As we age, the lips, along with other facial features, tend to sag and lose their fullness. With diminishing support and elasticity of the skin, the lips can become thin and begin to sag at the corners. Additionally, lines may begin to develop around the mouth, obscuring the lip border. Regardless of age, some individuals are born with thin lips, which can be hereditary.
Lip augmentation in our Washington, D.C., office offers both natural and synthetic fillers that can help keep your lips looking full. You could opt for lip implants and other surgical procedures for a more permanent solution. Lip augmentation from a skilled, non-surgical plastic surgeon may be a good option if you feel your lips are not the size and shape you desire.
Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that enhances the size, shape, and appearance of the lips. This treatment is ideal for individuals seeking fuller lips, improved symmetry, or a more defined lip contour.
Several options are available when considering D.C. lip enhancement procedures, primarily lip fillers and fat transfer. A patient can determine which procedure is best for them.
Lip fillers, which are derived from hyaluronic acid, serve as a substitute for fat to plump the lips. During this process, the doctor uses a tiny gauge needle to inject the lip filler into the upper and lower lips. Dermal fillers are designed to replenish hyaluronic acid and reverse the effects of volume loss in the lips and around the mouth. Dermal fillers may also be used to improve marionette lines and a downward turn to the corners of the mouth, which may impart a sad, angry, or tired appearance. This technique offers a subtle yet noticeable improvement, yielding fuller and smoother lips without requiring a full augmentation.
Several different types of lip fillers are available, including Restylane, RHA Redensity, and Juvederm. During a consultation, Dr. Somenek or Dr. Pittman examines a patient’s lips and face and takes photos to calculate the desired shape of the lips. The procedure itself takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Side effects of lip filler procedures may include swelling, lip asymmetry, bruising, or infection.
Dr. Somenek or Dr. Pittman can also obtain fat from a patient’s own body through liposuction. The cells are processed before the doctor injects them with a fine-gauge needle into the lips. Typically, only a small amount of fat tissue is removed, and there are usually no visible differences to the area where the removal occurred. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, resulting in minimal pain and discomfort. The fat transfer procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes to complete, and patients can usually go home on the same day. Lips augmented with the fat transfer technique tend to stay full for at least five years or longer. However, fat grafting can be unpredictable in some cases, as not all the fat cells survive the transfer, which can lead to partial resorption of the injected fat. Side effects can include swelling, bruising, infection, or the appearance of lumps.
BOTOX can be used to improve a downward turn to the corners of the mouth, which may make a person appear sad, angry, or tired. BOTOX is injected in small amounts directly into the muscle responsible for the downward pull called the depressor anguli oris. Results are natural and last an average of four to six months.
If you are looking for a small surgical procedure that provides more permanent results, a lip lift is commonly used to reduce the vertical height of the upper lip as well as to improve the definition and contour of the lip. It can address an upper lip that appears too long, which can often cover too much of the upper teeth when at rest. This can create a slight eversion of the upper lip, which leads to a more attractive appearance. A lip lift procedure can be performed on both young and old patients and is easily done under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort.
The procedure involves removing a small strip of skin from the junction of the nose and upper lip to lift the upper lip. With this technique, scarring is virtually unnoticeable, and patients typically recover fully within a week.
Dr. Somenek and Dr. Pittman offer lip enhancement treatments in our Washington, D.C., office and can help in the following cases:
Injectable lip fillers, composed of hyaluronic acid, can be used in various ways to enhance the appearance of the lips. They are designed to provide a subtle yet noticeable enhancement to the way the lips appear. They can also be used for fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and face. Hyaluronic acid mimics the body’s hyaluronic acid, which naturally decreases as a person ages. Patients who believe their lips are too large can also consult a plastic surgeon about lip-reduction surgery options.
The first step in achieving the perfect pout is to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled providers at Somenek + Pittman MD. During this appointment, we will evaluate your facial structure, discuss your goals, and recommend the most suitable lip augmentation treatment for you.
Your treatment experience will vary depending on the procedure you choose.
A topical numbing cream is applied for non-surgical options, such as fillers, to ensure comfort before the injections.
Liposuction is performed to harvest fat, which is then injected into the lips during a fat transfer procedure.
Surgical options, such as a lip lift, involve a small incision and are typically performed under local anesthesia.
For dermal fillers, some patients may experience slight swelling, redness, or bruising, which typically subsides within a few days.
A fat transfer typically requires a slightly longer recovery period, with mild swelling that can last up to two weeks. Any surgical lip lifts will involve some minimal discomfort, with most of our patients being able to resume their normal activities within a week.
Non-surgical options, such as dermal fillers, typically range from $500 to $1,500 per syringe in Washington, D.C. Fat transfer procedures may be more expensive due to the additional step of liposuction. Surgical lip augmentation, such as a lip lift, can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 or more.
During your consultation at S+P Med Spa, our team will assess your goals and provide you with a personalized treatment plan with transparent pricing.
If you’re looking for fuller lips, consider lip augmentation in Washington, D.C. The process is quick and easy, and your doctor can answer any questions you may have about the procedure or the healing process. Contact our office today to discuss your options.
Explore our work, featuring before-and-after galleries for lip augmentation.
