Search
Did you know that you can get the lush, pillowy lips you've always dreamed of using nothing but your body's own fat? Fat transfer lip augmentation is an innovative technique that not only creates beautifully full lips that can look and feel more natural than fillers, but also sculpts away unwanted fat from trouble spots.1
What Is Fat Transfer Lip Augmentation?
Fat transfer lip augmentation, also known as autologous fat grafting, is a cosmetic procedure that suctions fat from your tummy, thighs or back and uses it to restore volume and enhance the shape of your lips.1 Unlike temporary alternatives using dermal lip fillers, fat injections don't need frequent touch-ups. Your body may absorb some of the fat, requiring an additional procedure six months later. However, the volume that remains after that time is permanent.2
Benefits
Ultimately, lip enhancements may improve your confidence by restoring or preserving the natural beauty of your smile. Some common benefits of using fat as lip filler include:1
- Adds volume and shape
- Avoids potential allergic reaction as it uses your own tissue
- Creates soft, long-lasting results
- Smooths out the texture of your lips (straw lines or smoker's lines)
- Restoring plumpness to thinning and elongated lips
Fat transfer vs. traditional lip fillers
When it comes to lip fillers, you have several options. Each approach has distinct advantages, and understanding the differences can help you choose the best option. Here is a comparison of the two different options:3
| Consideration | Dermal lip filler | Fat transfer for lips |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity |
|
|
| Look and feel |
|
|
| Procedure |
|
|
| Recovery |
|
|
| Safety |
|
|
Candidates
Fat transfer for facial rejuvenation — including the lip area — is growing in popularity, and many patients appreciate the dual benefit of lip enhancement and body contouring. While it might not be the right choice for everyone, you could be a good fit if you meet these criteria:4
- Are in good overall health
- Have adequate fat for your goals
- Have not had extensive previous liposuction
- Have realistic expectations
- Want natural-looking results using your own tissue
How Much Does Lip Fat Transfer Cost?
The national average cost* for lip fat transfer is $3,231, ranging between $2,495 and $6,175. Factors such as amount of fat required, area from which fat is taken, anesthesia and surgical fees can impact the overall cost.5
Calculate the cost of a lip fat transfer near you*
Explore costs in your area
Average cost of fat transfer for lip augmentation by state/district
Your geographic location can also impact the cost. Here the average costs* for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.5
| State/District | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $2,720 |
| Alaska | $3,926 |
| Arizona | $3,236 |
| Arkansas | $2,831 |
| California | $4,082 |
| Colorado | $3,226 |
| Connecticut | $3,371 |
| Delaware | $3,229 |
| District of Columbia | $4,127 |
| Florida | $3,196 |
| Georgia | $2,987 |
| Hawaii | $4,972 |
| Idaho | $3,295 |
| Illinois | $3,171 |
| Indiana | $2,914 |
| Iowa | $2,758 |
| Kansas | $2,918 |
| Kentucky | $2,973 |
| Louisiana | $3,011 |
| Maine | $3,191 |
| Maryland | $3,832 |
| Massachusetts | $3,676 |
| Michigan | $2,973 |
| Minnesota | $2,976 |
| Mississippi | $2,692 |
| Missouri | $2,834 |
| Montana | $3,177 |
| Nebraska | $2,873 |
| Nevada | $3,216 |
| New Hampshire | $3,358 |
| New Jersey | $3,631 |
| New Mexico | $2,938 |
| New York | $3,437 |
| North Carolina | $3,022 |
| North Dakota | $2,963 |
| Ohio | $3,008 |
| Oklahoma | $2,793 |
| Oregon | $3,413 |
| Pennsylvania | $3,160 |
| Rhode Island | $3,520 |
| South Carolina | $3,039 |
| South Dakota | $2,869 |
| Tennessee | $2,925 |
| Texas | $2,948 |
| Utah | $3,167 |
| Vermont | $3,434 |
| Virginia | $3,146 |
| Washington | $3,586 |
| West Virginia | $2,890 |
| Wisconsin | $3,063 |
| Wyoming | $3,025 |
Does Health Insurance Cover Fat Transfer Lip Augmentation?
Lip enhancement procedures, including fat grafting, are considered cosmetic and not medically necessary. Therefore, they are not routinely covered by medical insurance or government payers like Medicare and Medicaid. You may have to pay the full cost out of pocket.6
How Fat Transfer Lip Augmentation Works
At first glance, it may seem like fat transfer lip injections work like traditional dermal fillers, but it's actually more involved. Even though there is no incision involved, fat transfer is a surgical procedure, so you should start by consulting with an experienced and board-certified cosmetic surgeon.1
Initial consultation
Your surgeon will assess your goals and examine your lips and potential donor sites. This is your opportunity to discuss expectations and ask questions about the procedure.1
Preoperative instructions
Your surgeon may advise you to stop taking certain medications like blood thinners before the procedure, avoid smoking for several weeks before and after the surgery, arrange for transportation home from the procedure and plan for time off work or social activities.7
The procedure
Your surgeon will remove fat by liposuctioning areas where you have excess fat. The next step is to purify the fat to concentrate the healthiest fat cells. Finally, your surgeon will carefully inject it into your lips to create fuller, more youthful-looking results.1
Recovery
Because fat transfer procedures are minimally invasive, most people find they can return to their usual routines pretty quickly.
Follow your doctor's recommendations for rest and healing following surgery. Bruising, swelling and discomfort are normal side effects, but your doctor may suggest medication to help you get through the initial discomfort.
Over the next few months, you should see results as swelling goes down and the grafted fat establishes itself.4
Fat Transfer for Plush Lips
Fat transfer lip augmentation uses your own body's tissue, resulting in lips that feel and look like your own. This procedure can provide an alternative to temporary fillers for those seeking a longer-lasting enhancement. Understanding the process, costs and recovery involved can help you feel empowered to make an informed decision about whether fat transfer aligns with your aesthetic goals and lifestyle.
Financing a Fat Transfer Lip Augmentation With the CareCredit Credit Card
Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for fat transfer lip augmentation and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.
In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?
Author Bio
Pamela Cagle, R.N., has extensive experience in a range of clinical settings, including ER, surgical and cardiovascular. For the past decade, she has leveraged her nursing experience in writing for health and technology publications such as AARP, VKTR, National Council on Aging and others. She is passionate about blending her medical and storytelling expertise to bring authenticity to health and wellness topics.
Related Tags
Want to share this on social media?
ARTICLE
