Lip augmentation fat transfer is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves moving fat from one area of the body to the lips in order to enhance the physical appearance of the lips. In a lip augmentation fat transfer procedure, fat is liposuctioned out of one area of the body, such as the hips or abdomen, and carefully prepared for insertion into the lips. Once prepared, the fat is injected into the lips using a blunt needle and syringe. The incisions made in a lip augmentation fat transfer procedure leave small puncture wounds that are generally less than 0.2 centimeters in diameter.

Lip augmentation fat transfer surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that after an initial period of recovery (a few hours) the patient can go home to fully recover in the comforts of their own home. Local anesthesia or light general anesthesia is commonly used during the lip augmentation fat transfer procedure. The procedure is usually completed in about an hour and a half.

The liposuction involved in this procedure is significantly smaller than typical liposuction procedures, and therefore should not alter the appearance of the liposuction site. The exception to this would be if a patient's lip augmentation fat transfer was combined with a traditional liposuction procedure. Lip augmentation fat transfer can also be combined with other surgical procedures such as facial implants, brow lift, eyelid surgery, face lift, Botox, or laser resurfacing.

Because lip augmentation fat transfer surgery uses a patient's own tissues, the body generally does not reject the tissues and the results are usually soft and natural looking. As with any surgical procedure, however, there are drawbacks to lip augmentation fat transfer surgery. Part of the fat that is injected into the lips is subject to necrosis (death) as a result of the procedure. This means that lip augmentation fat transfer surgery is not permanent. There is also a risk that a surgeon will try to overcompensate for the fact that some of the fat will die by injecting larger amounts of fat into the lips. This can actually cause necrosis of the fat cells. A qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon can take several steps and employ a variety of techniques to avoid this potential drawback of lip augmentation fat transfer surgery.

The results of lip augmentation fat transfer surgery often last anywhere from six months to several years. With newer techniques the results of lip augmentation fat transfer surgery may even be semi-permanent. The average cost of a lip augmentation fat transfer procedure ranges between $2,400 and $4,500. A good cosmetic surgeon can help determine if a patient is a good candidate for lip augmentation fat transfer surgery.

In general, a patient who is in good physical and emotional health, is informed of the risks and benefits, and has a realistic expectation of the results makes the best candidate for lip augmentation fat transfer surgery. For more information on lip augmentation fat transfer cosmetic surgery, please contact us to confer with a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon in your area.