Fuller, pouty lips seem to be all the fashion. Lip augmentation or lip enhancement is a type of cosmetic surgery that plumps up the lips, either the upper lip, the lower lip, or both. There is also a procedure called a lip lift which can change the shape of the mouth. And - since not everyone wants fuller lips, lip reduction surgery is a way to make the lips smaller.

Lip Augmentation with Implants

Synthetic implants can be implanted under the lips to increase fullness. The implants can be a man-made material, such as Gore-Tex or Advanta. Sterilized human tissue can also be used. A synthetic implant called PermaLip is an option that can be implanted permanently, or removed or changed at a later date.

The incision can be made at the corners of the lips. Risks include infection, lumpiness and other concerns. Implants are considered permanent, so it is essential that you find a qualified plastic surgeon for this procedure. The cost of lip augmentation can range from $1500 to $4000. The procedure takes about a half hour and is done under local anesthetic.

Lip Lift

As we get older, we find that we have thinner lips. Some women try a lip lift procedure to get fuller lips. A lip lift is performed on the upper lift. It basically lifts the skin and turns the upper lift upward slightly. When the lip lift is done, more of the pink portion of the lip will show. This will give the lips a fuller, plumper appearance.

A lip lift can be done alone or in combination with lip augmentation, using dermal fillers or implants. The cost of a lip lift alone can start at $1500.

Lip augmentation with injectable cosmetic fillers

Lip augmentation surgery is used to make thin lips fuller. Lips can also be made fuller with injections. Cosmetic fillers or dermal fillers are also used in other areas of the face and body, besides the mouth. There are different dermal fillers that are being used for lip augmentation.

Restylane is an absorbable filler, made of hyaluronic acid. Results in the lip can last for several months with Restylane. Collagen can be used in lip enhancement. It is absorbed back into the body, so results are not very long lasting. Perlane is also a hyaluronic acid filler. The particles in Perlane are bigger, which can increase penetration of the lips. Radiance (also called Radiesse) is a gel with suspended microspheres. The results in lips last longer than Restylane and Perlane, so make sure your surgeon is a good one. NewFill (also called Sculptra) is also a longer lasting dermal filler.

Not all of these injectable fillers have been approved for use in lip augmentation. You should discuss your options with your doctor. Be aware that there can be allergic reactions and other problems. The cost of dermal fillers depends on the type of filler and the amount that is used. Cost ranges from $500 per syringe for short-term fillers to $2000 per syringe for the longer lasting fillers. Be aware that you can have reactions or infections to any of the fillers. You may also notice uneven results.

Lip Augmentation with Fat Injections

Your own fat can be used to make lips bigger and create a fuller mouth. The fat is suctioned out from a different part of your body, for example the hip, using liposuction. The fat is processed and purified. It is then injected into the lips. Fat injections or fat transfer refer to a procedure that used in a number of other areas of the face and body. Some of the fat will be reabsorbed.

Lip Reduction

A lip procedure can be done in conjunction with other types of cosmetic surgery, such as cosmetic dental work for the overall smile, a face and neck lift or an eye lift. Your surgeon may also suggest chin augmentation or reduction or a nose job. As with any cosmetic surgery, there are cautions. Make sure your surgeon is qualified and has experience in doing cosmetic surgery on the lips. Don't use a doctor whose specialty is thigh lifts, when you want something done on your mouth.

Make sure you talk to your doctor beforehand about exactly what you want to achieve. Ask to see before and after photos of people with lips and mouth shaped similar to your own. Ask about the advantage and disadvantages of each procedure, and why the doctor thinks one may be better for you. You will also need to discuss possible problems such as swelling, bruising, infections and whether or not you get cold sores.