Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that has increased in popularity over the last few years since options with regard to techniques and dermal filler products have expanded. This cosmetic surgery procedure is very effective with enhancing the size of a patients lips who desires more voluptuous, fuller lips. Typically, it is required to treat the upper and lower lip, but this can change depending on the individual. Also, the length of effective time of treatment will vary between different filler products.
There are three primary options that plastic and cosmetic surgeons offer today for facial fillers. These are collagen, restylane, and fat injections. All three of them are effective, but they are also different in some ways.
Collagen is a facial filler material that is either used to disguise wrinkles and lines on the face or better the size of things such as the lips. The material is now taken from human protein which means that skin tests are not needed anymore. Collagen is mixed with a local anesthetic. The injection is not altered by this, in that it still stings, but the area of injection is immediately numbed by the local anesthesia. Collagen is a fantastic material to use when enhancing one’s lips, and it enjoys the longest track record. For years it has been safely used for the camouflaging of facial lines and wrinkles and to enhance one’s lips.
Eventually, the material is absorbed into the body, depending on the amount of material that was injected and the rate at which each patient absorbs. The average amount of time that the material will last is about two to four months. The procedure itself actually only takes a few minutes to perform. It is usually performed in an office and the patient can generally return to work or other normal activities directly afterward. Satisfaction levels for collagen injections is quite high for such a minor procedure. The only downside to the injections is that they must be repeated every two to four months to maintain your improved look.
Restylane is another facial filler that is made of non-animal based hyaluronic acid. The natural substance already exists in the human body and it is used to provide the skin with fullness and volume. It is a crystal clear gel that is biodegradable and fully bio-compatible with the hyaluronic acid found in humans. Allergy tests are not needed beforehand because it is fully bio-degradable. Plastic surgeons and dermatologists worldwide have been using restylane since 1996. One upside to restylane is that is is longer lasting than collagen. It typically lasts from four to six months when injected into the lips. The manufacturer of restylane claims that the technology of stabilization found in restylane helps maintain a cosmetic effect up until the filler is nearly depleted.
After the treatment, you may have some swelling or redness. Those problems will typically last less than a week. Cold outdoor activities or sunbathing should be avoided until the redness or swelling has subsided. If you are under 18 years old, pregnant, or breast-feeding you should not be treated by restylane.
Dave Stringham, the President of LookingYourBest.com writes about plastic surgery in New York City and cosmetic surgery procedures such as new york lip augmentation, brachioplasty, tummy tuck, liposuction, fat transfer, and breast augmentation.
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December 26th, 2009 
