Lip Augmentation

A boost in both self-esteem and sensuality may just be some of the reasons why people undergo lip augmentation. People who are considering this procedure may choose among a variety of injections and implants that would best suit their needs. However, lip augmentation like all other cosmetic procedures will not guarantee the fullest and most luscious lips, but it can help compliment unique facial features.

Anyone who intends to have lip augmentation should have good health condition, realistic expectations, and the discipline to follow post-operative measures given by the physician. To avoid complications from the procedure, the client must not have any of the following: cold sores, diseases like diabetes or lupus, scarring of the lips and blood clotting problems. Discussing the client's medical history including allergies and medications with the physician will help lessen the complications.

If the client prefers to have injections in the procedure, he will be administered with a topical anesthesia to numb the pain. The outpatient procedure will be done either in the physician's office or an outpatient center and will only last for a few hours. In an injection-based procedure, there are many options where the client may choose from.

Injection-based procedures
For clients who are worried over having allergies, they may choose among autologen, hylaform, and fat which are all acquired naturally. Among the three however, only fat causes permanent results. The fat is taken from the patient's own thighs or abdomen. For temporary results, the client may choose between autologen (taken from client's own collagen) or hylaform (made of hyaluronic acid found in the body).

Artecoll, which is known for producing plumper lips, and collagen, which is taken from cows, may be better options for clients who wish to see a more lasting effect. However, both injections are synthetic which may cause allergic reactions. Thus, it is advised that clients ask their physician to test them first for allergies.

Other options are dermalogen, fascia, and restylane. All three have the possibility of being absorbed by the body eventually. Dermalogen, a type of collagen, is taken from deceased donors. Fascia is a type of connective tissue taken from the client's own body or a deceased donor. Restylane also has hyaluronic acid and is biodegradable.

Procedures with implants
If the client opts for implants, he will be given a local anesthesia and the procedure may last for up to two hours. With implants, options include alloderm (collagen made from deceased donors); fat grafting (taken from own body fat); goretex, softForm, and soft ePTFE (synthetic materials); and local flap grafts (tissue and skin from inner areas of mouth). Fat grafting, goretex, softForm, and soft ePTFE offer permanent effects. But unlike goretex, softForm, and soft ePTFE which are synthetic, fat grafting may not cause allergic reactions. Alloderm, meanwhile, is inserted into the inner area of the lip and offers a temporary effect. Lastly, local flap grafts is the least used and least preferred procedure used by surgeons because of its intrusive method.

The healing procedure
Healing after the surgery is determined by the procedure taken and the client's routine activities. Healing period for those who have taken injections may last for a few days while for those who have had implants, the period may last for almost two weeks. During the healing process, the client may not be able to come to work. Refraining from exercise and other physically strenuous activities is also advised.

Aside from allergic reactions to any injection, implant, or anesthesia, other possible complications are bleeding, implant solidification, infection, or even nerve damage. This is why it is very important that the client inform the physician of his complete medical history before undergoing surgery.