The shape and size of lips have gained prominence in the field of cosmetic surgery in the last one decade or so. Today, developed, full and sensuous lips have turned out to be the accepted standard as an attribute of beauty. In fact, with the invention and availability of collagen, lip augmentation achieved special recognition during the latter part of the 1980s. Currently, cosmetic surgeons use different techniques, including Hylaforms like Restaline, Juvederm, lip collagen and fat injections for lip augmentation.

Actually, lip enhancement is an outstanding technique involving minimum invasiveness that is used for augmenting thin lips as well as enhance the shape of the lips using lip filler. Though thin lips may happen at any age, changes in the shape of lips and emergence of fine wrinkles are usually associated with the aging process. The lip augmentation technique may be utilized to correct both disorders as well as fill the fine lines around the mouth. The lip augmentation process involves administering collagen injections or injecting fats transferred from another part of one’s body in the dermal layer of the lips. Collagen as well as the fat function as lip filler and are absorbed by the lips making them look fuller. In many cases, repeat treatments are necessary for a lasting result, but new implantable substances such as AlloDerm and SoftForm offer enduring solutions. The objective of lip augmentation or proving a Restylane lip is to improve self-image and, in turn, invigorate self-confidence.

Technique

The technique of lip augmentation includes injecting or implanting a natural or synthetic biocompatible substance or even the patient’s own fat in the lips. Usually, one lip injection is enough to create the preferred result that is likely to be a short-term affair depending on the substance used as the lip filler. Many surgeons use AlloDerm, a natural lip collagen sheet prepared from donated skin as lip filler. The substance is implanted in the lips through minute incisions inside the mouth corners. Gradually, the AlloDerm implant integrates with the natural lip tissues making the lips look fuller and luscious. Other lip fillers or synthetic implants include SoftForm, Gore-Tex and soft ePTFE. For best results, placing the lip collagen at the correct site is important.

The other synthetic lip filler options include Restylane and HylaForm, both crystal-clear gel lip injections, Radiance containing calcium hydoxylapatite, Autologen, a dermal implant substance prepared from one’s skin, Fascia, a donor tissue prepared from the thick white connective tissue that backs body structure, and Dermalogen, Human Tissue Matrix (HTM) obtained from a donor tissue. All these substances are lip collagen and comprise different lip injections. Using AlloDerm and Dermalogen for lip enhancement do not require the patients to provide donor tissue and are not rejected by the body as they are human tissue. More often than not, they have a supple and natural feel. On the other hand, Gore-Tex implants are permanent in nature that can be easily inserted and are well accepted by the body. Many patients who desire to try out with a fuller lip appearance, but would not essentially go for it, may find temporary lip augmentation procedures such as lip collagen or lip injections containing fat attractive.

Benefits

Basically, lip enhancement involves administration of lip injections to enhance the beauty and shape of the lips. This process helps to change the shape and appearance of the lips as lip injections or fat injections enclosing pigments are shot below the dermal layer of the lips. There are several reasons for undergoing the lip augmentation process. While some people undergo lip enhancement to change the shape of their asymmetrical lips, there are others who decide on lip injections with the desire to change the color of their lips. However, as in any cosmetic procedure, lip augmentation too has its shortcomings and hence it is advisable to consult your physician regarding the benefits and disadvantages of lip enhancement before undergoing the process

Normally, when non-surgical procedures are adopted for lip enhancement, patients are able to resume their normal activities a day after the cosmetic implantation. However, the recovery period depends largely on whether the patient had been sedated during the procedure and the procedure as well as substances used in lip enhancement. The period for recuperation is around a week for lip augmentation done through surgical procedures.

Side Effects

As in the case of any cosmetic procedure, the lip augmentation process is also associated with a few minor aftereffects. Patients undergoing lip enhancement may experience allergic reaction that may vary from extended redness, swelling or itching, to firmness at the site where the lip injection has been shot. Other potential side effects of lip augmentation may comprise bleeding, lip unevenness as well as migration and extrusion of the implant. The swelling and bruising effect normally lasts for around a week. In fact, it is essential to have a collagen skin test prior to undergoing lip augmentation if any patient has a serious allergy history. People allergic to local anesthetic should not consider undergoing lip enhancement.