Many women want to get their lips enhanced, but also want to avoid the dreaded overfilled “duck lips,” and thanks to the ever-increasing art and science of lip augmentation, they now can. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons can use a number of treatments to help the lips look fuller, however, using injectable hyaluronic acid fillers to plump the lips and reduce fine lines around the mouth for a sexier pout is quickly becoming the gold standard.
“For [fuller] lips, the best are hyaluronic materials. The other types of fillers can cause nodules in the lips. I use Juvéderm for lips the most,” says Great Neck, NY, facial plastic surgeon Andrew Jacono, MD.
Used off-label for years to plump lips, hyaluronic acid filler was given FDA-approval in October for that exact purpose and now doctors swear by it for natural-looking lips. But even though it is possible to have lips look completely natural with filler, there still has to be a delicate touch when it comes to augmenting the lips. “It is extremely important for patients to find a qualified, board-certified dermatologist with considerable experience in the procedure. There is a great deal of artistry involved in lip augmentation, as the results should look good but not overdone,” says Newton, MA dermatologist Madeline C. Krauss, MD.
Most skilled dermatologists are conservative with the amount of filler used in the first injection and therefore in some cases, a second injection may be needed for the best results. Also, lip augmentation should be approached cautiously in patients who have a large space between the base of the nostrils and the red part of the lips, as fuller lips could create an unflattering appearance similar to a duck’s bill, says the doctor.
It’s also important to remember that patients with very thin lips will not get dramatic improvement in the fullness of their lips from lip augmentation, as the lips need to be proportionate to other facial features.
Find a Doctor
Find a NewBeauty "Top Beauty Doctor" Near you
