Lip augmentation

Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that changes the shape, volume, or definition of your lips. It can be achieved using injectable fillers to temporarily add fullness, or through minor surgical techniques for longer-lasting results.

What are the different types of lip augmentations?

Non-surgical

• Lip fillers — a fine needle or cannula is used to inject small amounts of a soft gel (hyaluronic acid) into the lips to add volume and shape

Surgical

• Fat grafting — fat is removed from another area of the body via liposuction, processed, and then injected into the lips
• Lip implants — small incisions are made at the corners of the mouth, a tunnel is created in the lip tissue, and a soft implant is inserted and secured with stitches
• Lip lift — a small strip of skin is removed, usually under the nose, the upper lip is lifted, and the incision is closed with stitches

Can lip augmentation be combined with other cosmetic procedures?

Lip augmentation is often carried out alongside other cosmetic treatments, such as facial fillers or skin treatments. Your clinician will advise whether you can have a combined appointment based on your goals and treatment plan.

When to consider lip augmentation

People seek lip augmentation to improve the balance and symmetry of their lips, or to plump up thinner or less defined lips.

Benefits of lip augmentation

• Adds volume for fuller-looking lips
• Balances the upper and lower lip
• Improves definition of the lip border
• Refreshes overall facial appearance
• Restores age-related loss of fullness

Is lip augmentation right for you?

It’s important to have realistic expectations when you consider lip augmentation. Think about your reasons for doing it and discuss your desired outcome with a qualified clinician. You should never feel pressured into changing your appearance for someone else.

Who is not suitable for lip augmentation?

Lip augmentation may not be suitable if you have an active infection, medical conditions such as diabetes, lupus, or blood-clotting disorders, or are currently unwell. You should also tell your clinician if you have a history of cold sores or herpes, any allergies (including lidocaine), or are taking any medications or supplements.

Lip augmentation is carried out via injectables or surgery to reshape your lips. The overall procedure involves carefully shaping the lips by controlling where and how material is placed to achieve the desired enhancement, symmetry, or definition.

Treatment is tailored to the individual, with different methods used depending on whether the desired outcome is temporary or more permanent.

Lip fillers involve injecting dermal fillers into the lips using a fine needle or cannula. Fat grafting uses fat taken from another area of the body before it is processed and injected into the lips. Lip implants are inserted through small incisions (cuts) at the corners of the mouth, while a lip lift involves removing a small strip of skin beneath the nose to lift the upper lip.

What are the different types of lip fillers?

Most lip fillers are based on hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body and helps maintain hydration and volume in the skin. Some formulations also include lidocaine, a local anaesthetic to numb the area and make the procedure more comfortable.

How long do results last?

How long results last depends on the type of treatment you have.

• Lip fillers — usually last 6–12 months as the body gradually breaks down hyaluronic acid over time
• Fat grafting — results can last several years, depending on how much fat is retained
• Lip lift — results are permanent as the procedure changes the position of the lip
• Lip implants — designed to be long-lasting, but can be removed or replaced

Which lip augmentation treatment is right for me?

The right treatment depends on your goals, the natural shape of your lips, and the desired outcome.

Lip fillers are versatile, less invasive, and short-term. You’ll need regular top-ups to maintain your plumper look or to gradually increase lip volume. Surgical options offer longer-lasting results and are better for structural changes; however, they have a longer recovery time and a higher risk of complications.

Before the procedure

You’ll have a consultation with a clinician to discuss your goals, medical history, and suitability for the procedure. Take this opportunity to ask any questions you have.

You will be advised on whether further tests, such as scans or blood tests are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before these tests are carried out.

Food and drink

You don’t need to fast (ie stop eating and drinking) before having dermal fillers. If you’re having surgery with a general anaesthetic (where you’ll be asleep and won’t feel any pain), you’ll be told how long to fast for.

Medication

Tell your clinician about all prescribed and over-the-counter medications and supplements you take. You should avoid certain medications that can increase the risk of bruising before your procedure. Your care team will advise you about this.

Smoking

Smoking can slow down your healing, so it’s a good idea to quit if you’re having lip surgery.

Preparing for the day

Attend all pre-operative appointments with your consultant if you’re having surgery. They will let you know exactly how to prepare for your surgery.

Who will be involved?

Lip augmentation at Spire Healthcare is always performed by a highly qualified clinician, such as a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or cosmetic specialist. Our GMC-registered consultants are all members of the UK’s leading cosmetic and plastic surgery associations.

You can choose your preferred consultant and book an appointment at a time that suits you. 

How long does the procedure take?

• Lip fillers —10–30 minutes
• Fat grafting — 60–90 minutes
• Lip implants — 30 minutes
• Lip lift — 60 minutes

Anaesthetic choices

All dermal fillers contain lidocaine, a local anaesthetic to numb the area. A topical anaesthetic cream may also be applied to your lips.

For surgery, you’ll either have a local anaesthetic with sedation to help you feel relaxed, or a general anaesthetic, where you’ll be asleep.

Pain during and after lip augmentation treatment

You may feel some mild discomfort during lip filler injections. If you’re having surgery, you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. After both types of treatment, your lips may feel tender, swollen, or sensitive for a short period.

What happens straight after the procedure

When your procedure is complete, you can usually go home on the same day.

• Bruising and swelling are common in the first few days
• Lips may look swollen or slightly uneven initially
• Final results are not immediately visible, especially with fillers

Your hospital stay

Lip augmentation is usually carried out as an outpatient procedure, so you won’t need to stay in hospital overnight.

Recovery time

Recovery depends on the type of lip augmentation you have. With dermal fillers, most people can return to normal activities immediately. Surgical options such as lip lifts, implants, or fat transfer typically need a longer recovery period, ranging from several days to a couple of weeks.

Short-term side effects

Common short-term effects include swelling, bruising, redness, and tenderness of the lips. These are usually most noticeable in the first few days and gradually improve over time.

Lip filler aftercare

After lip fillers, you may be advised to avoid touching or pressing the lips, strenuous exercise, and alcohol for 24–48 hours. A cold compress and keeping your head elevated can help reduce swelling. Any swelling or bruising usually settles in a few days.

Wound care

If you have lip fillers, you may see small marks at the injection sites immediately after your appointment.

After surgical procedures, any wounds will be stitched and will need to be kept clean and dry. Follow your care team’s guidance on aftercare and when to return to have the stitches out if they’re not dissolvable.

Pain relief

Discomfort is usually mild and can be managed with simple pain relief as advised by your clinician. Soreness and tightness typically improve as healing progresses.

Smoking

Avoid smoking during recovery as it can slow healing and affect your results.

Time off work

Most people having fillers return to work immediately. Surgical procedures may need several days off, depending on the treatment you had and your individual recovery.

Dos and Don’ts after treatment

Follow your clinician’s aftercare advice carefully. You may be advised to avoid pressing or massaging the lips, strenuous activity, and excessive movement of the mouth in the early stages of healing.

Return to normal activities

You can return to most normal activities after lip fillers. If you have surgery, your clinician will advise you on what to avoid and when you can resume usual activities.

Supporting your recovery

• Avoid excessive lip movement
• Eat soft foods for the first few days
• Sleep with your head elevated
• Use a compress or ice pack to reduce swelling

All lip augmentation procedures carry some risks. These are generally higher with surgery than with injectable treatments, although non-surgical options can still have side effects. Possible risks include:

• Allergic reactions
• Bruising, swelling, and redness
• Itching, bleeding, or injection
• Uneven or asymmetrical results
• Lip stiffness or changes in sensation
• Scarring (more likely with surgery)

There’s also a small chance of having an adverse reaction to anaesthetic, and if you’ve had a general anaesthetic, you may feel sick or dizzy for 24 hours afterwards.

Lip augmentation should be performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or cosmetic specialist with experience in facial injections. Always check their qualifications, experience, and results, and feel free to ask questions. Viewing before and after pictures or seeking a second opinion can also be helpful.