Full, luscious lips are within your reach, thanks to two advanced techniques. The most sought-after method is a minimally invasive option using injectable dermal fillers, and the other is a surgical augmentation called a lip lift. Since both choices offer various possible pros and cons, you may wonder how to choose between them for the best results.
Double board-certified Dr. Yula Indeyeva is one of Texas’ leading female facial plastic surgeons. Her specialties include facelifts, neck lifts, and lip enhancement procedures. With fellowship training and illustrious career, she built her reputation on her collaborative approach to creating stunning, natural-looking results that complement and balance her patients’ features. Read on to learn how to achieve your goals with Austin lip fillers and lip surgery.
What Is the Difference Between Lip Fillers and Lip Surgery?
Most lip fillers consist of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that adds volume and hydration to the skin. They provide a soft, smooth, voluminous look when injected into the lips. As a sought-after trainer in advanced injection techniques, Dr. Indeyeva will create a customized plan to improve your appearance in a way that complements your natural features.
A lip augmentation procedure is a surgery that condenses the space between the nose and upper lip. Dr. Indeyeva removes a small section of tissue from just below the nose, exposing more of the upper lip’s pink tissue and creating the appearance of fuller and more defined lips. While a lip lift is more invasive than injectables, Dr. Indeyeva can use local anesthesia, meaning she’ll numb the area and conduct the surgery while you’re awake. After she completes your procedure, she’ll suture the incision closed, provide aftercare instructions, and send you home to recover.
What Factors Should You Consider When Deciding Between Lip Fillers and Lip Augmentation Surgery?
A lip lift is an excellent option for patients who want permanent results and understand the costs, recovery, and downtime associated with surgery. Comparatively, lip fillers are an alternative for patients who want to “test-drive” lip enhancement before committing to a more complex procedure. While lip fillers are an affordable option with less recovery time, it can cost more in the long run to maintain your results because fillers wear off over time.
During your consultation with Dr. Indeyeva, she’ll break down both options’ possible pros and cons with you. After learning about your goals, she can provide the best recommendation for your desired looks and lifestyle.
Which Option Offers a More Natural-Looking Outcome: Lip Fillers or Lip Lift Surgery?
When you choose Dr. Indeyeva to perform your lip enhancement, either choice can provide flawless results. As an exclusive facial expert, Dr. Indeyeva believes in a personalized approach that highlights your features.
Fillers involve injecting a biocompatible gel into your lips to make them look fuller. Afterward, your lips might be more prominent, which some patients desire. Meanwhile, others want to remain as natural as possible. A surgical lip lift procedure exposes more of your natural lip, and doesn’t require introducing any synthetic substances into your body. Therefore, it is a more natural approach to lip augmentation.
Do Lip Fillers or Lip Augmentation Surgery Provide Better Long-Term Satisfaction?
One downside of lip fillers is that your body will metabolize the product over time. On average, filler results last between three and six months. If you like your new look and want to keep it, you’ll have to return periodically for touch-ups.
A lip flip procedure involves surgically removing a small portion of skin between the upper lip and the nose. Since this skin cannot grow back, you’ll enjoy permanently fuller, more defined lips without needing maintenance treatments every few months.
Is the Cost of Lip Fillers or Lip Surgery a Significant Factor in Your Decision-Making Process?
A lip flip involves local anesthesia and surgical skill, so the cost will be higher. With lip fillers, you pay per unit of product injected into your lips, plus your provider’s time. Still, you should remember that coming back a few times per year for maintenance treatments will add up. Eventually, you’ll likely end up paying the same, if not more, than you would by choosing lip flip surgery.
How Does the Recovery Process Differ Between Lip Fillers and Lip Lift Surgery?
Recovering from fillers is straightforward, since it requires no anesthesia or surgery. You can leave your appointment and continue your usual activities. Redness, slight swelling, and bruising may occur, but these symptoms generally resolve after a few days.
In comparison, a lip augmentation procedure involves local anesthetic, surgical incisions, and sutures to have removed at your in-office check-up a week after your surgery. Minor swelling, bruising, and discomfort are typical and usually require taking up to a week off from work and social activities to recover. After about two to four weeks, you should have made a complete recovery and feel free to enjoy your lip flip’s long-lasting effects.
Schedule a Lip Augmentation Consult With Texas’ Best Plastic Surgeon!
If you’re ready to determine which option is better for you, Dr. Indeyeva is ready to meet with you to explore your options. We invite you to schedule your consultation to discuss your concerns, talk about your goals, and choose the lip procedure that will best achieve your ideal aesthetic.
