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Lip Augmentation and Lip Lift Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide

Medically reviewed by Jennifer Richman on May 29, 2025

Lip augmentation refers to a class of procedures that increase the volume of the lips, giving them a fuller appearance. There are several surgical and non-surgical techniques to achieve fuller lips. Surgical lip augmentation or lip lifting can provide permanent results as a part of cosmetic plastic surgery or, what we offer at the Gender Confirmation Center (GCC), facial feminization surgery (FFS) or gender-affirming facial surgery for transgender and non-binary patients.  This article will help you understand the details of specific procedures so you can determine which results align with your goals.

Surgical Techniques

Lip Lift 

A lip lift is a minimally invasive surgery that shortens the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip. During this procedure, the surgeon will remove a small crescent-shaped strip of skin beneath the nose of about 5-7mm in length, which lifts the upper lip. This results in more volume in the upper lip as its vertical size is increased. The scar from this procedure is hidden at the base of the nose, and recovery is usually short. The results from a lip lift are permanent. This procedure typically costs between $3000-$6000 without insurance in the United States, though insurance may cover this procedure for qualified trans and non-binary patients.

Lip Augmentation

Surgical augmentation involves a fat transfer, where fat is taken from another body area, purified, and injected into the lips through small incisions. This procedure typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes under general anesthesia and can cost between $3000 and $6000, although this procedure can be covered by some insurance plans as a part of FFS. Recovery is quick with no visible scarring.

Non-surgical augmentation uses medical-grade fillers to enhance lip volume and contour. Fillers are injected with local anesthesia while the patient is awake, and results can last several months to over a year. Results are temporary, but can be more cost-effective for some. Since fillers are a cosmetic, temporary intervention, they cannot be covered by insurance as gender-affirming surgery. The cost for filler typically ranges from $600 to $1100 and can be reversed.

Currently, the Gender Confirmation Center does not offer fillers.

Purpose: Cosmetic vs. Gender-Affirming Surgeries

Cosmetic Lip Surgery

Lip augmentation enhances the appearance of the lips by increasing their volume and definition. Additionally, adding volume can soften lines and wrinkles around the mouth. This can rejuvenate thin lips or lips with volume loss due to aging. Overall, lip augmentation helps give the lips a youthful, pouted appearance. 

Lip lifts, on the other hand, elevate the upper lip to increase its size. A lip lift can benefit those whose upper lip is elongated or has lost definition due to aging. It restores a youthful look to the face, creating a more rejuvenated aesthetic. This procedure is a good choice for those seeking permanent results. 

Gender-Affirming Lip Surgery

Lip procedures are often part of FFS (facial feminization surgery). Folks who’ve undergone a full, first testosterone-dominant puberty tend to have more space between their nose and their upper lip. So, receiving a lip lift or augmentation can create a more conventionally feminine look. However, lip procedures can also be sought out by nonbinary and gender-diverse individuals.

Typically, a lip lift and a lip augmentation procedure are cosmetic and not covered by insurance. However, for individuals with diagnosed gender dysphoria, it can be deemed medically necessary. In states like California, insurance must cover gender-affirming care. In other states, there may be options for insurance approval or out-of-pocket payment.

If you need assistance advocating for gender-affirming care, there are resources available. The Trans Health Project by A4TE offers guides and resources for understanding your legal rights and finding health insurance policies that support gender-affirming care. If you’re a patient at The Gender Confirmation Center, you can reach out to our team dedicated to helping you get insurance approval for gender-affirming care.

Final Results from Surgery

Lip Lift

The results of a lip lift are permanent. In addition to more upper lip exposure, some patients report a pursed lip appearance. Patients can expect a light scar at the base of the nose. If you are concerned about scar visibility, talk to your surgeon about proper post-op scar care. Following the recommended scar care protocols can diminish scar visibility. 

Lip augmentation

Lip augmentation via medical-grade filler injections is not permanent. Patients receiving synthetic fillers can expect results 1-2 weeks post-procedure. These types of fillers, varying from person to person, will need touch-ups every 6-12 months.

However, lip augmentation via fat transfer is permanent. During this procedure, surgeons may ‘over-inject’ whenever possible because some injected fat will be reabsorbed (30-50%) into the body. The fat does take some time to settle, and results are visible by 6 weeks post-op at the earliest.

Innovations in Lip Surgery

Another form of lip lift is the corner lip lift. This can be incredibly effective for drooping lip corners and lifting the lips from a resting frown to a resting smile. This one small change can drastically change a person’s overall facial appearance. A corner lip lift can make the upper lip more defined, but it will not increase lip volume.   

Corner lip lifts are permanent, so it’s essential to weigh all your options to assess what aligns with your goals. Lip lifts are quick and tend to have an easy recovery, but they are still surgery and come with risks like infection or unfavorable scars (i.e. discolored, hypertrophic or more visible than expected).

Candidacy Requirements and Scheduling Surgery

At the Gender Confirmation Center (GCC), we do not have BMI or HRT (hormone replacement therapy) requirements for facial surgeries. Candidacy for surgery is determined once a patient has disclosed their full medical history and we have determined that any underlying medical conditions are sufficiently optimized for surgery.

GCC provides necessary gender-affirming lip surgery to transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse patients. We do not offer services for elective cosmetic surgery (surgeries that are not part of gender-affirming treatment). The first step to determining which procedure is best for you is to schedule a free, virtual, or in-person consultation with us.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lip Surgery

What is the difference between a lip lift and a lip augmentation?

A lip lift and corner lip lift involve surgically removing skin from the face to create a more defined, desired lip shape. Lip augmentation is a class of procedures that add volume to make the lips look fuller. This can include injectables, fat transfer, or lip implants. 

What are the non-surgical alternatives to lip augmentation? 

Injectable hyaluronic acid lip fillers are the most common alternative to surgery. These hydrate and add volume to the lips, although their results are not permanent.

What are the risks and downsides associated with lip lift and lip augmentation?

Every surgery and cosmetic procedure comes with risks and disadvantages. Short-term side effects may include swelling, bruising, infection, or allergic reactions to anesthesia, medications, or fillers. Long-term risks may include nerve damage or uneven/unsatisfactory results. 

Is a Lip Lift and Lip Augmentation Permanent? 

Medical-grade injectables like hyaluronic acid are temporary and will need to be touched up every 6-12 months. A fat transfer typically lasts longer than synthetic fillers, though it may lose volume with age. 

During lip and corner lip lifts, a small area of the patient’s skin is removed during the surgery to lift and increase the size of the upper lip, making the results permanent.

How can I maximize my results from Lip Augmentation or Lip Lift surgery?

The best advice is to follow your surgeon’s pre- and post-procedure instructions. Before any kind of surgery, it’s recommended that you quit smoking at least four weeks before your procedure. Scar care is also important to reduce scar texture and discoloration after a lip lift.

For lip augmentation via fat transfer, massages of the lips can smooth out bumps as you heal.

Recovery from Lip Augmentation Procedure

Moderate pain is expected after the procedure. You can typically manage it with over-the-counter pain relievers; however, be sure to check with your surgeon about which medications are safe for you to take. For a lip lift, you will receive dissolvable sutures; it’s common for the sutures to begin to fall out a week after the procedure. 

Swelling is a common part of the healing process and usually peaks around 72 hours after the procedure. It should gradually subside over the following days. Light icing can help reduce inflammation. Make sure to place a towel between your skin and the ice pack to protect the skin and prevent ice burns. Contact your medical team with any concerns during your recovery period.