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.

Filler is a great option for the lips. I like Juvederm, as it is very soft and yields a great looking and natural result. Cost can vary depending on the physician and your location. I would recommend seeking the advice of a board certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or facial plastic surgeon. They are all great choices, and will be able to advise you after examining you in person. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Dear Qwerty13

Thank you for your question!  Lip injection with fillers is an art!!  You have a thinner upper lip and to get the desired shape - it may take a few injections of HA to achieve.

With Warm Regards

Trevor M Born MD

Fuller lips can be achieved with a fat augmentation or subnasal lip lift. As long as the lips are not overfilled creating a duck appearance you should have a good result.

To achieve close to what you wish it would probably take 3 syringes of fillers such as restylane, juvederm or belotero at $550/syringe and last about 6 months. I advise to do that 1st then when you get the shape and look you want then switch over to the more permanent implants and look great forever. Sincerely,David Hansen,MD

Dear Qwerty13,


I would start out with one syringe to see how you like the results

You have nice anatomy (on the right?) and would respond well to the treatment

The cost is somewhere between $500-600 depending on where you go

Make sure the injections are done by a specialist and that the product is made for sale in the United States, if the price seems very low, it could be because of one of these factors


Best regards,

Nima Shemirani

To possibly go from your lip vermilion size to what you have envisioned would require lip advancements. (rolling out the vermilion) While that is possible, oen has to carefully considering the fine line scar along the lip edge to do so.

Thank you for your enquiry. The photo you have provided of "ideal lips" are fuller than yours and the corners are slightly upturned. Judicious use of dermal fillers will improve your lip volume, while the use of Botox could lift the corners of your mouth. Some food for thought...

All the best