Lip Enhancement

People seek lip enhancement for a variety of reasons, often tied to changes in the appearance of the lips over time or personal aesthetic goals. Common motivations include:

• Age-related volume loss: With age, the lips naturally become thinner, lose structure, and develop fine lines. Lip fillers can restore a more youthful contour and plumpness.
• Naturally thin lips: Some individuals are born with lips that are thin or lack definition and seek enhancement for balance and proportion.
• Improving lip shape and symmetry: Small asymmetries or uneven lip borders can be corrected with precise filler placement.
• Refining lip texture and hydration: Hyaluronic acid fillers can improve lip softness and hydration, reducing dryness and enhancing smoothness.
• Smoothing vertical lip lines (smoker’s lines): Fine lines around the mouth can be softened with filler, neuromodulators, and laser resurfacing.

Patients often pursue lip enhancement to improve facial balance, boost self-confidence, and achieve a more polished, refreshed appearance. It is a popular procedure for both younger individuals and those noticing signs of aging.

Before undergoing lip enhancement, a consultation with a qualified dermatologist is essential. Dr. Brian Hibler begins each evaluation with a comprehensive discussion of the patient’s goals, facial anatomy, and medical history. He carefully examines the lips in both motion and repose, assessing the proportions of the upper and lower lips, the philtral columns on the upper lips, Cupid’s bow, and surrounding perioral structures.

Based on this assessment, Dr. Hibler creates a tailored treatment plan that aligns with the patient’s natural features and aesthetic preferences, ensuring results that appear both harmonious and natural.

Lip enhancement is most commonly achieved through the use of injectable hyaluronic acid fillers. The procedure is performed in-office and typically takes less than 30 minutes.

1. Preparation: The lips are gently cleansed and a topical numbing cream is applied to minimize discomfort. Many fillers also contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic, which further improves comfort during the injection process.
2. Injection technique: Using a fine needle or cannula, Dr. Hibler carefully injects the filler into targeted areas of the lips. His advanced technique ensures precise placement, with attention to lip shape, proportion, and symmetry. The amount of filler used depends on the desired outcome, whether a subtle enhancement or more noticeable volume is requested.
3. Shaping and refinement: After injection, the filler is gently massaged to ensure even distribution and a smooth contour. Immediate results are visible, although minor swelling may temporarily exaggerate the final appearance.
4. Post-treatment care: Most patients can return to regular activities the same day. Mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising may occur and typically resolves within a few days. Dr. Hibler provides personalized aftercare instructions to support healing and optimize results.

Patients typically notice fuller, more defined lips immediately after treatment. Final results become more apparent once any swelling subsides, usually within 3–5 days. Hyaluronic acid fillers are temporary, with results generally lasting between 6 to 12 months depending on the product used, individual metabolism, and lifestyle factors such as sun exposure and smoking.
Maintenance treatments can be performed as needed to sustain results. Over time, many patients find that smaller amounts of filler are required to maintain their desired look.