Search
From plumping glosses and lipsticks to lip filler and lip implants, the pursuit of a fuller pout continues to be popular. A recent study found that the global market for surgical and non-surgical lip augmentation procedures was about $6.4 billion, and demand is expected to continue.1
Our fascination with full, plump lips may stem from famous faces — reality TV stars and social media influencers, for example —who've inspired a longing for bigger lips. A desire for youthfulness may also play a role in our interest in full lips, as aging causes lips to thin and flatten.2
One way to achieve those desired lips is with lip implant surgery. Continue reading to learn more about lip implants, including average costs, different types and what to expect during this popular procedure.
What Are Lip Implants?
Lip implant surgery is a permanent augmentation of the lips. During surgery, a synthetic mold is inserted into the top, bottom or both lips to increase lip fullness, volume and definition.3
Types
There are two main types of lip implants: silicone and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).2 Both materials are biocompatible, so rejection is rare. They are also nonbiodegradable in the body and widely used in a variety of cosmetic and medical procedures.3
- Silicone lip implants are tiny silicone tubes. They come in various diameters and lengths, and your surgeon will determine the best size to achieve your desired results.2
- Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene is a rubbery substance that creates a mesh-like structure for the implant, allowing your body's tissues to grow around it.3
Sometimes, fat grafting from the abdomen may be used to augment the lips. Liposuction is used to obtain the fat, which is purified and then transferred to the lips. The results from this procedure are also considered to be permanent.6
Lip implants vs. lip fillers
If you've been thinking about enhancing your lips, you may have considered getting lip implants or lip fillers. Lip implants and lip fillers are two different ways to add volume to the lips.4
- Lip fillers are a minimally invasive procedure, requiring small injections through a microneedle. This is considered an outpatient procedure.4
- Lip implants, on the other hand, deliver permanent lip enhancement (though they can be surgically removed). While still considered an outpatient procedure, it is considered surgery that requires small incisions to insert the implant.4 And while there's a larger upfront cost, there isn't the repeated cost and multiple appointments that lip fillers require to maintain the same fullness.2
For some, lip implants may be a more cost-effective and longer-lasting solution than getting regular injectable lip fillers.2
How Much Does Lip Implant Surgery Cost?
The national average cost* of lip implants is $2,969, but it can range from $2,292 to $5,358. The cost depends on several factors, including the type of implant used, anesthesia, surgeon's experience and clinic location.5
Below is the average cost* of lip implant surgery for all 50 states and the District of Columbia:5
Calculate the cost of a lip implant near you*
Explore procedure costs in your area
Average cost of lip implant surgery by state/district
| State/District | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $2,490 |
| Alaska | $3,598 |
| Arizona | $3,018 |
| Arkansas | $2,566 |
| California | $3,806 |
| Colorado | $3,012 |
| Connecticut | $3,203 |
| Delaware | $2,970 |
| District of Columbia | $3,458 |
| Florida | $2,925 |
| Georgia | $2,649 |
| Hawaii | $4,422 |
| Idaho | $3,037 |
| Illinois | $2,900 |
| Indiana | $2,681 |
| Iowa | $2,627 |
| Kansas | $2,655 |
| Kentucky | $2,779 |
| Louisiana | $2,748 |
| Maine | $3,047 |
| Maryland | $3,375 |
| Massachusetts | $3,381 |
| Michigan | $2,744 |
| Minnesota | $2,799 |
| Mississippi | $2,598 |
| Missouri | $2,572 |
| Montana | $2,916 |
| Nebraska | $2,658 |
| Nevada | $2,939 |
| New Hampshire | $3,130 |
| New Jersey | $3,295 |
| New Mexico | $2,703 |
| New York | $3,410 |
| North Carolina | $2,741 |
| North Dakota | $2,722 |
| Ohio | $2,709 |
| Oklahoma | $2,588 |
| Oregon | $3,187 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,869 |
| Rhode Island | $3,181 |
| South Carolina | $2,776 |
| South Dakota | $2,681 |
| Tennessee | $2,687 |
| Texas | $2,737 |
| Utah | $2,910 |
| Vermont | $3,082 |
| Virginia | $2,884 |
| Washington | $3,362 |
| West Virginia | $2,623 |
| Wisconsin | $2,773 |
| Wyoming | $2,693 |
Does Insurance Cover Lip Implants?
Because lip implants are considered cosmetic procedures and not medically necessary, you should not expect your health insurance plan to cover the cost. Procedures that are not medically necessary and do not improve physical functionality are, generally, not covered by medical insurance benefits and not eligible for health savings account (HSA) reimbursement.
How Does Lip Implant Surgery Work?
After a consultation with a plastic surgeon to determine the best lip implant material and size, you'll be given a local anesthetic to numb your lips. Some facilities may also provide an oral sedative to help you relax during the procedure.4
The surgeon will make small incisions in the corners of your mouth and use a thin surgical tool to create tunnels for the implants. The implants will be carefully inserted into the tunnels, and the incisions will be stitched closed.4
The procedure usually takes less than one hour to complete.7
Lip Implant Recovery
After the procedure, plan for about three days of recovery time. During this time, your lips will be swollen, numb and potentially bruised. Drinking, eating and talking may be difficult. Over-the-counter pain medication and icing can help reduce discomfort. Your surgeon may recommend:7
- A diet of soft foods
- Elevating your head while you sleep
- Gently applying lip balm
- Minimal talking, eating and mouth movements for the first few days
- Using ice packs and/or pain medication as needed
Potential Complications of Lip Implant Surgery
A lip implant procedure is generally safe, but — as with any cosmetic procedure —there are potential complications to consider, including:2
- Dissatisfaction with the position of the implant
- Dissatisfaction with the size of the implant
- Extrusion of the implant
- Implant migration
- Infection
- Scar tissue formation around the implant (capsular contracture)
- Swelling
The Takeaway on Lip Implants
If you want to augment your lips without the hassle of regular injections, consider lip implants. This surgical procedure offers a permanent alternative to temporary fillers for fuller, plumper lips.
Financing Lip Implants With the CareCredit Credit Card
Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for lip implants 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
Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.
Related Tags
Want to share this on social media?
ARTICLE
VIDEO