Can Your Lips Grow?

We all know that our lips get thinner with age, but what about the opposite? Can your lips grow? It’s an interesting question to consider at a time when more patients than ever are interested in lip augmentation and getting the plumpest pout possible. In this blog post, we’ll discuss different ways you can achieve larger, more luscious lips.

The #KylieJennerChallenge

First, a bit of backstory. Years ago, a social media challenge encouraged people to use a cup to make their lips swell and appear larger. Named for Kylie Jenner, this duck-lipped trend was prompted by the celebrity’s suddenly and conspicuously fuller lips.

At the time, Jenner repeatedly denied getting lip filler and implied that the change in her appearance could be attributed to a combination of overdrawing her lips with a pencil and getting older. In a 2015 interview with Cosmopolitan, she stated, “You guys have watched me grow up since I was nine. My face is going to get different.”

So, Can Lips Grow?

No. They may get smaller with age, but not grow. As an adolescent reaches puberty, their lips may widen to match the growth of their jawbone, but the tissue will often soften and recede with age.  Which is why rejuvenation of the lips is so popular with those in their middle ages. There are quite a few popular lip enhancement procedures, one of which is an injectable filler, which include Juvéderm and Restylane. Using a very small needle, these fillers can be injected directly into the lips to give volume, or around the lip to fill in wrinkles.

Kylie Jenner has since owned up to using fillers to give her lips the extra volume. Although she wishes she had been “honest and upfront” about pursuing cosmetic enhancements, she felt that lip filler helped her feel more secure in her appearance.

How To Get Fuller Lips

Now that we’ve dispelled the myth, let’s move on to the facts. There are two main ways of getting fuller lips (no makeup tricks or cups required)! The first, of course, is lip filler. The other, lesser-known option is a BOTOX® lip flip.

Lip Flip vs Filler

Lip fillers are soft, pliant, gel-like substances that create volume under the skin. BOTOX, in contrast, is a neuromodulator that causes the upper lip to relax and “flip” upward, creating a more full and balanced appearance.

If you have a gummy smile, BOTOX can also help by relaxing the upper lip muscle so it can’t raise as much when you smile. This treatment can be paired with a lip flip or filler to enhance the results.

Best Dermal Filler for Lips

JUVEDERM and Restylane fillers are the most popular choices for lip augmentation. We prefer using JUVEDERM Ultra and JUVEDERM Volbella for their smooth consistency and buildable nature, whether you are looking for a natural lip filler look or something more dramatic. See some of our favorite transformations in our related blog post or check out our before-and-after gallery!

BOTOX Injection Sites

If you are considering BOTOX for lip enhancement, you might be wondering where the BOTOX is injected for a lip flip or gummy smile. For a lip flip, your provider will inject BOTOX along the border of the upper lip and the corners of the mouth. To reduce the appearance of a gummy smile, BOTOX is injected between your upper lip and nose. Both procedures are quick and well tolerated.

How Long Do Lip Enhancement Results Last?

Depending on the formulation, lip fillers can last between 12 to 18 months before you need a maintenance “touch-up” treatment. In addition to their longevity, lip fillers offer near-instant results as the added volume is visible immediately.

With BOTOX, most patients need maintenance sessions every 3 to 4 months as the injected muscles will slowly regain their full mobility. The time to see results is also longer as the neuromodulator needs a few days to interrupt the nerve signals that cause the muscles to contract.

Which Lip Augmentation Treatment Is Right for Me?

Both fillers and lip flips offer unique benefits—and can even be performed together for enhanced results. If you want to discuss your lip enhancement goals with our experienced injectors, we would love to answer your questions and guide you to the best treatment options for you.

If you are ready to take the next step, please request a consultation or call Weiler Plastic Surgery Group at (225) 399-0001 to get started.