Overview
Lip augmentation at Dr. Fern's practice is guided by one principle: the result must be believable. Natural-appearing lips that are full without appearing inflated, balanced in proportion to the face, and consistent with the patient's age and anatomy. Dr. Fern offers both hyaluronic acid filler (Juvéderm Volbella, Restylane Kysse) for reversible enhancement and autologous fat transfer for longer-lasting volume.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Ideal candidates for lip augmentation typically present with one or more of the following:
- Naturally thin lips seeking moderate, natural-looking enhancement
- Lips that have lost volume with age
- Lip border that has become undefined or poorly shaped
- Vertical perioral lines above the upper lip
The Procedure
Dr. Fern's approach to lip augmentation proceeds through the following steps:
- Topical anesthetic applied 20 minutes before treatment
- Filler placed with fine-gauge needle or cannula technique for minimal bruising
- Volume added incrementally; patient views result in mirror throughout
- Philtral columns and vermilion border defined as appropriate
- Ice applied immediately to minimize swelling
Recovery
Swelling peaks at 24–48 hours and resolves over 3–5 days. Bruising is uncommon with cannula technique. Filler results last 6–12 months depending on product. Fat transfer results are permanent after the initial settling period.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much filler is appropriate for natural results?
For most patients, 0.5–1.0 mL per session. Dr. Fern's philosophy is conservative augmentation with the option to add — not correcting overfilling.
Can filler make my lips look like a specific shape?
To a degree, yes. The existing lip shape is the starting point, and filler can enhance volume, projection, and border definition. Dramatically changing the natural lip outline is not achievable with filler alone.