Website of the Department of Health

The procedure:

This procedure should be carried out by a surgeon with relevant skills and experience in an establishment registered with the Healthcare Commission.

Lip implants involve surgery under local anaesthetic and the treatment usually takes about 30 minutes. The surgeon makes four small cuts at each corner of the mouth, and then inserts the strip of implant material into each lip and cuts the implant to the size of the patient's lips. The cuts are then stitched.

The results:

The results should be permanent.

The risks:

General risks associated with surgery - see Considering cosmetic surgery?

Risks associated with lip implants include infection, movement of the implant or scarring.

If the implant is infected or moves, the implant may be removed, which is not always a straightforward procedure. If you think the implant has split you should contact your doctor immediately.

• Considering cosmetic surgery?

Before you start:

Most people choose to have lip implants because they think their lips look thin - but this may be due to the structure of your mouth rather than your lips. Before considering a lip implant, talk to your doctor and dentist about whether there are any alternatives.

Also see:

• Dermal filler
• Fat implant/ fat transfer