All About Lip Implants

Lip implants are a cosmetic operation designed to enhance the volume and fullness of the lips.

Per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 30,000 individuals underwent lip augmentation in 2018, with that figure steadily rising each year since the early 2000s.

In this piece, we’ll review what the lip implant procedure entails, how to choose a surgeon, and the advantages and disadvantages of lip implants compared with nonsurgical alternatives.

What is a lip implant?

Lip implants are a permanent form of lip enhancement that relies on synthetic implants to increase lip volume. Two implant materials are commonly used:

• silicone
• expanded polytetrafluoroethylene

Although both materials are considered safe, a 2002 animal study suggested expanded polytetrafluoroethylene elicited a more favorable tissue response. This material is also softer and more compressible than silicone, which may make it feel more natural and less detectable in the lip.

Aside from synthetic lip implants, two other implant-based techniques are available:

• Tissue grafting: uses skin harvested from the lower abdomen to augment the lip
• Fat grafting: uses fat transferred from the belly to add volume to the lip

Who’s a suitable candidate for lip implants?

Lip implants are an excellent long-term augmentation choice for people who:

• have fairly symmetrical lips
• possess sufficient lip tissue to cover and conceal the implant
• dislike frequent maintenance procedures
• want a permanent lip enhancement
• prefer saving money over time

If you believe you might be a candidate for lip implants, schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

During this visit, the surgeon will evaluate whether you’re a suitable candidate. If approved, they’ll take measurements for the implants, explain what to expect during the procedure, and arrange the surgery date.

What does the procedure involve?

After you schedule lip implant surgery, there are several preparation steps.

Preparing for surgery

If you smoke or take blood thinners, you’ll be instructed to stop before surgery. If you have oral herpes, your surgeon may also prescribe antiviral medication.

Surgery steps

Lip implantation is typically performed in-office. The surgeon will sterilize the area and use a local anesthetic to numb the lips. General anesthesia can be used but is generally not necessary.

Following sterilization and numbing, the surgeon will perform these steps to place the implants:

1. An incision is made at each corner of the mouth.
2. A clamp is introduced through the incisions to create a pocket (tunnel).
3. After the tunnel is formed, the clamp opens and the implant is positioned.
4. The clamp is withdrawn, the implant stays in place inside the lip, and the incision is closed with small sutures.

If there are no complications, the procedure usually takes about 30 minutes, and you can go home the same day.

Recovery

Recovery after lip implantation is typically 1 to 3 days.

However, for the first 7 to 14 days after surgery, your surgeon will advise avoiding pressure or pulling on the lip area. This includes not opening your mouth too wide or compressing your lips excessively, since implants can shift.

It may take 1 to 2 weeks for tissue to scar and hold the implant securely.

When needed, pain medication can be used. Ice packs and keeping the head elevated can help reduce swelling and support healing.

Are lip implants safe?

Lip implants are generally safe, but like any cosmetic surgery, they carry some risks, which can include:

• bleeding
• infection
• allergic reaction to the anesthetic (lidocaine) or the implant

After surgery, side effects are usually limited, and most people can return to normal activities after recovery.

Occasionally, an implant can shift or move. If this occurs, a corrective operation may be needed to reposition or replace the implant.

Lip implants offer long-term enhancement and deliver good results for many patients. However, some people aren’t satisfied with the aesthetic outcome; removing implants requires another surgical procedure.

How much do lip implants cost?

Lip implantation is a cosmetic treatment, so it’s not typically covered by insurance. The average cost ranges from $2,000 to $4,00. Although more expensive initially, lip implants tend to last much longer than alternative lip augmentation methods.

Below is a comparison chart showing approximate price ranges and durability for lip implantation, tissue grafting, fat grafting, and lip fillers:

How to choose a cosmetic surgeon

Lip implant surgery should be performed by a skilled board-certified plastic surgeon. When selecting a surgeon, look for someone who:

• has specific experience with lip augmentation
• can show before-and-after galleries
• conducts a thorough preoperative consultation
• provides solid postoperative follow-up to monitor recovery

If you’re considering lip implants, you can use the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ Find a Surgeon Tool to locate board-certified plastic surgeons in your area.

Lip implants vs. injectable lip fillers

If you prefer a less permanent option, injectable lip fillers might be a better choice.

Lip fillers are substances injected into the lips to create fullness. Popular fillers include Juvederm, Restylane, and others.

There are trade-offs between implants and fillers in terms of longevity, cost, and risk. Reviewing both options will help you decide which type of lip enhancement best suits your needs.

Key takeaways

Lip implants are a viable surgical option for those seeking long-lasting lip enhancement.

The typical cost from a board-certified plastic surgeon is between $2,000 and $4,000. The procedure is commonly done in-office under local anesthesia, and initial recovery is about 1 to 3 days.

Lip implantation is generally safe, but, like all surgeries, it carries risks.

If you’re considering lip implants, contact a board-certified plastic surgeon near you to arrange a consultation.