Lip Augmentation

Full lips can help you look younger and feel sexier. Dr. Capek or one of our other expert providers can use a variety of techniques to perform lip augmentation. Most commonly, we use hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers such as Juvéderm to physically plump up and contour the lips during a precise, yet quick office appointment. We also offer the so-called Lip Flip as well, with or without lip fillers. This is a subtle enhancement of the upper lip achieved with low-dose Botox.

Dr. Capek is also an expert in more advanced lip augmentation procedures like micro-fat grafting or lip lift surgery to enhance your lips. We are experienced in all of the latest options for you to achieve your aesthetic goals.

Patients throughout the Capital District areas of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga trust New York plastic surgeon Dr. Lucie Capek to perform their lip augmentation. Many of our patients also travel from New York City, Vermont, Massachusetts, and beyond to receive her skilled and compassionate care.

Before Your Lip Injections

An initial consultation with one of our providers will give you an opportunity to discuss your aesthetic goals and learn about your options for lip enhancement. We will answer all of your questions and you can have your consultation and treatment done on the same day if you choose a lip filler. If you prefer a surgical option, our Patient Coordinator will review your quote and schedule a procedure date with you.

Your Procedure

Lip Filler & Lip Flip

These procedures are done in the office by either Dr. Capek, her Physician Assistant, or our Nurse Injector, depending on your choice of treatment and provider. If you have selected one of our hyaluronic acid fillers, we will first numb your lips with a potent numbing cream, as well as use ice and a vibration device to minimize discomfort. Fillers also come pre-blended with lidocaine, a type of local anesthetic, that effectively numbs the lips even more as we proceed with your treatment. We use tiny needles and a micro-droplet technique to achieve natural-looking and even results. Results from hyaluronic acid fillers last at least 6 months, in some cases up to a year.

A Lip Flip refers to a subtle rolling out of the upper lip after a low-dose injection of Botox neuromodulator into the edge of the upper lip muscle. This treatment takes a minute or less and results last 2 months. It is often done to soften fine lines in older patients, or for a minor pouting effect in younger patients, and may be combined with filler injections as well.

With dermal filler lip augmentation, you will be able to see immediate results, but your lips will be swollen and often bruised at first. Swelling peaks 4-6 hours after initial injection but may take up to 2 weeks to subside completely. Bruises “blossom” over the first 48 hours and go away within 2 weeks.

If you are looking for a major volume enhancement, you may need staged appointments using 2-3 syringes of filler over 2-3 months. Touch-ups may be needed and HA fillers can be reduced or reversed with an injectable enzyme.

Lip Micro Fat Injections

Micro fat grafting, or fat transfer, is another option for lip enhancement that may last several years. This non-surgical lip augmentation procedure gives subtle results and is not the best choice for patients with very thin lips or those looking for a major change. During this office procedure, Dr. Capek harvests your own fat from a donor site of stubborn fat like your abdomen or inner thighs. The fat is then refined and injected with a cannula into your lips.

Swelling is significant after this cosmetic procedure and lasts about 2 weeks. Stable results are achieved after 2-3 months and occasionally, a second session after 6 months may be done for greater volume enhancement or to smooth vertical lip lines.

Lip Lift

Dr. Capek also performs the surgical version of the Lip Lift, which is a permanent surgical procedure that increases the amount of visible upper pink lip (vermilion) and shortens the upper lip. Skin and soft tissue are removed from just under the base of the nose and the resultant scar is nicely hidden under your nose.

This technique is currently trending among both younger and older patients alike. It will give you the visual appearance of a more youthful and larger upper lip for a very long time. This procedure is usually done in the office under local anesthesia with light sedation. Sutures are in place for 1 week and you can apply makeup to the scar after about 10 days.

The results from a Lip Lift are permanent and do have the trade-off of permanent scars, though after a year these are usually nearly invisible. The daily use of scar gel also helps to face the scar quickly.

Risks of Lip Enhancement Procedures

Filler

There is often minimal risk to lip augmentation with fillers in experienced hands. Common side effects include bruising, swelling, acute pain at the injection site, and possible asymmetry or lumps/nodules that are usually temporary if they occur. Most of these minor issues resolve on their own within 2-4 weeks. Nodules or lumps can be dissolved with enzyme and touch-ups with additional filler may also be needed.

Rare but serious complications include intravascular injection that can lead to ulceration or loss of lip tissue, which can lead to scarring or deformity. Allergic reactions and infections are rare.

Fat Transfer

Fat grafts may be reabsorbed or not survive, leading to poor lip volume enhancement or uneven lips. Smoking will result in very poor results and is a contraindication to fat transfer. Bruising, swelling, acute pain at the injection site, and possible asymmetry or lumps/nodules may occur. Irregularities or lumps may need additional treatment including steroid injections or surgery. Rare but serious complications include intravascular injection that can lead to ulceration or loss of lip tissue, which can lead to scarring or deformity.

Lip Lift

This is a surgical procedure that includes risks of bleeding, infection, wound separation, and poor scarring. Smoking will result in wound healing issues and is a contraindication to the Lip Lift. Bruising, swelling, acute pain, and possible asymmetry may occur. You may be dissatisfied with the cosmetic result. The results of this procedure are not reversible.

Schedule Your Lip Enhancement Procedure Today

As you can see, Dr. Capek is fully committed to finding the right lip augmentation procedure for your unique needs and current skin condition no matter your age. These various options, including multiple types of dermal fillers, allow our team to fully tailor treatment for your circumstances and goals. Find out which procedure might help you get the luscious, smooth lips you’ve been wanting by calling our office or contacting us online today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best filler for lip enhancement? Lip fillers are typically made of Hyaluronic Acid (HA), which occurs naturally in our bodies. The right HA lip filler is dependent on many factors like your goals and existing anatomy. Our providers can help you determine the right injectable from our HA filler options. How long does it take to heal from lip augmentation? You can expect some minor bruising and swelling for the first few days. Swelling and discomfort can be reduced with a protected ice pack applied 15 minutes at a time the day of your treatment. Also avoid eating spicy or messy foods during the first couple of days. Optimal results settle in after a couple of weeks. Will lips go back to normal after fillers? Over time, the product will begin to dissolve and your lips will return to their natural pre-treatment shape. The length of time before this happens is dependent on the type of filler used but generally this occurs in about 6-12 months. Does drinking water make lip fillers bigger? Hyaluronic acid (HA) based fillers work by attracting and binding to moisture in the body. So, drinking plenty of water is a great way to provide better water absorption for your fillers. How long does bruising last after fillers? You can expect any minor bruising to subside within a week or two. To lessen the chances of bruising, avoid taking NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) and blood-thinning medications for two weeks before your procedure. Consider taking supplements, such as Arnika Montana and Bromelain, a couple of days before and after your treatment to minimize bruising.