Lip Injections vs Lip Implants: Know the Difference

Are you ready to get those full, voluptuous lips that you’ve always been looking for?

Good for you! It can be nerve-wracking to undergo any kind of cosmetic procedure, but if it gets you the results you’ve always wanted, it will almost certainly be worth it in the end.

Now that you’ve decided to take the plunge, one question remains: are you going to go with lip injections or lip implants? While they’re both good choices, it’s important to know that they are quite different procedures.

To help you figure out which is best for you, let’s learn more about the differences between lip injections and lip implants.

What are Lip Injections?

Lip injections, also known as lip fillers, are dermal fillers that are injected into the lips to temporarily increase their fullness. The injections are typically made with a substance called hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally-occuring substance that is found throughout the body, particularly in the fluid around the joints, eyes, and skin. It plays an important role in maintaining the hydration, volume, and plumpness of the skin, making it a good choice for lip fillers.

The nice thing about using HA is that it not only physically fills the lips, but it also takes it a step further and actually enhances this effect. See, HA is a humectant, or a substance that attracts and holds onto moisture. Therefore, when it gets injected into the lips, it draws water to the area, providing them with an extra boost of fullness and moisture.

What are Lip Implants?

Lip implants are a more permanent lip enhancement solution. Typically, a qualified surgeon inserts an implant made of either silicone or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene into the lips to increase their fullness.

However, this isn’t the only way to do a lip implant procedure. There are two other types as well, including:

• Tissue grafting, where skin from the lower stomach is used to fill the lips
• Fat grafting, where the lips are filled with fat from the abdomen

Since lip implants are permanent, you should be 100% sure of your choice before undergoing the procedure. If you’re not happy with the final result, you will need to go under the knife again to remove the implants.

Should I Get Lip Injections or Lip Implants?

It really depends on the individual. Take a look at the pros and cons of each below to help you determine which is right for you.

Lip Injections: Pros

• Lower upfront costs
• Fairly long-lasting results of about 6 - 12 months
• Quick recovery, can typically continue normal routine right after appointment
• Minimal risk
• Pretty painless, especially since some contain numbing agents like Lidocaine

Cons

• Temporary nature means costs can add up over time
• Needs to be done on a regular basis to maintain results

Lip Implants: Pros

• Long-term, permanent procedure, which can save money over time
• Minimal long-term risks

Cons:

• Costs significantly more than injections upfront
• Longer recovery time, at least 1 - 3 days
• Need to be careful for up to 2 weeks after surgery to make sure implant doesn’t shift
• Requires surgical removal if there’s a problem

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