Lip augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure performed to enhance the size and shape of the upper and lower lip. Various temporary and permanent techniques can be used for lip augmentation.

Dr. Kopelman believes that the safest and easiest method to enhance your lips are with the use of hyaluronic acid gels like Restylane Silk, Juvederm Volbella, Belotero or Juvederm XC. These injectable gels produce immediate results that have a soft “feel”, very rarely produce allergies,(no skin testing is necessary) and are immediately reversible if you are not satisfied with your new look.

Dr. Joel E. Kopelman is a cosmetic Surgeon who has injected hundreds of patients and has gained a reputation for his artistry and as an expert injector in performing lip injections.

The following blog answers frequently asked questions to help you learn more about the lip augmentation procedure.

What is a lip augmentation?

Lip augmentation is a non-surgical, non-permanent cosmetic method to enhance the size and shape of your lips using hyaluronic gel fillers.

Why do some people’s lips look thinner?

Dr. Kopelman believes that as some people age, gum and tooth recession occurs, which shifts the structural support for the lips in a posterior direction causing the lips to “disappear”. Women, in particular, are disturbed by the loss of volume in their lips and their inability to apply make-up. These patients are gratified when they have the volume in their lips restored.

What is a cosmetic consultation for lip augmentation like?

Dr. Kopelman will give you his full attention and listen to your concerns regarding the goals that you hope to achieve with lip injections. He will assess your problem, take photographs and determine if you are a good candidate for lip augmentation.

Special techniques to enhance lips using fillers

Dr. Kopelman first applies a numbing cream to the surface of your lips. He then waits ten minutes for the medication to take effect. Dr. Kopelman then uses thin fine needles and blunt cannulas to injection below the superficial surface of your lips and along the vermillion border (“Cupid’s bow”). He uses a precise amount of filler to give you a fuller but subtle, natural appearance. He is conservative in the volume that he injects and will not give you a “duck -like” over-filled appearance to your lips.

How many vials of filler are generally needed to enhance the lips?

Most patients get adequate restoration of their lip volume with one syringe of hyaluronic filler. However, there are patients who require additional volume.

How long will it be before I see improvement?

Visible improvement occurs immediately. Lip augmentation produce immediate gratification. Dr. Kopelman will use fine needles and micro-cannulas to minimize the chance of developing bruises, however, because there are many capillaries coursing through your lips, bruising and swelling are possible following your lip injections. Swelling for the first 48 hours is expected then the swelling will subside. Dr. Kopelman recommends that you stop all blood thinners for at least one week before undergoing lip injections that include vitamin E, aspirin, Advil, Motrin and fish oil.

What are the risks of lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid gels?

The risks of lip injections are rare. Bruising as previously discussed is possible but infections and allergic reactions are extremely rare.If you have a previous history of cold sores Dr. Kopelman will probably prescribe an oral medication so you don’t have a flare up. Dr. Kopelman is an experienced expert injector who can minimize the risks associated with lip augmentation by following strict sterile protocols but he cannot eliminate all the rare side effects.

What if I don’t like my new look? Can I reverse the appearance of my lips or do I have to live with them?

The majority of patients who have lip augmentation are very pleased about the appearance of their enhanced lips however sometimes a patient wants to reverse this procedure. You do not have to live with the enhancement if you don’t like it. Reversing the injection of a hyaluronic acid gel is easily done with hyaluronidase,an enzyme that immediately and specifically breaks down the gels. Very rarely a lump occurs in the lip that can also be removed with hyaluronidase.

Choosing the right Injector is key to obtaining an ideal result. Even though injections are non-invasive and relatively simple to perform it takes experience and skill to inject the correct amount. Dr. Kopelman has the experience and expertise to consistently provide excellent results. If you are considering a lip augmentation, contact us in N.J.at (201)444-4499 or NYC at (212)831-8333 to schedule a consultation.