How Much Do Lip Implants Cost?
Why prices vary
If it's worth the money
Costs by U.S. state
Lip implants cost $2,550 on average, according to 209 reviews from RealSelf members, but the price of this cosmetic surgery can range from about $1,500 to $4,100, depending on a few key factors.
Permanent lip augmentation with lip implants is a minor surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia (often with oral sedation), to enhance thin lips.
Unlike temporary lip fillers, lip implants are a permanent solution for creating fuller lips. Implants are also a longer-lasting, more effective solution for enhancing your lip shape and size than fat grafting.
Lip implant surgery is an elective cosmetic procedure, so it's not covered by health insurance.
Read on to learn the biggest factors that impact the price of lip implants and whether actual patients say their results are worth what they paid.
What does the cost include?
During your initial consultation, ask for an all-in cost estimate for your lip implant surgery costs, including the:
- consultation fee (if the provider doesn't offer free consultations)
- the cost of the implants themselves
- surgeon's fee
- facility fee
- anesthesia fees (especially if your anesthesia will be administered by someone other than your surgeon)
- surgical supplies
Also ask about any recovery supplies you'll need to buy yourself, such as prescription pain medication.
What affects the cost of lip implants?
The price you pay for your lip implant procedure will depend on:
1) The credentials and level of expertise of your lip implant surgeon.
Even though this cosmetic surgery is relatively quick and minimally invasive, it can go very wrong if the surgeon isn't skilled enough to know how to customize the implant size and shape, to create your desired result.
“If lip implants don’t go perfectly, people can have little chronic problems, just because of the motion and their being in the mouth,” says Dr. Johnny Franco, a plastic surgeon based in Austin, Texas.
In fact, the FDA has warned that using silicone-based PermaLip implants in the lip can lead to complications, like migration and protrusion. Asymmetry or an unnatural-looking result are also possible.
Because of these risks, lip implant surgery should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon who has years (ideally decades) of experience performing this procedure and can speak to how they mitigate or correct any complications than may arise.
A less experienced surgeon will charge a lower fee for their services. Just keep in mind that may end up paying more down the line, to correct a subpar result.
2) Where your lip augmentation procedure is performed.
If you're getting lip implants in a major city like New York or LA, you can expect prices to be steeper, simply due to higher costs of living.
For example, Dr. Tim Neavin, a plastic surgeon practicing in Beverly Hills, California, charges $5,500 for upper and lower PermaLip lip implants.
However, prices can vary between neighborhoods, so it can be worth it to get personalized cost quotes from more than one qualified plastic surgeon. That usually involves booking a consultation, but some offer free consultations, while others apply the cost of the consult to your procedure.
3) The type of implant used in your procedure.
There are several options when it comes to lip implants, including silicone PermaLip implants, (the most common implant type); AlloDerm, a natural implant made of dehydrated sterile tissue; and synthetic options, including Gore-Tex and SoftForm.
Some providers also offer tissue grafts, using donor tissue from another area of your own body. The results can look more natural and have fewer complications, but this can be a more expensive option because the procedure is more complex.
Each option has different benefits, drawbacks, and prices, so it's worth talking them through with your prospective surgeon.
4) The extent of your lip enhancement procedure.
Most patients get implants in both lips, but you can get them on only the upper or lower lip, to create more balance. Having only one lip treated will take less time and have a lower price tag.
On the other hand, you and your surgeon may determine that pairing your lip implant surgery with an upper lip lift will enhance the shape of your lips. This cosmetic surgery can also be performed with a local anesthetic (so you won't need to pay an anesthesiologist), and you'll probably save a bit by combining procedures, but adding a second treatment will increase your total bill.
5) Special offers or discounts.
Some physicians offer deals on lip implant procedures. Before you spring for a deal, just make sure you research the surgeon thoroughly. The best way to save money on lip implant surgery is to have it done right the first time.
Are lip implants worth the money?
Lip implant surgery has an 87% Worth It Rating on RealSelf, so a majority of patients who reviewed their procedure think their results are worth the investment.
Many of those who say their procedure was "Worth It" say they love having fuller lips that still look natural, without having to worry about getting filler.
Among those who say it was "Not Worth It," complaints included overly large lips, being able to feel the silicone, and asymmetrical results that look unnatural.
Implants are much more expensive up-front than injectable lip fillers, but lip implant surgery is a one-and-done procedure with permanent results. That can make it more cost-effective over time than lip injections, which need to be redone annually (and sometimes more frequently) to maintain a plump pout.
Consider booking a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon to go over the pros, cons, and risks of lip implants, so you can make an informed decision (for you and your budget) about whether this cosmetic surgery will be worth it for you. Just make sure they have a strong track record of positive patient reviews and a gallery of lip implant before and after photos that show the kind of results you're looking for.
Lip implant costs in U.S. states
Browse the average out-of-pocket cost of lip implants in select U.S. states, according to patient reviews on RealSelf. States not currently listed did not have enough data to include.
State | Average Cost of Lip Implants |
|---|---|
Ohio | $1,987 |
Maryland | $2,364 |
California | $3,000 |
Florida | $3,250 |
Nevada | $3,283 |