Lip Fillers and Lip Augmentation


What is lip enhancement?

Lip augmentation is a type of cosmetic surgery performed to increase the lip’s fullness. More than any other cosmetic surgery, successful lip augmentation is dependent on the skill of the plastic surgeon.

As a Stanford-trained and board-certified plastic surgeon, I’m skilled in facial rejuvenation. The rejuvenating effect is obtained through augmenting the appearance of your lips and adjusting their character to best accentuate the face.

Patients of all ages look and feel their absolute best after their procedure.

Are lip fillers and augmentation permanent?

There are essentially two types of lip augmentation using injectables. One is more temporary, while the other has lasting results and is a more permanent lip augmentation.

Types of lip injections

Lip Augmentation Before and After pictures

There are a few techniques we can use to improve the appearance of your lips. You may have seen a local medical spa (or “med spa”) advertising injectables. However, for your safety and to guarantee the best outcomes, I must recommend only trusting your cosmetic procedures to board-certified professionals.

Dermal lip fillers

Dermal fillers are injections that typically last from six months to a year and plump up thin lips. The most common form of lip augmentation employs collagen or one of several hyaluronic acid fillers. You may know fillers by their better-known brand names such as Juvederm, Restylane, and HylaForm. The lips and surrounding area are numbed with a local anesthetic. Then, we inject lip fillers in and near the lips. The procedure is brief, between 15 and 30 minutes; patients are free to go home the same day.

 Fat injections

Fat grafting is a form of augmentation that takes fat from another part of the patient’s body and injects it back into the lips. With facial fat grafting, we take fat from the abdomen or any other desired area, purified, and then transfer it to the lips. While this option requires liposuction to obtain the fat, the results are permanent and typically do not require further touch-ups. The procedure is performed using lidocaine for numbing and takes between 30 and 90 minutes.

Upper lip lift

While an upper lip lift is not actually an augmentation procedure, it nevertheless smoothes out fine lines and creates the appearance of a fuller, more youthful upper lip. Sometimes known as a lip-flip, the in-office cosmetic surgery procedure shortens the space between the nose and upper lip. The procedure causes the lips to look fuller and increases how much your upper teeth show when the lips are at rest. It is performed using Botox or surgically for a lasting effect.

Lip Augmentation and Lip Fillers Recovery

The exact length of your recovery will depend on what procedure you had.

Dermal filler recovery

Patients can resume most activities immediately, although I usually recommend refraining from intense physical activity for one to two days to reduce any swelling or bruising.

Fat injection recovery

The area the fat was extracted from will be sore and bruised for a few weeks. The face will be swollen for a week. Some patients prefer not to socialize until the face regains a more “natural” appearance If at all possible, we recommend taking about two weeks off of work while the face heals.

Upper lip lift recovery

There will be significant swelling in the lip for a few days after the procedure. Discomfort can usually be eased with prescription pain medication or over-the-counter pain relievers.

How much does lip augmentation cost?

The exact price depends on your procedure, but an approximate range is:

  • Dermal fillers and upper lip lift: $650 – $4,000
  • Fat grafting: $3,000 – $6,000

It is important to keep in mind that lip enhancement is a cosmetic procedure and rarely paid for by insurance.

Dr. Saber offers a sensitive, female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations.

Why it is critically important to choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

All surgeries come with some risk. But did you know that many doctors who perform plastic surgery are not board-certified plastic surgeons?

For a surgeon to become board certified, they must have at least 14 years of higher education including special intensive training in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. 

This means that, in the very unlikely event of a complication, it can be handled quickly and efficiently. Because board-certified plastic surgeons have full admitting privileges at local hospitals. Non-board-certified plastic surgeons do not, thus they cannot even treat you outside of their own surgery center. Additionally, Dr. Saber always works with leading board-certified anesthesiologists during procedures to ensure patient safety. Unfortunately, this is not always the case with cosmetic surgeons.

Aren’t all doctors who perform cosmetic plastic surgery procedures board-certified?

Sadly, no. Many are not certified to do the cosmetic procedures they are performing. That can lead to significant problems for any patient who has complications. It can also mean that the surgeon who performed your procedure cannot even admit you to a hospital or provide any follow-up care at the hospital.

Dr. Saber’s extensive training, board certification, and experience as a noted reconstructive surgeon serve as an assurance that her approach to surgery is ethical, safe, and effective.

Why choose Dr. Saber for lip fillers in the Los Angeles area or Encino?

Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS, offers a sensitive, female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. Patients from all walks of life have praised not only their outcomes but Dr. Saber’s caring, thoughtful approach to all types of plastic surgery, appearance, and health-related matters.

Dr. Saber graduated from Stanford University’s world-renowned medical school and did her reconstruction and plastic surgery residency at the University of Southern California (USC). She then completed a fellowship at New York University (NYU) in the extremely challenging and delicate area of hand surgery, as well as microsurgery.

To request a complimentary consultation, call (877) 205-4100 or click here to schedule online.

The practice of Dr. Saber is located in Encino, CA for patients throughout the Los Angeles area. We are also convenient to Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Malibu, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, Silverlake, and Echo Park.

What patients say about Dr. Saber

4.8
Over 16 Reviews

I was fortunate to find Dr. Saber after researching board-certified surgeons who specialize in breast cancer reconstruction revision surgery. I knew I was in good hands from the moment I spoke with the lovely and efficient Marlene, Dr Saber's office manager. Dr Saber patiently listened to my concerns and, after examining me, explained what I could realistically expect the outcome to be from another surgery. She also explained to me that she would need to review my previous surgery notes before we could discuss a possible further surgery, which I found comforting and highly ethical. I also discussed a couple of other procedures that I would like done, including fat removal from my large upper arms that had caused me great embarrassment for several years. Dr. Saber is an excellent surgeon who is incredibly kind and genuine. She truly understands the female body and the emotional aspect of body insecurities yet, she is transparent about what can and cannot be done and takes time to discuss realistic expectations and outcomes. My breast reconstruction revision surgery will take place in the New Year, but in the meantime, I have the most fabulous upper arms that I recently flaunted in a strapless dress (something I have not done in years). Dr Saber is truly one of a kind, and I still cannot believe how fortunate I am to have found her. I highly recommend Dr Saber.

Linda DeCarlo November 29, 2023

I don’t have enough wonderful words to describe Dr Saber and Marlene! I had a tummy tuck done this year and from start to finish the entire experience was amazing. Marlene is always so helpful and works so hard to make every detail a breeze for you. When I had my consultation with Dr Saber I was at a point of complete agony with my body. She instantly took that stress and frustration off my shoulders! As a woman not being heard by doctors for years I left that consultation with happy tears knowing I had finally found my Dr. It was a major surgery and I felt completely zen and at peace going in because she really does make you feel that safe. I didn’t think I would ever look the way I do now! She gave me the gift of having the body I kept fighting for. I will never stop recommending her.

Monica Prusa October 9, 2023

I saw Dr. Saber when I broke my wrist. I ended up having to have surgery. She did an excellent job and I am healing nicely. She was very professional, but was also very kind and compassionate. I would highly recommend her!!

Sandy Schaupp September 13, 2022

I LOVED DR SABER!!! There are a few reasons why I chose her. One was because she’s a female Doctor that was my goal who also did a good job (which I was able to confirm with all her before and after photos) and what sold me was my safety in mind. She made me feel like I was in the best hands ever along with Marlene who coordinated everything THANK YOU LADIES! Dr Saber helped me get back the body I have always desired. I had a lot of stomach fat from weight gain and I lost weight so a lot of my weight was in my front lower and upper abdomen. Now I have a super beautiful curvy body like an hourglass after a tummy tuck and lipo she did. She understood the assignment hahaha . I’m 32 years old no kids just wanted to enjoy my younger body looking and feeling beautiful and she really took good care of me. Even after hours I had an emergency due to my fault but she was there and got back to me very quickly and I’m very grateful. I also think her work says a lot because I stopped taking pain medication on the 3rd day after surgery and was fine with very minimal pain I was able to tolerate the healing process. Highly recommend going with her I just had a wonderful experience and would do it all over again if I had too. Maybe after I have kids. Thanks Dr Saber and team <3

STEPHANIE d July 15, 2022

Dr.Saber is by far one of the best plastic surgeons. I love how she takes her time to explain any procedure to the patients understanding. She always makes sure to answers any and all questions.From fillers to body contours she’s the one you want.

Katherine Melara February 15, 2022

Dr Saber is amazing! She is caring and very informative. I went in for fillers and she explained procedure step by step. I highly recommend her and look forward to future visits.

Amanda Vazquez December 18, 2020

Dr. Saber was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. She took time to listen, answer all my questions and was forthright in her recommendations. Her staff was friendly and helpful. I was very happy with the results and plan on going back. If you are looking for a first rate professional experience look no further she is the doctor for you!

T R December 18, 2020

Dr. Saber is one of a kind plastic surgeon with a heart of gold. She is a well verse plastic surgeon that puts her patient's needs before anything else. She genuinely cares about every single patient, and her work speaks for itself. I notice every post-operative result on her Instagram (@saberplasticsurgery) the patients have this glow that radiates through. I have been going to Dr. Saber for my Botox for the past 3 years, and love the results every time. I know who I will be going to for any future plastic surgery needs, and will confidently refer family and friends to Dr. Saber for any Botox, fillers, and plastic surgery consultations.

Rudy Garcia December 16, 2020

I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Saber! I am so pleased with my results from a breast augmentation she performed on me back in late June! She answered all my questions and concerns before and after my surgery. She’s very easy to get in contact with and she’s so nice. She made feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. 100/10 Lover her work!!

Amanda Villegas October 15, 2020

Dr Saber is hands down the best surgeon! She took her time answering my questions and explained procedure in detail. After doing liposuction six months ago, I am extremely happy with my results and I appreciate her so much.

Marlene Cosentino October 15, 2020

Dr. Saber is so kind and thorough with her patients! She is an amazing doctor and genuinely cars about everyone she comes in contact with. I would recommend her to anyone for any hand surgery or cosmetic procedure.

Rachel Meach October 15, 2020