If you’d like to achieve fuller, more prominent lips, there are several different options to explore. Many patients wonder what the difference is between a lip lift and a lip filler, so we’re going to explore both options. Although they are very different procedures and can help you meet different goals, the two procedures can be combined for greater enhancement.
Whether you choose one or both procedures, you can feel good knowing that at Dr. Cat Plastic Surgery, you’ll experience the most gentle techniques which will provide natural-looking results. As you’ll learn, this is especially important for both lip lift surgeries and lip filler injections.
What are the biggest differences between lip lift vs. lip filler?
There are many differences between lip lift surgery and lip filler injections. However, the most important differentiating factor can be found in the results. Do you want to reduce the space between your nose and lip? Then a lip lift may be the procedure that helps you achieve your goals. On the other hand, if you simply want fuller lips and to diminish wrinkles surrounding the lips, then lip filler might be more appropriate for your needs. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest differences between lip lift and lip filler:
The lip procedures are different. A lip lift is a cosmetic surgery that involves removing skin from the tissue between the nose and the lip. Lip fillers are injections and do not require surgery.
Recovery times are not the same. Since a lip lift is a surgical procedure, it requires more recovery time. There’s very little need for recovery time with lip fillers.
The results can look much different. After a lip lift, a patient will notice less space between the lip and the nose, revealing more of the pink tissue of the lip. Lip fillers add volume to the lip, plumping them up and making them appear fuller.
The results last differently. A lip lift is a permanent procedure, while lip filler is metabolized over time and eventually dissolves.
Lip Lift
What is Involved in a Lip Lift?
A lip lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that minimizes the space between the nose and the upper lip. This is done by making incisions, most commonly in the area under the nose where any scarring can be hidden. Dr. Aric Park, our expert Facial Plastic Surgeon, specializes in lip lift surgery. His gentle technique results in a quick recovery with minimal bruising and no pain. His focus is to create greater symmetry while lifting the lip to allow more of the pink area to be revealed. This creates the look of a fuller pout while addressing the excess tissue between the upper lip and nose.
For patients with significant space between the lip and nose, a lip lift significantly helps in creating more facial harmony. Without this procedure, lip filler can accentuate the space and create a less than natural outcome. A lip lift is a very short surgical procedure that can involve either general or local anesthesia depending on the patient’s needs.
How long does it take to recover after a Lip Lift?
Like any cosmetic surgery, you can expect some localized swelling and bruising around the incision site of a lip lift for a few days. After about a week, any sutures that remain will be removed by Dr. Park. You’ll be advised to take it easy for a few weeks post lip lift surgery. Within six to ten weeks you can expect the area to look photo-worthy, without any redness or swelling remaining.
What is the typical cost of a lip lift?
Although every patient’s cost differs based on their customized procedure, you can expect a lip lift in our office to cost around $6,000.
Lip Filler
What is lip filler?
Lip filler, or lip augmentation, is one of today’s most popular cosmetic procedures. Lip filler is a quick and easy non-surgical procedure that instantly adds volume and fullness to both the upper and lower lips. The filler which is injected into the lip is proven safe and contains hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in the body.
Not all lip filler procedures are created equal, however. Dr. Cat and Dr. Park both specialize in the lip filler procedure. They help patients achieve their aesthetic goals. With years of experience, both surgeons are artists and meticulously place lip filler in a natural-looking way for the best results. For anyone who is looking to add more volume to their lips, but is nervous about the results looking overdone or obvious, our experienced pair of cosmetic surgeons understands and uses their trained eye to provide gorgeous results.
What’s it like getting lip augmentation with filler?
Dr. Cat and Dr. Park are known for their gentle patient-focused approach to every procedure they do. While focusing on creating natural-looking results, they also make sure that their patients are comfortable. This includes adding a topical anesthetic to numb the lip area, creating a virtually painless procedure. During the procedure, your doctor will use a very thin needle to inject filler into your lips. The needle doesn’t go in very far and you won’t feel anything beyond a mild pinching sensation. Dr. Cat and Dr. Park both use great care and their artist’s eyes to place filler in just the right spots. A lip filler procedure usually takes less than an hour to complete.
“Filler is a technical art and it should make people look like a refreshed, refined, or more glam version of themselves,” explains Dr. Cat. “I use Juvederm routinely to make my patient’s lips look fuller or fix asymmetries. As a personal preference, Juvederm is the product I like the most for the lips. I apply it in a specific way to make them look naturally fuller. I do not like the ‘duck’ look that I often see on women.” Rest assured, under the watchful eye of Dr. Cat or Dr. Park, your lips will look completely natural.
What is the recovery time for lip filler?
Since lip filler doesn’t involve surgery, the recovery time is much quicker. You may notice swelling or bruising for a few days, but this should subside after approximately a week. Ice can help minimize swelling and patients are advised to avoid exercising, using straws or lip cosmetics for the first day or two after the procedure. You can expect your lip filler to last from several months to years before you’ll need to return for a reapplication. Since filler contains hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, our bodies metabolize the filler. Every patient’s anatomy is different, so the amount of time before the need for a reapplication varies greatly from patient to patient.
How much does lip filler cost?
Lip filler can be a cost-effective option for anyone looking to refresh the look of their face. With Dr. Cat and Dr. Park, you can expect the cost of lip filler to be no more than $1,000. Since each patient’s needs vary, it’s best to book a free phone consultation to find out what the cost range may be.
Which is right for you? Lip Lift or Lip Filler?
Reaching out to Dr. Cat’s office is a good first step to determining which procedure is best for you. Dr. Cat or Dr. Park can help you to choose whether a permanent lip lift would be beneficial for your facial goals. If you have a long section of tissue between your upper lip and nose, a lip lift may be a good solution.
However, if you’re just looking to add a refreshed look to your lip area, lip filler can be an easy and convenient first step. Aging can cause lips to get smaller and wrinkles can form around the edges of the lip. Lip filler can add volume and fullness, giving a more youthful look to the lips and a natural-looking pout, while minimizing wrinkles. Because lip filler gradually gets absorbed by the body, it’s essential to understand that it will need to be reapplied every year or so to maintain the look. It’s also important to note that a lip lift and lip filler is not an either/or decision. Many patients who opt for a permanent lip lift choose to enhance the look with lip filler which can add further volume to their lips. Both lip lifts and lip filler are brief procedures that can transform the look of your face. Reach out to Dr. Cat’s office to schedule a consultation to take the first step to a refreshed and glamorous look.
