Introduction to Lip Augmentation
Have you lost volume to your lips, or have you developed significant asymmetry between your upper and lower lips? Learn more about surgical and non-surgical options that can help produce a more youthful, rejuvenated look to your lips, and schedule a consultation today. Dr. Tina Ho is a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon with a personalized interest in giving you the best possible outcomes to help you feel confident.
What is Lip Augmentation?
Lip augmentation is a procedure intended to enhance the volume, shape, and/or definition of the lips. It can be performed via non-surgical techniques such as filler injection or surgery where a more permanent result is achieved. In her surgical approach to lip augmentation, Dr. Ho relies upon her fat transfer technique for lip enhancement with natural, aesthetically pleasing results. Fat transfer is an appealing treatment option as it utilizes a patient’s own cells for rejuvenation. Compared to filler injections, fat transfer yields more permanent results and often does not need to be repeated over time to maintain the results. On the other hand, the survival of transferred fat is unpredictable. In her approach to fat transfer, Dr. Ho injects the lips with slightly more volume than needed given the fact that not all fat transferred to the lips will survive in the long run. Lip augmentation may also be achieved with a placement of an implant that is nevertheless associated with risks of infection and unnatural appearance. Dr. Ho is experienced in both fat transfer and filler injections and will discuss with each patient the best treatment option to meet their lip augmentation goals.
Before and After Videos
Dr. Tina Ho’s Lip Augmentation Results
This beautiful patient underwent silicone lip injection one year ago that left her with permanent visible, hard bumps that were most prominent with smiling. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, silicone is a permanent product and cannot be reversed with an injection. Under local anesthesia, I made an elliptical incision in her upper lip and cut out the silicone material in piecemeal fashion, as illustrated in the video. This was not the most gratifying surgery for me, but the patient’s palpable sense of relief immediately after surgery and her renewed self confidence at her postoperative visit made the mining expedition experience more than worthwhile. Her upper lip is beautifully healed and refreshed already at one week out from surgery and will only improve more over time.
This wonderful younger patient was bothered by the thin appearance of her upper lip particularly with smiling. She was tired of repeating the same treatments over and over and desired more permanent options for lip rejuvenation. Two stepwise procedures and six months later, she is beautifully healed and we are so happy with her new smile.
What Are Issues That Can Be Addressed With Lip Augmentation?
Thin lips
Lack of volume
Elongated philtrum
Downturned corners of the mouth
Big lips (lip reduction)
Protruding lips (lip reduction)
Dr. Ho is experienced in improving all of these issues with Lip Augmentation and will discuss with each patient her customized approach for each type of issue.
Why Choose Dr. Tina Ho?
Dr. Tina Ho stands out among other surgeons in Philadelphia and Wayne as a female, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with dedicated training in facial rejuvenation surgery. Unlike general plastic surgeons, Dr. Ho specializes exclusively in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures of the face and neck.
She understands that a facial rejuvenation, whether surgical or non-surgical, is both an art and a science — a highly detailed and complex procedure that requires technical precision and an artistic eye to achieve natural, harmonious results. Dr. Ho stays at the forefront of modern products and techniques to deliver the most refined and lasting outcomes for her patients.
From the initial consultation to every follow-up visit, Dr. Ho maintains an unwavering commitment to each patient. She takes the time to listen, plan, and tailor every step of the rejuvenation process to align with the patient’s unique anatomy for realistic aesthetic goals and ensure each person feels confident, supported, and deeply satisfied with their results. Her approach focuses on preserving the patient’s natural appearance while maximizing safety and minimizing recovery time.
Dr. Ho received advanced fellowship training under world-renowned facial plastic surgeons Dr. Dean Toriumi and Dr. Steven Dayan. Dr. Ho continually refines her surgical knowledge and techniques to offer the best outcomes for her patients by regularly attending national and international aesthetic meetings and learning from leading plastic surgeons across the country in the operating room setting. Her expertise extends across all aspects of surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation.
Dr. Ho is recognized regionally and beyond as one of Philadelphia and the Maine Line’s most trusted female facial plastic surgeons, with patients traveling from throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York to seek her expertise.
Am I an Ideal Candidate for Lip Enhancement in Philadelphia?
The ideal candidate is someone who is unhappy with the appearance of their lips and has decided they want to proceed with a non-surgical or surgical procedure. The candidate should be in good physical and mental health and without medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications. An ideal candidate is also a non-smoker and currently not taking blood thinning medications.
Lip augmentation is ideal for candidates who have thin lips. As we age, collagen loss in the lips occurs at different rates resulting in disproportionate lip sizes. In many cases, the upper lip will typically lose its size and be noticeably thinner than the bottom lips. In this situation, lip enhancement can restore symmetry and add volume to the lips.
In some cases, wrinkles around the mouth can occur due to a loss of volume in the lips. Those wrinkles around the mouth are related to the volume of the lips and when augmented, the volume is restored and the wrinkles disappear.
If you are not sure if lip augmentation is right for you, do not worry. Dr. Ho’s experience and expertise in lip enhancement can help you decide if this procedure is right for you.
What to Expect During the Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, Dr. Ho will listen to the goals you wish to accomplish with the cosmetic surgery. After determining what you wish to accomplish, an exam is performed to determine if you are a good candidate for lip enhancement surgery or if there is a better approach to help achieve your specific goals.
The exam will include reviewing your medical history to ensure you are a good candidate for the proposed treatment plan. Topics that will be discussed can include:
Previous surgeries
Previous non-surgical cosmetic procedures
Current and past medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
Allergies and current medications, including dietary supplements
Tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drug use
After gathering all the information, Dr. Ho and you will determine and develop the best lip augmentation plan to achieve your goals, which may include recommendations for other procedures. Once a treatment plan is developed, a detailed explanation of the total cost of the proposed plan will be provided to you, as well as any financing options available. You will also have an opportunity to get answers to all of your questions.
Recovery Process
If dermal fillers are used to provide subtle lip augmentation, the results are immediate, with little to no recovery necessary. Mild swelling and discomfort may be present for a couple of days, but this typically resolves quickly.
The recovery from a natural lip augmentation using your own fat cells does require a longer recovery time than dermal fillers. Swelling and bruising are typical after this procedure and will begin to resolve during the first or second week following the procedure. The small incision made to harvest fat cells using liposuction will also require time to heal. Therefore, you will need to wait a week before returning to your normal activity level.
Enhance Your Recovery with Elixir MD
The Elixir MD™ is an innovative recovery tool that offers various treatment programs using different LED light wavelengths to achieve specific pre and post-surgical goals. These programs are supported by advanced artificial intelligence temperature controls and adjustable settings to address a range of concerns and goals. This non-invasive therapy is safe, painless, and can reduce infections after surgery while also enhancing recovery and minimizing scarring after rhinoplasty surgery.
Benefits of Elixir MD
Enhanced post-operative recovery after rhinoplasty. Using LED light, Elixir MD™ stimulates the skin to accelerate wound healing and minimize scarring post-surgery.
Improved healing and cellular repair. Specific wavelengths stimulate collagen and elastin production, which are essential for healing after surgery.
Easier rhinoplasty recovery. Reduces inflammation responsible for swelling and pain after surgery.
Improved lymphatic drainage and blood flow. Enhances the delivery of nutrients and removal of waste for optimal healing.
Elixir MD Treatment Programs for Rhinoplasty
Elixir Detox
This pre-operative therapy uses blue light to reduce the number of bacteria, oils, and toxins on the skin, reducing surgical complications such as infection.
Elixir Cellular Repair
Post-rhinoplasty, Cellular Repair uses yellow light to improve circulation, reducing bruising and swelling, accelerating healing, and shortening recovery.
Elixir NeoXcell
The NeoXcell™ treatment program combines the benefits of Elixir Cellular and Thermal to boost healing and balance melanin production for a more even skin tone.
Elixir RoXium
RoXium™ uses yellow and blue light to reduce swelling/bruising, prevent skin oxidation, decrease sebum, minimize pores, and clear the complexion.
How Much Does Lip Augmentation cost in Philadelphia?
The average cost for a lip lift is roughly $300, this does not include facility fees. Cost may be significantly less if combined with other procedures at time of surgery including rhinoplasty and facelift.
Real Patients, Real Results
Patient Testimonials
4.9 stars rating from 298 reviews
RealSelf
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As Seen In
Dr. Tina Ho in the Press
Dr. Tina Ho has been featured in leading media publications that highlight her expertise in facial plastic surgery.
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