Utah’s Leading Lip Implant SURGEONS

Many patients are concerned that they will be left with “Duck Lips”, referring to overly pouty and projected lips that are unnatural and far too prominent for the face. If lip implants are sized and placed properly, you should never be left with “Duck Lips”. The idea is to enhance your natural features, not make you look alien. During your consultation, we will carefully measure your natural lip dimensions and discuss sizing options that would be appropriate for your unique anatomy and aesthetic preferences.  

Everyone has their own unique 1) shape, 2) size, and 3) proportion of lips. It is important that your custom lip implants address each of these traits. Let’s discuss how. 

1) Shape. Your implants should add volume in a way that follows the natural contour of your lip. This typically means most of the volume being shaped into a central cylinder with decreasing volume on the sides in the form of tapered lateral edges. It is important that the ends be tapered to avoid the “Sausage Lip” appearance. “Sausage Lip” is the result of any lip augmentation that creates equal fulness along the entire length of the lip rather than matching natural contours. It is a tell-tale sign of overdone or poorly done lips, both in injectable filler and surgical augmentation. Ward Institute only uses symmetrical, tapered implants to give the most natural appearance. 

2) Size. During your consultation appointment, your lips will be measured to the millimeter in order to find an exact fit for you. Too short, and the implants could slide to one side or the other, asymmetry or even showing the outline of the implant. Too long, and the lip can be stiff with unnatural movement. During that visit, we will also discuss what diameter of lip implant is most appropriate for you. We base this off the current volume of your lips, your age, and your aesthetic preference. Lip implants come in three different diameters: 3mm, 4mm, and 5mm (Small, Medium, and Large). The Small size is incredibly subtle and typically only suitable for those looking for very minimal augmentation. Most patients prefer a more noticeable difference in volume and choose either the Medium or Large implant. The Medium gives gentle volume without being overly dramatic. This may be more appropriate for patients starting with very small lips or those with overall petite facial features. The Large implant is by far the most commonly chosen size. It gives a noticeable difference in size, comparable to what you would get with Full Correction Lip Filler. This is a great option for those who really want to see the difference and like a juicer look to the lip. 

3) Proportions. Natural and “ideal” human proportions dictate that the lower lip be 1.6 times the size of the upper lip. So the lower lip should be just slightly larger than the upper lip. That being said, beauty trends change often, every face is completely unique, and each patient has their own personal preferences. We simply use the 1:1.6 as a general guideline.  

Even if a patient has perfectly proportioned 1:1.6 lips, you may still desire more volume. In that case, you would most likely use the exact same implant size on both the upper and lower lips.  

For patients who prefer a “poutier” look, you might consider a Large implant on the lower lip and a Medium implant on the upper lip to achieve the desired proportion.  

Other patients appear to have a much smaller upper lip, either because it is truly is smaller, or due to face shape. This could be someone that has a pronounced underbite, protruding the lower lip and giving the illusion that the upper lip is much smaller than it actually is. For this type of patient, you may chose a Large implant on the upper lip and a Medium implant on the lower lip in order add volume to both while addressing the perceived disproportion. This technique uses implants to falsely “correct” the underbite without undergoing a full jaw surgery. 

As you can see, lip implants are not one-size-fits-all. It is critical to use an expert who customizes your lip implants to give you a beautiful and natural result. 

The risks of lip implant surgery are very similar to those of any other surgical procedure. They include but are not limited to bleeding, bruising, swelling, infection, nerve damage, vascular compromise, scar tissue, and unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes. No results can be guaranteed. 

As experts in lip implant placement surgery, we do many things to mitigate these risks. For example, we greatly reduce the risk of infection during a lip implant procedure through four main practices.  

1) We exclusively use sterilely packaged PermaLip implants.  

2) We begin you on oral antibiotics before we even begin the surgery to decrease the amount of bacteria that is present in and around the mouth.  

3) We meticulously clean the surgical site using a sterilizing solution called betadine in every surgical procedure. This is the gold standard for surgical sterilization.  

4) We use a sterile field, meaning sterile gloves, sterile instruments, and no one is permitted to touch the sterile surgical zone unless they too have sterile gloves. Not even you! Patients cannot touch their own face during the procedure. So if your nose itches during the procedure, we become your sterile nose-scratcher until the surgery is completely finished. 

You will have the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about risks of surgery during your consultation with one of our experts. 

Coming soon!