You may look at some celebrities and wish you had their full, plump lips. At the same time, you may be nervous about lip enhancement and the possible outcome. If you're wondering about lip augmentation but want them to look natural, here are a few things you need to know while deciding what's right for you.  

Weigh your options and consider the pros and cons

There are various lip enhancement options these days, so a consultation with a medical expert is a must. An experienced provider will help you decide what treatment is the right fit for your goals. Plan ahead to ensure you receive the treatment at least two weeks before any significant event.

Option 1: Fillers

Lip fillers can last from six months to one year, depending on the person and which filler is used. These may include Juvederm Volbella®, Juvederm Ultra Restylane®, Restylane Silk®, Restylane Kysse® or Juvederm®. Temporary fillers are made up of a naturally occurring substance (hyaluronic acid) and are reversible with hyaluronidase.

Pros: 

• A quick, in-office procedure
• See immediate results 
• The filler is removable if you do not like the results 
• Short downtime

Cons: 

• Can cause bruising, swelling or bleeding 
• May need touch-up injections 
• Can cause lumps, bumps, redness, tenderness, itching or dryness

Option 2: Fat injections (autologous)

Fat injections are permanent and cannot be easily removed. However, your body may absorb some of the fat with time.

Pros: 

• Permanent results 
• Performed once to achieve the desired effect 

Cons: 

• Surgical procedure
• Can cause bruising, swelling or bleeding 
• Requires additional downtime

Are lip enhancements safe? 

Overall, dermal fillers for lip enhancement are relatively safe and effective. The most common reactions may include redness, swelling, bruising, itching or tenderness. Autologous fat injections are considered safe.

"Dermal fillers do have associated risks, including tenderness from injections, bleeding, bruising, lumps at injection sites, and the very unlikely possibility of scarring," explains certified physician assistant Anne Storey, PA-C, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Village Pointe Health Center.

Who should not get a filler? 

• If you are allergic to any of the components in the filler 
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• If you take blood thinners or an immunosuppressant
• Exercise caution if you have a history of severe scarring or have a pigmentation disorder

Is it painful? Here's what to expect

Knowing what to expect can ease your mind before deciding which type of treatment is right for you. Your provider will walk you through everything before you begin. "Filler treatment may be uncomfortable," adds Storey. "But the injections are quick and contain lidocaine to help alleviate pain. Topical lidocaine or anesthetic can also be used before injection to help numb the site." 

Preparation before treatment

• Hold off on any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and supplements as they can cause increased bleeding for one week before the treatment 
• Do not consume alcohol or caffeine the day before the procedure 
• Do not eat foods high in sodium the day before or day of the treatment as it can lead to increased swelling
• Do not proceed with any invasive procedures, including surgeries or dental cleanings up to two weeks before the procedure 
• Do not wear makeup the day of the procedure 
• Hold off on using Retin A several days before and after the procedure as it can cause prolonged redness 

Before treatment 
You will meet with a medical expert to discuss your medical history and treatment goals. Once a decision has been made, a treatment plan will be put in place. A topical anesthetic may be placed on the treatment site to numb the area before injection if you are receiving a dermal filler. Your skin will be cleansed and the procedure will begin.

During treatment
Small aliquots of filler are applied in several locations. The area may be massaged to help contour the filler to fit the specific location. If you experience tenderness with the injections, an ice pack may be used to help ease the pain and swelling. Expect some mild bruising, bleeding, swelling and pain immediately following treatment.

After treatment 
You will be instructed to take it easy for 24 hours, forgo strenuous exercise and refrain from excessive sun exposure to help decrease redness and irritation following the procedure. You will be instructed to refrain from NSAIDs for one week to help reduce the risk of bruising and refrain from using RetinA on your face for several days to lessen prolonged redness. Common side effects can include swelling, tenderness, bruising, firmness or bumps. Side effects can last up to one month or longer but usually last two weeks or less.

What about no needle options like plumping lip gloss?

The internet is full of products that claim to "naturally" make your lips fuller. We do not recommend these. Lip plumping lip gloss and other related products plump lips by causing irritation to increase blood supply. The results are short-lived and unpredictable. 

Ready to see if a lip enhancement treatment is right for you? Our team offers an array of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures focusing exclusively on the face, head and neck. Call 402.559.5700 to make an appointment.