Lip Implants: How They Work, What to Expect and Costs

From plumping glosses and lipsticks to lip filler and lip implants, the pursuit of a plumper pout continues to be popular. From 2000 to 2020, there was a whopping 84% increase in lip implants in the United States.¹

Our fascination with full, plump lips may stem from celebrity "lip-spiration" where famous faces have inspired a longing for bigger lips. A desire for youthfulness may also play a role in our interest in full lips, as aging causes lips to thin and flatten.²

Continue reading to learn more about lip implants, including average costs, different types and what to expect during the procedure.

What Are Lip Implants?

Lip implant surgery, or lip augmentation, is a permanent augmentation of the lips by inserting a synthetic mold either made from silicone or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene into the top, bottom or both lips to add fullness, volume and definition.³

Women account for up to 96% of all lip augmentations, with most of those in women over the age of 40 — this group holds over 80% of all lip augmentation procedures.¹

Lip implants vs. lip fillers

If you're considering lip enhancement, you may be considering getting lip implants or lip fillers. Lip implants and lip fillers both add volume to the lips and can be used in both the upper and lower lips.⁴

• Lip fillers are a minimally invasive procedure, requiring small injections through a microneedle. This is considered an outpatient procedure.⁴
• Lip implants, however, are a permanent lip enhancement (though they can be surgically removed). While still considered an outpatient procedure, it is a surgical procedure requiring small incisions to insert the implant.⁴ And while there's a larger upfront cost, there isn't the repeated cost and multiple appointments that lip fillers require to maintain the same fullness.²

For some, lip implants may be a more cost-effective and longer-lasting solution compared to getting regular lip fillers.²

What Lip Implants Can and Can't Do

Before getting lip implants, it's important to understand what they can and cannot do.

Lip implants can:²

• Increase the total distance from the top of the top lip to the bottom of the bottom lip, also known as the vermilion height
• Add volume to the lips
• Soften fine lines and wrinkles on and around the lips
• Change the number of teeth shown when you smile

Lip implants cannot:²

• Correct lip asymmetry (lip fillers such as hyaluronic acid are preferred)
• Be used to plump “razor-thin" lips, where lips have insufficient tissue to fit even the smallest implant

Different Types of Lip Implants

There are two main types of lip implants — silicone implants and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene implants.²

1. Silicone Lip Implants are tiny silicone tubes. They come in various diameters and lengths — your surgeon will determine the best size and length to achieve your desired results.⁵
2. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene implants or ePTFE is a rubber-like substance that creates a mesh-like structure, allowing your body's tissues to grow around the implant.⁶

Both materials are bio-compatible so rejection is rare. They are also non-biodegradable in the body and widely used in a variety of cosmetic and medical procedures.⁶

Sometimes tissue grafting and/or fat grafting from the abdomen may be used to augment the lips.⁷

Who Is a Good Candidate for Lip Implants?

If you are considering getting lip implants, you'll want to meet with a practitioner who can assess your lip goals as well as the current status of your lips and overall health. A good candidate for lip implants is often someone who:⁷

• Has overall good health
• Has generally symmetrical lip shape
• Has enough lip tissue to cover an implant
• May be tired of getting temporary lip fillers or have difficulty with needles⁸

Lip Implant Procedure: What to Expect

After a consultation with a plastic surgeon to determine the best lip implant material and size, you'll be given a local anesthetic to numb your lips. Some facilities may also provide an oral sedative to help you relax during the procedure.⁸

Then the surgeon will make small incisions in the corners of your mouth and use a thin surgical tool to create tunnels for the implants. The implants will be carefully inserted into the tunnels and the incisions will be stitched closed.⁸

The procedure usually takes less than one hour to complete.⁸

Lip Implant Recovery

After the procedure, plan on around three days of recovery time. During this time, your lips will be swollen, numb and potentially bruised. Drinking, eating and talking may be difficult. Over-the-counter pain medication and icing can help reduce discomfort. Your surgeon may recommend:⁸

• Elevating your head while you sleep
• A diet of soft foods
• Minimize talking, eating and mouth movements for the first few days
• Use ice packs and/or pain medication as needed
• Gently applying lip balm

Lip Implant Risks

While lip implants are generally a low-risk procedure, just like any cosmetic procedure there are potential risks and complications to consider, including:²

• Dissatisfaction with the position of the implant
• Implant migration
• Extrusion of the implant
• Dissatisfaction with the implant size
• Capsular contracture (scar tissue formation around the implant)
• Infection
• Swelling

How Much Do Lip Implants Cost?

On average, a lip implant procedure can cost between $2,000-$4,000.⁷

The total price for lip implants can vary based on your geographic location as well as surgeon fees and experience.

While lip injections such as Juvéderm® or Restylane® only cost around $750 per treatment, results from lip fillers generally only last three to 12 months.⁸

CareCredit Financing for Lip Implants

When getting lip implants or another cosmetic procedure, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is an experienced health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody, and OpenFit.