Cosmetically improves the fullness of lips, by one of three techniques: injections, grafting or local flaps. This procedure is sometimes combined with facial implants, Botox®, chemical peels and facial laser resurfacing. Lip augmentation can also reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth.

15 minutes to 2 hours. Most procedures are finished in 1 hour or less.

Allergic reactions can range from prolonged redness, swelling, itching, or hardness at the injection site.

Possible complications include bleeding, uneven upper and lower lips, and an implant shifting or erupting through the skin. Graft procedures may also leave some lips feeling unnaturally stiff for 2 to 3 months.

Depends on the material used; can range from weeks and months to permanent condition. Restylane may last 9 to 12 weeks, while some injectible fillers can last up to 6 years.

Collagen and transfer of the patient’s own fat are often used with newer injectibles like Restylane. Among the variety of techniques used for lip augmentation is laser lip rejuvenation; a non-invasive procedure which tightens the natural collagen and elastic tissue beneath the lips, and the more invasive, procedure of V-Y lip augmentation, which requires large incisions inside the lips. Although the lips will remain swollen 3 to 9 months after surgery, the procedure is said to last longer.