The female lips have long been more than just a means of communication. They are a tool for conveying complex human emotion as well as a potent symbol of female sexuality and physical age, as the lips tend to lose volume with advancing years.

Thin, poorly defined lips appear tense, taught, unexpressive, and may expose the gum line in an unattractive way when a woman smiles.  On the other hand, full lips, lips with a graceful shape, full volume, and balanced structure, project a more youthful appearance and instantly draw a man’s attention to them.

The glamour industry has set the modern standard for bigger, fuller lips, colored ruby red for maximum sexual allure a la Angelina Jolie. Big lips also convey a sense of confidence and control.

Plastic surgeons have keyed in on the trend and now offer Lip Enhancement and Lip Augmentation in their arsenal of cosmetic facial procedures designed to enhance looks and remove years from the physical appearance of their clients.

Options in Lip Augmentation

Lip enhancement procedures include the use of injectable dermal fillers to plump up the shape of the lips and add balance to the face. There is also the option of using injections of one’s own fat to beef up the volume of the lips instead of using synthetic alternatives.

Non-invasive lip injections have met with much success but their effects are only temporary and have to be repeated to retain optimal results. The advantages are they are easy to inject, have little to no downtime, and help to correct subtle lip imbalances.

Lip Augmentation Surgery is a permanent solution that may involve the use of fat grafts or implants to build volume in the lips. In a Lip Lift procedure, an incision is made in the upper lip in order to repair a sagging or drooping lip.

The one common feature among all of these procedures is the self-satisfaction patients report after lip enhancement or surgical augmentation.

Time was when we were always told to keep a stiff upper lip. Today, having big, full lips seems the way to go. As always, consult with a qualified plastic surgeon about which option is best for you.

Dr. Kyle S. Choe is a board certified facial plastic surgeon located in Virginia Beach. He can be reached at The Choe Center for Facial Plastic Surgery at 757.389.5850 for a personal consultation.