Lip Enhancement

What is Lip Enhancement?

The lips can be augmented with the patient's own body tissue (fat injections), popular dermal fillers (Restylane®), soft synthetic implants (Advanta, Gortex) or a lip lift procedure. A consultation with Dr. Kienstra will help you understand the many options available and determine the best lip enhancement solution for you.

Full, well-defined lips are considered a sign of youth, beauty, and sensuality. Unfortunately, as we age our lips gradually lose volume and become thinner. Temporary and permanent lip enhancement procedures can help us look younger by plumping the lips and redefining their natural outline. These lip enhancement procedures are simple, safe, and effective. Most can be performed in a very short amount of time under local anesthesia or sedation.

Temporary Lip Solutions

One of the simplest ways to enhance the lips is with Restylane®/Juvederm® injectable fillers. Results have been shown to last 6 months or longer. Both Restylane®, and Juvederm® are comprised of hyaluronic acid, a natural occurring substance in the body. These fillers give a very natural feel and appearance and can be dissolved by a medical professional if desired.

Permanent Lip Solutions

Lip enhancement with fat augmentation is a more permanent solution. By using tiny, virtually invisible incisions Dr. Kienstra can collect your own body fat and then reinject that fat into your lips for increased volume and softer, fuller lips.

Lip implants can also be utilized to permanently increase lip volume. The implants are inserted via tiny incisions near the corners of the lip. Patients should be aware that it can take time to get used to the feel of lip implants - though lip implants are quite soft, they will always feel less "natural" than injected fat.

Lip “Lift” (Sub-Nasal)

A sub-nasal lip lift shortens the vertical distance between the base of the nose and the central upper lip. An incision is made at the base of the nose following the nasal contours and heals with virtually no visible scar.