Lip Surgery: More Than Just Fillers
When most people think of lip enhancement, they think of injectable fillers. But for patients seeking permanent results, or those with lips that are significantly too large or too small, surgical options offer outcomes that fillers simply cannot match. Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital offers both surgical and non-surgical lip procedures, with a team experienced in achieving natural, proportionate results suited to Asian facial aesthetics.
Lip Augmentation Options
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (Non-Surgical)
The most accessible option. Hyaluronic acid is injected into the lips to add volume, define the border, or improve symmetry. Results last 6–12 months. The procedure takes 15–30 minutes with minimal downtime. At Ninth Hospital, fillers are administered by experienced clinicians who understand lip anatomy and the risk of vascular complications — a risk that is real but manageable in skilled hands.
Fat Grafting
Fat is harvested from another part of the body (typically the abdomen or thighs) and injected into the lips. Results are longer-lasting than fillers, though some volume loss occurs as a proportion of the transferred fat does not survive. Fat grafting produces a softer, more natural feel than synthetic fillers and is a good option for patients who want a more permanent solution without implants.
Lip Implants
Soft silicone implants can be placed inside the lips for permanent augmentation. Less commonly performed than fat grafting, but appropriate for patients who want predictable, permanent volume. Implants can be removed if the patient changes their mind.
Lip Lift (Surgical)
A surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip (the philtrum), causing the upper lip to roll upward and appear fuller. A small amount of skin is removed just below the nose, with the scar hidden in the natural crease. The lip lift is particularly effective for patients whose upper lip has thinned with age or who have a long philtrum. Results are permanent.
Lip Reduction
Some patients — particularly those with naturally full lips that they find disproportionate — seek lip reduction. This is a surgical procedure in which a strip of mucosa (the inner lining of the lip) is removed to reduce lip volume and projection. The incision is placed inside the lip, leaving no external scar. Recovery involves swelling for 2–4 weeks, with final results visible at 2–3 months.
Lip reduction is a permanent procedure. Patients should be certain of their goals before proceeding, as reversal is not straightforward.
Achieving Natural Results
The most common concern patients have about lip surgery is looking overdone. At Ninth Hospital, the aesthetic philosophy is one of proportion and harmony. Surgeons assess the lips in the context of the entire face — the ratio of upper to lower lip, the relationship to the nose and chin, and the patient's ethnic background all inform the treatment plan.
For Asian patients, the ideal lip proportions differ from Western aesthetic standards. Surgeons at Ninth Hospital are experienced in these nuances and will not simply apply a one-size-fits-all approach.
Costs
- Hyaluronic acid filler: ¥3,000 – ¥8,000 per session
- Fat grafting to lips: ¥15,000 – ¥30,000
- Lip lift: ¥12,000 – ¥25,000
- Lip reduction: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000
- Lip implants: ¥15,000 – ¥28,000
Recovery
- Fillers: Minimal downtime. Some swelling and bruising for 3–5 days.
- Fat grafting: Swelling for 1–2 weeks. Soft diet for the first few days.
- Lip lift: Swelling and tightness for 2–3 weeks. Sutures removed at 5–7 days.
- Lip reduction: Swelling for 2–4 weeks. Soft diet initially. Final result at 2–3 months.
Combining Lip Procedures with Other Surgery
Lip procedures are frequently combined with other facial surgery. A lip lift pairs naturally with rhinoplasty or a facelift. Fat grafting to the lips can be performed at the same time as fat grafting to the cheeks or temples. Combining procedures reduces overall recovery time and can improve the harmony of the final result.
Whether you are seeking subtle enhancement or a more significant change, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital offers lip surgery options that prioritise natural proportion and lasting results.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Costs and availability are subject to change. Always consult a qualified clinician before making decisions about any procedure.
Contact Us
For help arranging a lip surgery consultation at Shanghai Ninth Hospital, email wuguopeng1989@gmail.com.