Older individuals tend to want the best lip augmentation provider to restore the fullness their lips had when they were younger as well as fill in lip lines a.k.a. “smoker’s lines.” However, recent years have also seen a large increase in younger individuals requesting for lip enhancement, for a fuller, and more proportionate look—possibly the result of social media trends, and celebrity influences. Natural-looking volume and Dr. Moynihan’s “less is more” approach is best.

Why lip augmentation?

Our lips are mostly made up of collagen, a protein that plays a vital role in tissue repair and the maintenance of tissue elasticity. Unfortunately, we lose collagen as we age, causing the border and the center of the lips to disappear, aging one’s face.

What is lip augmentation?

Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure using fillers to enhance the size and shape of the lips. There are various types of lip injections that may be used, including Juvéderm and Restylane. In this regard, the best filler for lip enhancement will depend on the patient’s aesthetic goals. You may discuss your treatment goals with our experienced medical staff to determine whether a temporary or long-lasting lip augmentation procedure is the right one for you.

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Why choose Gold Coast Plastic Surgery?

All treatments at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery are overseen by Dr. George Moynihan, who is double-board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). Dr. Moynihan was educated at Villanova, Loyola, and the world-renowned Rousso Facial Plastic Surgery Center. He also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Loyola University Medical Center and Rush University Medical Center. Dr. Moynihan is passionate about patient safety and success and strives to empower each patient with the knowledge and information they need to become active partners in creating their ideal results. He and his skilled team of aesthetic providers take all the time necessary to evaluate the patient’s skin quality and medical history, ensuring their chosen cosmetic solution is the right option for their overall wellbeing and goals. 

Best lip fillers – What’s right for you?

The “best lip filler” for you will reflect the condition of your lips and what you want to achieve. The types of fillers we use include:

Restylane

Restylane can be injected to add or restore volume, redefine the lips, and enhance the look of the Cupid’s bow.

Restylane Refyne

This filler was developed with a specialized technology to allow for ultimate flexibility and can be injected for lip augmentation and to smooth vertical lip lines.

Restylane Kysse

This formula is very pliable and soft, delivering a very natural lip enhancement, with a formula that could be ideal if you have lipstick lines and want to smooth them without adding excess volume.

What are lip fillers?

A lip filler or lip injection is a substance—made of collagen or other material—that is injected into the lips to temporarily enhance their appearance. Depending on your unique needs, the lip filler can improve the size or enhance the definition and shape of the lips. For instance, one patient with extremely thin lips may only want to create more volume, while another may only want to enhance the shape or definition of the lips.

Types of lip fillers

Medical professionals use various types of lip fillers to achieve their patients’ desired results. Over recent years, hyaluronic acid lip injections have become increasingly popular due to their many benefits.

For temporary augmentation

The lip fillers primarily used are Juvéderm and Restylane products, which are injected into the lips with a needle. The treatment provides immediate results lasting 6 to 12 months. This can also sometimes be done in stages, depending on your lip goals.

For long-lasting augmentation

Dr. Moynihan uses medical-grade liquid silicone, which is also injected into the lips with a needle using a micro-droplet technique. Patients typically require three to six sessions of custom silicone injections spaced at least six weeks apart.

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Lip Flip vs. Lip Augmentation

BOTOX can be used to achieve a beautiful yet subtle enhancement for your lips. This simple injectable treatment, focusing on the upper lip, is called a lip flip. Instead of fillers, BOTOX is used to maximize your smile and provide a desirable shape. A lip flip is also performed to resolve a “gummy smile,” where the lips curl back above the top of the teeth when you smile, showing off the gums too much.

During a lip flip, BOTOX is injected into the corners of the mouth and the Cupid's bow at the middle of the upper lip. BOTOX relaxes the small muscles there, allowing your lip to unfurl and plump beautifully for a fuller, more appealing appearance. 

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Lip Augmentation FAQ

What is recovery like after lip augmentation?

How long does the procedure last?

Who is a good candidate?

Which will work best, Juvéderm or Restylane?

What happens during the lip augmentation consultation?

What is the anesthesia used for lip augmentation?

How is lip augmentation performed?

How much pain occurs with lip augmentation?

What is the recovery after lip augmentation?

How much time should I take off from work after my procedure?

Are there any risks associated with lip augmentation?

How much does lip augmentation cost?

Will my insurance company cover the cost of lip augmentation?

How long do the results of lip augmentation last?

Where can I get lip augmentation near me?

What is recovery like after lip augmentation?

Recovery after lip enhancement is typically easy to experience. Some swelling may occur but typically resolves within 12 to 24 hours. Bruising may also occur, so plan accordingly. Our aesthetic coordinator will be happy to discuss the actions to avoid before and after treatment to give you the best outcomes based on your individual goals. You should be confident returning to work or other activities the same day or the day after the procedure. Temporary lip augmentation procedures will require follow-up treatments to continue to maintain the results.

How long does the procedure last?

The procedure takes about 15 minutes to complete.

Who is a good candidate?

Patients over 18 who are looking to improve the appearance of thinning lips may be good candidates for lip enhancement. It’s often advised that patients undergo filler injections first to allow them to evaluate their new look before choosing to undergo a more long-lasting lip augmentation treatment using liquid silicone.

Which will work best, Juvéderm or Restylane?

Both Juvéderm and Restylane are injectable lip fillers used by plastic surgeons, aesthetic nurses, and medical aestheticians for custom lip augmentation. They are both hyaluronic acid-based fillers that can create a soft, pliable enhancement and smooth away vertical lip lines.

What happens during the lip augmentation consultation?

During your consultation, your lips will be examined, and we will speak with you about what you envision. Your treatment will be customized specifically for you, and you can trust that the outcome will look natural, not overdone – just plush, soft, and beautiful.

What is the anesthesia used for lip augmentation?

A nerve block, like what is used at a dentist’s office, may be used for long-lasting lip augmentation treatments.

How is lip augmentation performed?

How the procedure is done basically depends on whether you’re getting a temporary or longer-lasting lip enhancement.

  • For temporary augmentation, an HA-based lip filler is injected directly into the lips to produce desired results.
  • Medical-grade silicone can be injected into the lips for long-lasting lip augmentation.
  • For lips that last a lifetime, custom lip implants can be placed. These are strips of soft, pliable silicone inserted into the lips through small incisions in one or both lips. An implant can last many years, making it the treatment of choice for patients who desire enduring results.

How much pain occurs with lip augmentation?

Patients with a low tolerance for pain often hesitate to undergo the procedure for fear that the discomfort will be unbearable for them. This can’t be further from the truth. You’ll be glad to know that lip augmentation is generally associated with little pain or discomfort.

What is the recovery after lip augmentation?

There is generally very little recovery associated with lip augmentation, though some minor swelling and bruising can occur during the first few days. These will resolve on their own. You will have direct access to our specialists if you have any concerns or questions.

How much time should I take off from work after my procedure?

With the best lip enhancement procedure, you are free to return to work on the same day as the treatment or one day after. Since lip enhancement is a non-invasive procedure, you won’t need to take more than a day or two to rest and recover.

Are there any risks associated with lip augmentation?

Surgeries always carry some risk, regardless of whether it is cosmetic or medical in nature. For lip augmentation injections, in rare cases, cosmetic asymmetry and granuloma formation could occur. To reduce the risk of infection or other side effects, ensure your lip augmentation is performed by a board-certified injection specialist rather than at a day spa that offers coupons.

How much does lip augmentation cost?

On average, lip fillers can cost between $700 and $2,000.

Will my insurance company cover the cost of lip augmentation?

Lip augmentation is cosmetic in nature and is not covered by medical insurance.

How long do the results of lip augmentation last?

In general, Juvéderm and Restylane last for 6 to 12 months in the lips. After this time, you may see your provider again for another round of injectable lip filler injections.

Where can I get lip augmentation near me?

Our lip augmentation procedures are performed at our private, state-of-the-art clinic in the heart of downtown Chicago. We offer personalized care and precision injections, and are known for creating remarkably natural-looking outcomes, time after time.

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