Lip Augmentation

Lip augmentation can be done with a number of fillers and implants. For temporary enlargement of the lips, fillers are most commonly used and if one wants permanent results, implants can be placed.



The most common dermal fillers are:

Fat Grafting: This is a more invasive procedure and uses the patient's own body fat to pump up the lips. The fat is obtained from the abdomen or buttock area, prepared and then injected into the lips. This therapy requires a few more sessions. About 50% of the fat cells survive and produce a semi permanent lip augmentation. Like all other fillers, the results are variable and risks include granuloma formation, lumpiness and asymmetry



Restylane: This relatively new novel chemical is manufactured in the laboratory and is a non animal product. It is biodegradable liquid made up of hyaluronic acid. Because the product is non animal derived, the chances of an allergic reaction are absent. IT produces good results and lasts anywhere from 6-9 months.

AlloDerm: This chemical is similar to natural collagen and obtained from cadavers. It is highly processed and screened before use. The material is commonly used to augment lips. Because the material is slightly viscous, it has to be placed via small incisions made in the corners of the mouth. With time, the material gets incorporated into the body tissues and lasts anywhere from 6-12 months

Collagen: Collagen is also obtained from animals like cows and prepared for use in lip augmentation. The collagen injections are temporary. The major problem with collagen is that it can cause allergic reactions. To prevent the allergy reaction, the procedure has to be pretested in the individuals before injection. The average time of duration is 1-3 months

Artecoll: Sometimes a compound called Artecoll is injected. This consists of small synthetic beads composed of methacrylate. The beads elevate the lips and tend to remain for a much longer period than collagen related products.

Autologen: Lips can also be augmented by injections using the individuals' own collagen. The collage is extracted from the excess skin removed during a face lift. The collagen is then prepared and careful placed in the lips. This collagen is more durable and it has no risk of an allergic reaction.

Dermalogen: Another variation of the procedure is to obtain skin from a cadaver and extract the collagen from it. The collagen is the prepared and purified. All collagen obtained from cadavers or animals is always tested for infectious disease before injection. Dermalogen is a temporary form of lip augmentation.

Radiesse is an injectable dermal filler composed of small calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres suspended in a biocompatible gel. Radiesse is sometimes injected into the lips but often causes nodules to form. The product does not require any pretesting and can last anywhere from 1-3 years. Radiesse is more suited for the treatment of wrinkles and hollowed cheeks

Local flap grafts: Sometimes the tissues from inside the mouth are used to augment the lips. Again this from of augmentation is temporary. The procedure does require several small incisions.

Implants: For those wishing a more permanent lip solution, implants may be an alternative. There are a variety of materials available which can be injected into the lips. The popular chemicals include gortex and PTFE. These spongy compounds are usually implanted using small incisions at the corer of the mouth. The procedures can be performed under local anesthesia and are mildly painful. Risks include infection, lip swelling, hardening and symmetry.

Because of the variety of dermal fillers and implants, one is always confused as to what is the best procedure. The best advice is one should read about the lip augmentation and discuss with a reputable cosmetic surgeon/dermatologist before under going any procedure.