I've had thin lips my whole life, I hate it. Is the change I want possible? And how much would it cost? (photo)

Lip enhancement with a hyaluronic acid based filler can help you achieve n improvement of your lips. Results are temporary, which is good because you can alter the results achieved on subsequent treatments to accommodate changing preferences. In addition, results can be reversed if you don't like them with a simple injection of hyaluronidase. The exact dosing for you can be determined in consultation with your cosmetic physician with an in-person evaluation, as this will allow for a better assessment of your concern. Generally, clinics provide a per syringe price, and this can be anywhere from $550 to $850 in Toronto, Ontario. For minor wrinkles, less than a full syringe may be needed while for a dramatic enhancement, one syringe or more may be required.

I agree with other plastic surgeons who have answered this question. I would recommend starting with a hyaluronic acid filler such as Juvaderm or Restylane. It is important to fill the central part of the lip mostly to maintain the lobby of the nature of the central part of the lip. The sides of the lip can be filled to a lesser extent. This will maintain the natural appearance of the upper lip and avoid the over filled appearance with lots of detail. The advantage of this is that it is reasonably priced and although it doesn't last permanently it does last 6 to 8 months at least and it will give you an idea if this is what you want to do permanently.

A permanent result can be accomplished with fat grafting if you wish after that. Fat grafting can be done under local anesthesia in the office. Fat is harvested from a suitable location and prepared and then injected with small cannulae into the lip. You should be aware though that this technique causes considerable bruising and swelling and it may take a few weeks before this resolves.

Unfortunately, too many people are walking around with over-filled or improperly filled lips. When I perform lip augmentation, it's like you applying lipstick. First the border of the lips are filled, your "lip liner." Next we fill in the body of the lip or your "lipstick." Each person needs to be treated as an individual and different amounts are used to get a natural result. One hard and fast rule is that the lower lip should always be 1 1/2 to 2 times the size of the upper lip, so rarely do I fill just the upper lip, even though I'm often asked.

For a young person, usually one cc if filler, either Juvederm or Restylane is used. For mature ladies looking to restore a natural cupid's bow or a beginner who is worried about looking too big we start with 1/2cc. Costs vary by region and city.