Lip Augmentation: Types, Benefits, Side Effects & Cost

Written by aesthetic content writer Catherine. Reviewed by Medical Director Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai
Published on: October 16, 2024
Lip Fillers

Lip Augmentation

As we get older, our lips can get thinner and lose their shape, especially the upper lip. But, don’t worry, you don’t have to settle for that! Many women of all ages choose lip augmentation to get fuller, more defined lips. So, how does it work? Lip augmentation involves injecting Hyaluronic Acid filler into the lip border and body to make your lips look fuller and shapelier. 

Ready to enhance your smile and boost your confidence? Let’s know what lip augmentation is, how it works, benefits, side effects, lip augmentation cost, and much more. 

What Is Lip Augmentation?

Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure performed to give you fuller & younger-looking lips. There are various types of lip augmentation to suit your needs & goals. Some procedures use fillers to temporarily plump up your lips without surgery. Others involve small cuts on your lips or face for longer-lasting results. 

Natural lip augmentation helps with ageing problems like thinning lips, makes your face look better, improves lip shape, smooths wrinkles around your lips, and boosts your confidence.

Types Of Lip Augmentation

There are various types of lip augmentation treatments, each creating a different look. These include:

1. Lip Fillers

When you visit the doctor, they will examine your lips, take photos, and assess your facial structure. They will determine which parts of your lips need more fullness. Before the injections, you’ll receive a numbing cream or local anaesthesia. Applying ice to the lips before injections helps numb the area and can reduce bruising & swelling.

After marking the areas to be injected, very fine needles are used to inject the filler into your lips. After the procedure, ice may be applied to reduce discomfort and swelling. This is done in the doctor’s office and usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You can go home the same day. The results last for about 6 to 12 months, so you will need follow-up treatments to maintain your new look. So, if you’re looking for the best non-invasive treatment to get beautiful lips, lip filler treatment London is all you need.

2. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers use hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body. These fillers can increase lip volume and improve their shape and structure. Popular HA lip fillers include Teosyal RHA1 and Teosyal RHA 2.

3. Teoxane Lip Fillers

Teoxane is the only dermal filler brand with five specialised fillers for lip treatments. This allows your doctor to customise your treatment plan according to your desired results, whether it is hydrating and refreshing the lips, achieving a subtle and natural enhancement, or opting for a more noticeable and pronounced look. It includes the following options:

RHA®1 – Used to hydrate and provide subtle volume while softening lines around the lips.

RHA®2– Used to enhance volume and contour naturally and subtly.

RHA®3 – Provide noticeable lip volume while maintaining a natural appearance.

Benefits Of Lip Augmentation Fillers


Some of the main benefits of using lip augmentation include:

Improved Self-Confidence

Many people feel self-conscious about their lips, especially if they are thin or uneven. Natural lip augmentation can boost your self-confidence by giving you fuller & more defined lips that you’ll be proud to show off.

Customisable Results

The permanent lip augmentation applied can be adjusted to achieve the preferred long-lasting results. This means you can talk to your injector to plan a customised treatment strategy that suits their unique needs & desires.

Natural Fullness

Lip enhancement or augmentation offers a natural appearance because it contains hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body. Because it’s natural, hyaluronic acid is less likely to cause bruising. The results fade away naturally and you need topping up every six months to keep your lips plump.

Gradual Progression

Lip augmentation fillers can be given slowly over time to get the best result. This is perfect for individuals with thin lips who aren’t sure how they will look with fuller & plumped lips. By having a few appointments, you can get the plumpness you want without any discomfort from changing an implant’s size all at once.

Side Effects and Risks Of Lip Augmentation Fillers

After getting natural looking lip augmentation, you might have some temporary side effects that usually go away in a few days. These could include:

  • Bleeding from where you got the injections 
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Redness and tenderness where you got the injection
  • Cold sores or fever blisters coming back around your lips or where you got the injections

More serious side effects or risks may include:

  • Severe swelling or bruising that lasts a week to 10 days
  • Uneven lip size (lip asymmetry)
  • Lumps or uneven shapes in the lips
  • Infection
  • Injection into a blood vessel, which can cause tissue damage
  • Ulceration, scarring, or stiffening of the lip
  • Allergic reactions causing redness, swelling, or itching around the lips

Note: Contact your doctor right away if you experience severe swelling or develop a fever.

Lip Augmentation Price 

The cost of lip augmentation depends on:

  • The type of procedure
  • The doctor’s experience
  • Your location

Before your procedure, make sure you know all the costs and ask if your doctor has a payment plan. On average, lip enhancement costs around $500 per session or more.

To Sum Up

So, is lip augmentation right for you? Before deciding, consider why you want to change your lips. You should only go through with this procedure if you genuinely want to change your appearance.

If you’re thinking about lip enhancement to make someone else happy or to fit an ideal image, you might want to rethink it. It is also very important to have realistic expectations about the results. Lip augmentation can make your lips plumper and fuller, but you will still look like yourself when you leave the doctor’s office. Your doctor can explain the pros & cons of different types of lip enhancement options and help you choose the best one for you.

Bonus Tip: If you’re looking for a solution to remove smokers’ lines, skim through our guide on ‘How to get rid of smokers’ lines?’ and know everything. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Lip Augmentation


Q: How long does lip augmentation last?

A: The duration of fuller lips depends on the method used. Lip fillers last six months to a year. 

Q: Who is a good candidate for lip augmentation?

A: Your doctor will assess if you’re a suitable candidate for lip augmentation and recommend the best types of lip enhancement procedures for you based on your health, lifestyle, and expectations. You’re eligible if you’re in good health, refrain from smoking or can quit before the procedure, don’t have active infections like cold sores, don’t suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes or lupus, and have realistic expectations about the outcome.

Q: How do I prepare for lip augmentation?

A: Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. A few weeks before, you’ll need to stop smoking and avoid taking blood-thinning medications, as they can cause more bruising. Also, avoid pain relievers like aspirin and herbal supplements like multivitamins & fish oil.

Q: When can I return to my normal activities?

A: With nonsurgical lip augmentation, you can go back to work right away. For surgical lip augmentation, you may need some recovery time. Your doctor might suggest avoiding exercise and strenuous activities for a few weeks after any lip enhancement.

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About the Author

Catherine

Expert Aesthetic Writer At Perfect Skin Studio Catherine is an expert content writer. Specialised in the aesthetic industry, she deeply understands aesthetic concepts and crafts informative and accessible content about them. At Perfect Skin Studio, Catherine's writings cover diverse skin, eyes, beauty, and aesthetic concerns, providing clear insights and practical solutions. She explores and addresses the latest trends, techniques, and treatments to keep our readers informed and engaged.

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Director, Perfect Skin Studio

Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai

With over 24 years of experience in both surgical and non-surgical procedures, Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai is widely acknowledged as one of the most trusted and experienced practitioners in the UK. Her expertise, extensive training & compassionate approach have earned her the reputation as the preferred choice for patients seeking top-tier cosmetic treatments.

Dedicated to enhancing each patient’s natural beauty and instilling confidence at every age, Dr. Sabrina and her team customise treatment plans to achieve the best possible outcomes for each individual.

Dr. Sabrina’s excellence has been recognised through prestigious awards like the UK Safety in Beauty Diamond Award for “Aesthetic Doctor of the Year 2023” and the Aesthetic Award for “Highly Commended Consultant Surgeon 2022,” and “Best Consultant Surgeon 2021” & “Best Surgical Result 2021”. As a well-respected figure in aesthetics, she was honoured as one of the Global 100 Most Influential Aesthetic Practitioners of 2019 by the My Face My Body Awards.