Nuremberg clinic for aesthetic plastic surgery Dr. Kunze

There are several treatment possibilities (lip augmentation) to correct thin or wrinkled lips :

1. Lips can be injected with various substances (collagen, hyaluronic acid) to create an all over fuller appearance. The disadvantage of this method is that some substances have to be tested over a longer period of time as they may cause allergic reactions in some patients. A skin sensibility test needs to be performed repeatedly within a six months’ period of time prior to treatment. This applies also to the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles around the lips.

2. Fat injection is a procedure which is performed with fat harvested from another area of the body — most often from the abdomen, thighs or knees, then it is purified and homogenized and injected into the lips with very delicate instruments (Lipostructure by Sidney Coleman). The advantage of this method is, that no foreign substances are being used and the results will last for many years.

3. Another method to augment the natural lip tissue and create more volume is the insertion of a so-called strip of dermis (extracted from the patient’s own skin, mostly from a scar) under the lip tissue. This method can also be performed by using synthetic material such as Gore-Tex .

4. Lips can also be enlarged surgically . With an incision made along the lip line a 3 mm strip of skin will be removed from above the lip and the lip is then sutured with inner stitches along the line of the incision. This method is most suitable for older people and it has the advantage that vertical lines and wrinkles close to the lip line will be removed as well . The incision can also be performed underneath the nose trills at the base of the nose.

5. In special cases of very deep lines and distinct muscles a substance called Botulinumtoxin (Botox) can be injected. The injection of this substance will weaken the muscles that cause the wrinkles. This method has to be repeated regularly over a period of 4-8 months.

An overnight stay in the clinic of 5-6 days is required. A strict recovery period of 2-3 weeks at home is absolutely necessary.


Which procedure is suitable for you has to be determined in a personal consultation with the surgeon.