The Three Primary Lip Augmentation Options Are Collagen, Restylane Or Fat Injections

Lip augmentation is a procedure that has become even more popular over the last several years since options with regard to technique and filler product has expanded. This procedure is effective in the enhancement of the size of the lips of patients who desire fuller, more voluptuous lips. It is usually necessary to treat the upper and lower lip, but this depends on each particular patient. The length of effective time of treatment varies with each filler product.

The three primary options offered today include Collagen, Restylane or Fat Injections. Each filler is effective, but they do differ somewhat.
Collagen

Collagen is a filler material used to either camouflage lines or wrinkles in the face or enhance the size of structures like the lips. Collagen is now extracted from human protein, and skin tests are no longer needed. Collagen is mixed with a local anesthetic, and while it initially stings upon injection, the area is numbed immediately by the local anesthesia. It is an excellent material for enhancing the size of the lips, and enjoys the longest track record. It has been used safely for many years for the enhancement of the lips, as well as camouflaging fine lines of the face.

The material is eventually absorbed by the body, depending upon the amount of material injected and the absorption rate of each patient. On average, however, the material lasts approximately two to four months. The procedure takes only minutes to perform in the office and the patient may return to work or normal activities immediately thereafter. The satisfaction level is quite high for this minor procedure, the only downside is that collagen injections must be repeated every two to four months.
Restylane

Restylane is a cosmetic dermal filler made of non-animal based hyaluronic acid. This is a natural substance that already exists in the human body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin. Restylane is a crystal clear gel and is biodegradable and fully bio-compatible with human hyaluronic acid. Restylane has been used by plastic surgeons and dermatologists since 1996 worldwide. It is fully bio-compatible and allergy testing is not required. Restylane delivers longer lasting results than collagen and generally lasts four to six months in the lips. According to the manufacturer, Restylane's stabilization technology helps maintain a cosmetic effect until the injected material is nearly gone.

A few precautions should be taken before Restylane treatment. Avoid using aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, St. John's Wort, or high doses of vitamin E supplements prior to treatment, because these may increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Also, if you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, discuss this with your physician. Restylane is injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts by an ultra-fine needle, resulting in minimal discomfort. The procedure is simple and convenient and results are practically instantaneous. Some patients may experience discomfort around the injection site. To optimize your comfort during the short procedure, your physician may anesthetize the treatment area.

After your treatment, you might have some redness or swelling. This will normally last less than seven days. Sunbathing and cold outdoor activities should be avoided until any redness or swelling subsides. You should not be treated with Restylane if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or under 18 years old.