Facial Feminization Surgery » Procedures
Lip Augmentation
In the context of Facial Feminization, the lip area begins just under the nose to the lower edge of the bottom lip. While the shapes and sizes of lips aren't defined by gender there are some common characteristics of the lips that are perceived as more feminine or more masculine. For example, women tend to have a shorter distance between the bottom of the nose and the edge of the upper lip. A Lip Lift can address this. Fuller lips are also generally recognized as more feminine looking and can be achieved through Lip Augmentation.
There are a few different approaches to Lip Augmentation and what sets them apart is whether the method offers a temporary or permanent solution. Lip Fillers enhance the lips with a series of injections providing temporary results that last between six and twelve months. Lip Implants are made of silicone and offer permanent results. Fat or tissue grafting can also be used for Lip Augmentation. With each method, one or both lips can be augmented.
Lip Fillers
While injectable fillers don't offer the permanence of surgery, non-surgical options can be very affirming in those who are either not ready or are unable to have Facial Feminization Surgery. There are numerous benefits of non-surgical options for Facial Feminization that shouldn't be overlooked: the minimal risk and downtime, they are reversible procedures that can provide an idea of what to expect from surgery, and they may be the only option for those who are not surgical candidates.
Popular lip fillers include Juvéderm, Restylane, Voluma and Perlane, all of which are all hyaluronic-acid-based. Lip Augmentation using fillers is a quick in-office procedure. The cost of the procedure ranges from $600 to $900 per syringe and the number of syringes needed for a treatment varies depending on how much lip fullness you seek. Multiple treatments may be needed over many months.
Side effects usually subside in a couple of weeks and include: redness, tenderness, small lumps or bumps, minor pain and itching.
If you achieve the look you're after with fillers, be sure to take photos of your results so that you can bring them to your provider when you have fillers done again.
Lip fillers are reversible so if you find that your lips are overly plump after treatment you go back and have the filler dissolved with hyaluronidase, an enzyme that safely dissolves hyaluronic acid.
Important Note: If you pursue lip fillers, it is imperative to have the procedure done by a qualified provider. There have been numerous incidents of lip fillers being injected at so-called "lip filler parties" and this carries great risk and can have severe outcomes.
Image copyright Dr. Thomas Satterwhite.
Lip Implants
Lip implants offer a permanent solution for achieving fuller looking lips.
The Permalip implant is a soft implant shaped like a natural lip that comes in several different sizes. It is made of solid silicone, not liquid silicone, so there is no risk of leak or rupture. While the procedure only takes about half an hour, it is surgically performed and is therefore more expensive that lip fillers, with a cost range of $2300 to $4300.
"My lip augmentation was done with silicone implants (unlike injections that you have to redo every 6 months these are permanent) inserted in channels he made inside my lips from inside my mouth. My lips are now wonderful and with the upper lip lift they look fantastic." - Patient of Dr. Toby Meltzer, 2020
After the lips have been anesthetized and are numb, the surgeon makes an incision at both corners of the mouth and a tunnel is made in the lip(s) that is below the lip fat and above the lip muscles. The implant is pulled into the lip tunnel using a clamp, and after being positioned the incisions are closed with a couple of absorbable sutures.
Side effects are typically minimal, such as temporary bruising and swelling. Complications can include malposition and rarely, extrusion of the implant.
Not all patients are suited to lip implants. For example, those with asymmetrical lips are better off using lip fillers because lip implants won't correct this. Or, people with very thin lips that can't accommodate even the smallest sized lip implant have a greater risk of extrusion and infection.
Fat Grafting
Another alternative to lip fillers and implants is using your own fat tissue for lip augmentation. This is referred to as fat transfer or autologous Lip Augmentation, this method offers semi-permanent results that last for at least five years and costs between $3000 to $6000.
Fat transfer lip augmentation is done with local anesthesia. Fat is harvested from the abdominal area and is then purified and injected into the lips. The procedure takes about one hour to one hour and a half to complete.
Instead of using fat, other skin tissue can also be used for Lip Augmentation. Harvested dermal tissue is shaped and then inserted into the lips. The duration of results and the cost are similar to fat grafting.
Your Consultation
If you are interested in Lip Augmentation, the next step is to request a consultation with a medical provider. During your consultation, your lip shape and symmetry and overall facial balance will be assessed. Photos of your lips will be taken. You'll then have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have and together you'll come up with a plan that addresses which areas of your lips need to be fuller and which method is best suited to your needs.
References
Brody-Camp S, Raggio BS. Lip Implants. [Updated 2022 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. 2022 Jan.
Morrison, Shane D. M.D., M.S.; Vyas, Krishna S. M.D., M.H.S.; Motakef, Saba M.D.; Gast, Katherine M. M.D., M.S.; Chung, Michael T. M.D.; Rashidi, Vania; Satterwhite, Thomas M.D.; Kuzon, William M.D., Ph.D.; Cederna, Paul S. M.D. Facial Feminization: Systematic Review of the Literature, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: June 2016 - Volume 137 - Issue 6 - p 1759-1770.
Last updated: 06/16/22