As more people turn to dermal fillers and cosmetic enhancements for a facelift, lip augmentation has quickly become a popular procedure for men and women who want to achieve a youthful look.  

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, almost 9,000 lip augmentation procedures were performed in 2007. If your genes are to blame for thin and flat-looking lips, lip enhancement procedures may help you achieve a supple and attractive set with just one or two treatments. Lip plumpers and fillers can boost the size and improve the curvature of your lips, helping to create lips that are soft, resilient and natural-looking. 

Injectable fillers and lip implants are both elective surgery procedures, and you have several lip augmentation treatments to choose from – your decision will depend on the level of fullness you want to achieve, and how much you’re willing to spend. If you’re yearning for fuller lips and a more youthful look, here are some of the best options for lip augmentation:  

Lip Augmentation with Collagen Injections

Collagen injections are a temporary solution for lip enhancement, and can create fuller and plumper lips instantly. Liquid collagen is injected directly into the lips to fill up any areas of loose skin and will also boost the size of the lips - this treatment also offers natural-looking results. Since collagen is absorbed by the body, frequent treatments are necessary to maintain the full appearance.  

Lip Enhancement with Restylane

Restylane is a clear injectable gel that can be used to smooth out wrinkles in many areas of the face, but is also a valuable lip plumper. Restalyne injections consist of hyaluronic acid, a substance that is naturally found in the body. This acid creates volume and does stay in the body for extended periods of time; it is one of the most valuable lip plumping treatments available, and offers minimal side effects and downtime.  

Lip Augmentation with Artefill

Artefill is a bovine collagen product that is also injected into the lips to create a fuller and suppler set. The unique addition to these injectable fillers is polymethylmethacrylate microspheres (PMMA) that are actually small pieces of plastic; these remain suspended in the lips after the collagen is absorbed in the body so results are more permanent.  

Lip Enhancement with Fat Transfer

Fat transfer is another option for those who may be allergic to bovine collagen or hyaluronic acid. The fat transfer procedure extracts fat cells from another area of the body (e.g. the thighs, buttocks or waistline) and injects them directly into the lips. While there are more risks involved with this procedure, results can last a lifetime.  

Lip augmentation is a simple way to improve your appearance and achieve youthful, attractive and more shapely lips. Whether you choose collagen injections as a temporary solution or hyaluronic acid for permanent results, lip plumpers and fillers have few side effects and can offer instant results.  

Learn more about lip augmentation in our surgery information guide, or find a cosmetic surgeon in your area that offers lip plumping treatments. Your cosmetic surgeon can also walk you through the procedure and determine which treatment will be the best match for your goals and budget.