Lip Enhancement

The lips are a highly visible feature that impact your unique appearance and the overall balance of your facial features. Lip enhancement at our Bellevue cosmetic surgery center can be ideal for highlighting your natural lip anatomy or restoring youthful volume. There are several methods of lip enhancements available, and triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Alex Sobel tailors your desired treatment to achieve the perfect amount of shape, volume, and definition for the ideal lip contours to compliment your look.

Dr. Alexander Sobel Seattle Cosmetic Surgeon
  • Triple board-certified in general cosmetic surgery, facial cosmetic surgery, and otolaryngology
  • 15+ years of experience specializing in cosmetic surgery
  • Operates in an on-site accredited surgical suite for patient safety and privacy 
  • National leader in cosmetic surgery, including as Past President of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and as an expert speaker at medical conferences
  • Former Seattle Met Top Doctor with hundreds of 5-star patient reviews
Meet Dr. Sobel
Portrait of Seattle Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Alexander Sobel smiling

What is lip enhancement?

Lip enhancement describes a range of possible cosmetic procedures that Dr. Sobel can use to improve the appearance of the lips by increasing their fullness, volume, and symmetry. It can be achieved through various methods such as dermal fillers, a Botox lip flip, fat transfer, lip implants, or lip lift surgery. 

The choice of procedure depends on your desired outcome, whether you’re seeking subtle enhancements or more noticeable transformations, with options ranging from temporary to more permanent solutions. 

Patient before and after Juvéderm VOLBELLA® XC lip filler to restore age-related volume loss.
This patient was bothered by a thinner lip appearance and lip lines. Dr. Sobel used 2 syringes of Juvéderm VOLBELLA® XC lip filler to add just enough volume to smooth away wrinkles and create more proportionate lips contours that still appear completely natural.

Why do people seek lip enhancement?

Lip enhancement achieves several cosmetic goals:

Increases fullness and volume

Enhancing fullness and volume is a key reason people opt for lip enhancement. Augmenting the lips refines the natural lip shape, and fuller lips can help rejuvenate the lower face to appear more youthful for patients experiencing age-related volume loss. 

Improves symmetry between upper and lower lips

Lip enhancement procedures can create better symmetry between the upper and lower lips. Symmetrical lips enhance facial features and many patients seek filler treatments to reduce disproportion.

Reduces signs of aging around the lips 

Wrinkles around the lips age your overall appearance and can be exaggerated when makeup or lip products fill in the creases. Lip enhancement can smooth out fine lines to restore a youthful contour to the mouth area and help cosmetics apply smoothly.

Patient before and after Juvéderm VOLBELLA® XC lip filler to define her natural lip shape and boost volume
Just because you have naturally fuller lips, doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from lip fillers! This patient already had lovely volume in her lips but desired a little more definition and pop! Dr. Sobel used 2 syringes of Juvéderm VOLBELLA® XC lip filler to define her natural shape and highlight her cupid’s bow. Notice how her bottom lip is just a little fuller in her Before photo on the left. In contrast, you’ll see how symmetrical and full her lips are without appearing “overfilled” In her After photo on the right.

Common lip enhancement procedures

Several methods are available for lip enhancement, each offering unique benefits that cater to different preferences and desired outcomes, from discrete changes to more dramatic transformations. Dr. Sobel loves helping guide patients to the right procedure to achieve their goals. 

Dermal fillers for immediate results

Dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm VOLBELLA® XC, offer a quick solution for enhancing lip volume and shape. Most lip fillers use hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body and the key component for attracting subdermal moisture; it adds volume and natural plumpness to the lips immediately upon injection. Results can last from 6 to 18+ months and can easily be maintained with touch-up injections. Lip fillers are ideal for those seeking a long-lasting, non-surgical lip boost with no downtime.

Botox lip flip for a lip filler alternative

A Botox® lip flip is an injectable technique that places a neuromodulator into the muscles around the upper lip, causing it to relax and roll slightly upward. This subtle enhancement can create the illusion of a fuller, more defined lip without adding physical volume. It can be a good alternative for those who want to reduce a “gummy smile” and enhance the overall shape of the upper lip. A Botox lip flip alone will not address the lower lip. 

Dr. Sobel does not typically recommend this approach as Botox-type injectables in this area may impair your lip function and impact the way you speak. Instead, he uses lip fillers to easily achieve the subtle enhancement that made the Botox lip flip so popular.  

Read our blog, Considering a BOTOX Lip Flip? You May Be Happier Sticking with Fillers, for more of Dr. Sobel’s insight on this procedure. 

Fat transfer for a natural look

Fat transfer uses the patient’s own fat to add volume to the lips—it’s typically harvested from excess fat in the facial region during a facelift. This surgical technique provides a natural look and feel and is less likely to cause allergic reactions. The results are semi-permanent, with some of the transferred fat naturally absorbed by the body over time.

Lip implants for permanent enhancement

Lip implants are made from medical-grade silicone and surgically inserted into the lips to provide consistent volume and shape. This option also requires a surgical procedure, so there is some recovery and downtime to consider. 

Lip lift surgery to elevate the upper lip’s position

Lip lift surgery elevates the position of the upper lip to increase the amount of visible pigmented tissue and enhance the overall shape. This surgical approach can correct drooping lips and reduce the space between the nose and the lip, offering a permanent improvement for those looking to significantly alter their upper lip’s structure.

Before & After Gallery

Dr. Alexander Sobel uses refined techniques and tailors every aspect of your procedure for natural, personalized results.

View our patient gallery
Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery

Lip enhancement recovery and aftercare

Proper aftercare after your lip enhancement procedure speeds healing and helps maintain your results. Dr. Sobel and our team provide specific aftercare instructions based on your treatment, but general guidelines for non-surgical lip procedures include:

  • Avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours to minimize swelling and bruising. 
  • Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures (such as a sauna) for 24-48 hours to prevent excess swelling, and be sure to wear lip care products with SPF—your lips are no different from the rest of your skin! 
  • Keep lips moisturized and hydrated by applying a quality lip balm and drinking plenty of water.
Key Benefits
  • Improved Lip Appearance: Lip enhancement can significantly improve the symmetry, shape, and volume of the lips. It allows for the customization of lip size and shape to better complement facial features for better facial harmony.
  • Natural-Looking Results: Modern lip enhancement techniques, especially those using hyaluronic acid fillers, offer subtle and natural-looking results that are personalized to the patient to ensure a natural look and feel.
  • Minimal Downtime and Immediate Results: Lip enhancement procedures are generally quick, with most treatments taking less than an hour to complete. They require little, if any, downtime, and final results are visible within a few days.
Glossary
  • Lip augmentation: A cosmetic procedure to increase lip volume and shape using fillers, fat grafting, or implants.
  • Hyaluronic acid: A substance commonly used in lip fillers for its ability to retain moisture and create volume.
  • Board-certified cosmetic surgeon: A medical professional with specialized training and certification in cosmetic surgery, including lip enhancement techniques.
  • Restylane: A brand of hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler used to enhance volume and shape in treated areas. 
  • Juvéderm: Another brand of hyaluronic acid dermal filler, including Juvéderm Ultra and Juvéderm Volbella.
  • Dermatologist: A medical doctor specializing in skin conditions who may also perform cosmetic procedures.
  • Fat grafting: A cosmetic procedure that transfers fat from one part of the body to the lips.
  • Hyperpigmentation: A condition where patches of skin become darker in color, which can also affect the lip area.
  • Lip plumpers: Over-the-counter (OTC) cosmetic products that temporarily increase lip volume through ingredients that cause mild swelling or irritation.
  • Local anesthesia: Medication used to numb a specific area during cosmetic procedures to minimize pain.
  • FDA-approved: Indicates that a product or device has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safety and efficacy in its intended use.
  • Cannula: A thin tube used in cosmetic procedures like fat grafting.

Lip Enhancement FAQs

Before deciding on lip enhancement, consider these factors to ensure the best outcome:

  • Your desired outcome: It’s important to have a clear vision that aligns with achievable results.
  • Potential risks and side effects: Being informed helps in making a safer decision.
  • Recovery time and post-procedure care: This ensures minimal disruption to your schedule and supports the success and longevity of your treatment.
  • Cost and maintenance: These considerations are key to making an informed choice that aligns with your aesthetic goals and lifestyle.

Lip enhancement, like any cosmetic procedure, carries potential risks and generally mild side effects, including:

  • Swelling and bruising at the injection site 
  • Infection (particularly with surgical procedures)
  • Asymmetry or unevenness 
  • Allergic reactions

Choose a board-certified cosmetic surgeon experienced in lip enhancement procedures. You can also review before and after photos of previous patients on social media platforms to see the provider’s skill and the potential results you can expect.

Additionally, a consultation is a valuable opportunity to discuss your goals, expectations, and procedure plan so you can gauge the provider’s understanding of your desired outcome and their ability to deliver it.

You may feel a quick pinch or mild stinging sensation with each injection; however, we apply a topical numbing cream before lip filler treatments to minimize discomfort.

Lip filler at our Seattle practice starts at $650. Your exact cost will depend on how much filler is needed to create the look you want. Our team provides the total cost of your treatment during your consultation.

Yes, Dr. Sobel uses fillers made from hyaluronic acid, which can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase to reverse the effects of your treatment. Your body will eventually dissolve the filler on its own.

Yes, when performed by an experienced injector and placed correctly, your lips should feel natural to the touch after the initial swelling subsides.

You can receive touch-up injections as needed—typically once every 6-12 months. Some patients wait even longer between touch-up injections. Your preferences and how quickly your body processes the filler determine when you’ll need a little boost to maintain your initial results. Dr. Sobel will recommend a schedule based on your body’s response to the treatment.

If you’re unhappy with the results, Dr. Sobel can use additional filler to refine your results, or he can use hyaluronidase to dissolve the filler.

When used moderately, lip fillers do not permanently stretch the lips. However, overuse or excessive volume can lead to stretching over time.

It’s best to wait until the next day to allow the injection sites to heal and to reduce the risk of infection.

Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements like aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil for a week before your treatment to minimize bruising. Dr. Sobel also recommends that you avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment and arrive hydrated.

Ready for a change?

If you’re considering lip enhancement, schedule your free consultation with Dr. Sobel to learn more about your options. Call Anderson Sobel Cosmetic Surgery at 425-453-9060 or fill out the form below!

References»

Cavallini M, Gazzola R, Metalla M, Vaienti L. The role of hyaluronidase in the treatment of complications from hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2013 Nov 1;33(8):1167-74. doi: 10.1177/1090820X13511970. 

Safran T, Swift A, Cotofana S, Nikolis A. Evaluating safety in hyaluronic acid lip injections. Expert Opinion on Drug Safety. 2021 Dec;20(12):1473-1486. doi: 10.1080/14740338.2021.1962283. 

Treating Aging Changes of Facial Anatomical Layers with Hyaluronic Acid Fillers : Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (2021)

Vidič M, Bartenjev I. An adverse reaction after hyaluronic acid filler application: a case report. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2018 Sep;27(3):165-167.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Alexander Sobel — Updated on Sep 26, 2024

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