Permanent Lip Enhancement - What Are my Options?

I assume you are talking about making the lip more plump or to highlight certain landmarks. Different materials can be used to fulfill certain purposes depending on what you are trying to achieve. Getting more lift and definition to the Cupid's bow (curved landmark between red and white part of upper lip) is a different task than enlarging the red part of the upper lip (vermillion free border). Permanent filler consists of synthetic materials like Gortex or liquid silicone, neither of which... more

I also have placed so many different permanent implants in and have removed most of them secondary to an unnatural look. I feel strongly that using your own fat as a Stem cell based graft offers the most natural appearance to lips. It is an office procedure and the results are very dependent on your surgeons technique. We are considering these micro-injection techniques to more likely to stay long term as small amounts of fat transferred into a vascular area such as the lip give the fat... more

I have performed lip augmentation with lip implants for 20 years and have written a scientific paper on the subject. Currently, I believe there are two best choices for long lasting lip augmentation. The best lip implant IMO, is Alloderm that is soft and supple and can be placed just underneath the red portion of the lip for true aesthetic lip enhancement in the front where lips should be plump and full. Alloderm last about 7 years and can be placed through small incisions in the... more

You should start off with injectable fllers.  If you absolutely love your result, you can  go for something permanent like a fat transfer.  Liposuction removes fat, usually from the abdomen and the fat is injected into the lips.  Fillers can last up to a year fat transfer is permanent.  Both are safe. 

I would start with a filler that is temporary.  Juvederm and Restylane last 9-12 months.  If you have never had your lips augmented, I would start with one of these and see if you like the results.  Then, you can move on to a more permanent filler such as fat if you like the look.

Synthetic Implants Goretex - a well tested lip enhancer that does an adequate job of symmetrical lip fill. Downside - It can extrude through the skin or feel hard like a rope in your lip. Silicone Micro-Droplets - the first permanent filler, very controversial, some patients develop granulomas and this can be very unsightly. In spite of the downside, many dermatologists still use it. Alloderm - a collagen sheet that is derived from a cadaver. Not technically permanent, but will last a long... more