Procedures

Lip Augmentation

Lip augmentation can be done as an isolated procedure or as part of general facial rejuvenation surgery. It can correct thin lips, atrophic lips as a result of aging, lip asymmetry, volume differences between the upper and lower lips, as well as provide volume to reduce wrinkles around the mouth.

There are various methods to enhance the lips. Filler substances can be surgically placed or injected to increase lip volume. There are many different filler substances available, both natural and synthetic. All of these materials can also be used to fill wrinkles or facial contour irregularities.

Collagen

- Injectable, essentially no down time and immediate results. Lasts 3-6 months. Bovine and human derived forms. Bovine collagen requires collagen test 6 weeks before treatment to assure the patient is not allergic (3% of the population is allergic to bovine collagen). Human collagen does not require skin testing.

Fat

- Fat is removed from an area of excess, such as the abdomen or thigh, and transferred to the lips and/or face. This is a more involved procedure than collagen, and the results can be long lasting. A touch up procedure may be required.

Alloderm

- This is human-derived dermis, which is the deeper layer of skin. It can be placed into the lips via very small incisions near the corners of the mouth. It becomes repopulated with your own cells and can be long lasting.

Restylane

- Injectable hyaluronic acid, a normally occurring material in the human body. Similar to collagen. Lasts 6-9 months. No skin testing required. Hylaform products are also available and have the same structure and components as Restylane and may be recommended by your physician as an alternative to Restylane.