Juvederm vs. own fat for lip augmentation?

Boston4569.    It is nice to have options.  The advantage of fillers is that they can achieve your desired size with minimal down time during a short office visit.  The disadvantage is they don't last.  However, that is not such a terrible thing, especially if you don't like the look.  Fat is an excellent long term option when performed by an experienced injector.  It is a somewhat longer (one hour), and more complicated procedure, but still can be done in the office under local anesthesia.   I recommend that you try a filler like, Juvederm Ultra plus first and see how you like the appearance of your lips.  If you like the look, then go for fat transfer.  Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

You should start out with 1cc of juvederm filler or restylane filler and go from there. You do not want to overdo too much filler in the lips. It also depends on the look you are going for too. You can always add more filler to the lips if needed. Just remember if you are going to do your lips and you do not want to bruise you should not take any aspirins or anything that will thin the blood since brusing can occur. One syringe is typically $500.

Temporary fillers are reversible typically and you can determine if you like the results. However, in experienced hands fat grafting can be done effectively and safely.  The difference is really how willing you are to come back every year for a touch up.  For many people there is a permanent solution involving a lip lift and augmentation however.  That's worth looking in to.

I personally avoid fat injection to lips. Once done it is nearly impossible to undo  there is a possibility of lumpiness that can result. While not common, it is an outcome to avoid. Hyaluronic acid fillers are safe and reversible, thus making them the industry standard. 

Thank you for sharing your question.  There are pros and cons to both Juvederm and fat grafting with the most obvious difference being anticipated duration.  The fat that remains after grafting will be permanent while at best you can anticipate 1.5 years with Juvederm products.  Juvederm is easily reversible whereas fat grafting is not, and Juvederm allows for adjustments over time.  Remember that with fat grafting the size will fluctuate as you gain and lose weight so it is important to stay as weight stable as possible.  See an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation, they can offer you the best advice.