary and may occur shortly after injection, including bleeding, bruising, swelling, and pain on injection. More serious risks of infection and vascular compromise will also be discussed as part of the informed consent process. Following injection, it is recommended to apply cold compresses intermittently for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling and bruising. A hematoma, although uncommon, may occur following lip augmentation. This refers to a localized collection of blood or ongoing bleeding within the lip tissues, which may result following injury to blood vessels. If localized swelling and severe bruising develop following lip augmentation, please apply firm pressure, continue to perform cold compresses, and contact your plastic surgeon urgently. nAesthetic risks may include over-correction, under-correction, nodularity, and dissatisfaction with aesthetic outcome. You may return for follow up 1-2 weeks post-injection to assess results once swelling has resolved to determine if further augmentation is desired. Other complications may relate to reaction to the filler itself (called a granuloma), which may require injection with a reversing agent (hyaluronidase). If there is personal history of cold sores on the lips, a prescription for antiviral therapy will be given prior to injection to take two days pre- and five days post-injection to reduce the risk of developing a cold sore.

Since lip augmentation using fat requires a new blood supply to be established, resorption (or incomplete fat graft take) is another risk to consider. Slight overcorrection is generally performed at the time of fat injection to allow for partial resorption over time. Areas of fat necrosis may occur where the fat does not achieve an adequate blood supply, which may result in regions of nodularity. These may improve following massage and scar maturation; however minor surgical revision may be required if concerns persist.

Lip augmentation results will vary depending on the method utilized for your procedure. Most hyaluronic acid fillers will last up to twelve months. Fat injections may be more long-lasting.

The phrase “lip fillers” typically refers to injections using hyaluronic acid fillers. “Lip augmentation” may refer to injectable fillers as well as fat injection or surgical options such as implants.

The best lip augmentation procedure will vary for each patient. At Power Plastic Surgery, patients may choose from either injectable dermal fillers or fat injections. Dr. Power will consider your goal results and make recommendations during a consultation.

Lip augmentation using fat injections or hyaluronic acid fillers is generally not painful. Local anesthesia may be used while injecting fat, and most hyaluronic acid filler products contain lidocaine, making injections more comfortable. Topical numbing cream may also be applied prior to the procedure to reduce discomfort.

Hyaluronic acid fillers naturally, safely, and gradually break down over time. This means that your lips will gradually return to their natural appearance if you choose to stop injections. Should complications arise, hyaluronic acid fillers may be dissolved by injecting hyaluronidase .

In most cases, patients will need to repeat their lip injections annually to maintain results.

There are risks associated with all cosmetic procedures, which will be discussed in depth before treatment. Safety may be enhanced by seeking treatment from a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon or injector.

It is possible to have filler injections in only one lip, for example, your upper or lower lip. Differential amounts may be injected on each side as well if you have concerns about asymmetry.