Not everyone is born with plump lips, but just like Kylie Jenner, you can actually do something about it. Whether you just want to perk up your look for the day, for a few months at a time, or permanently change your appearance, there are plenty of options offered by the board-certified cosmetic professionals at The Derm Group. Whether you live in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, plastic surgeons and dermatologists are at your service.
Quick Fix Lip Plumpers
If you’re on a tight budget but want a quick and easy fix for the day or night out, a number of at-home products promise immediate, though very short-lived results. Some use suction to pull at lips with a vacuum effect while others come in the form of a gel, gloss, or patch. These can be applied throughout the day like lipstick. They work by creating a tingling, warming sensation that stimulates blood flow to the lips, creating a fuller look. Some say they see a difference, but it’s slight.
There are DIY approaches that recommend a scrubbing mixture of cinnamon, peppermint oil, and Vaseline®. While they may temporarily make lips appear plumper, they may do more harm than good. While increasing the blood flow to the skin’s surface, they are also irritating it, which will cause damage over time. If you are really serious about changing your look, it’s best to work with a professional.
Temporary Lip Plumping Treatments
Let’s talk fillers. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, such as JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, and Perlane®, are formulated with HA. It’s the same stuff you’ll find in serums and it’s naturally found in your body. Hyaluronic acid is a great hydrating ingredient for skincare and excellent for injectables as it provides a natural look with the ability to dissolve over time. This works especially well for those who want to try them out but aren’t ready to commit to something more permanent. These fillers contain lidocaine to help enhance the comfort of the injections.
You may also hear the names HylaForm, Elevess, Prevelle, Captique.
What’s great about HA is that you can have control over the lip volume and can create plumper lips more gradually for a natural change. Also, whatever bumps it creates dissolve easily leaving smooth looking lips. Plus, they are of very little to no concern when it comes to allergies. As far as how long it will last, most people get maintenance treatments every 6 months to a year. If you change your mind, you can easily remove it with an eraser enzyme called hyaluronidase, which breaks up the particles and accelerates the rate at which the fillers break down.
Fat Transfers for Fuller Lips
Alternatively, some people opt for fat transfers or fat grafting. It’s similar to what you’ll find in the treatment of under-eye bags and Brazilian butt lifts. On the plus side, you remove unwanted fat and use it where you need it. And, because it becomes a living tissue in the body, it has a long-lasting result. One drawback, though, is that short-term costs tend to exceed HA fillers and there is a possibility of lumps and irregularities, which are more challenging to treat.
Removable Lip Implants
If you are ready for something more permanent but can be removed if needed, lip implants might be right for you. Similar to a breast implant, lip implants are made of silicone (or Gore-Tex) and are soft to the touch. Just like breast implants, they come in various shapes, sizes, and thicknesses to match your specific anatomy. As for the procedure, it generally takes about an hour and you will receive a local anesthetic, similar to what you’ll experience at the dentist. There may be some swelling or bruising after, but only for about a week. Within a month, you’ll start to see the final, fuller result.
Whether you want a quick fix for a night out or a long-lasting change, you can have fuller, plumper lips in just a short visit to The Derm Group, call (973) 571-2121 or Request a Consultation for one of our locations near you.