subject: Cosmetic Surgery: Lip Enhancement Materials And Techniques [print this page] Thin, nondescript lips are not very attractive. In fact, sometimes they even make a person look crabby or tense. A full and pouty smile can be sexy and alluring. There are several methods that can help you to achieve the more attractive look.
One way to enhance your lips is with cosmetics that contain plumping agents. The ingredients responsible for the enhancement will reportedly do one of two things. They either have an agent that causes irritation which then results in swelling and reddening of the mouth area or they have moisturizers that are said to create volume over time.
Another way to increase fullness is through the use of dermatological fillers. The dermatological fillers are injected into the area in order to create a fuller look.
The fillers are usually of a gel consistency. One example is Restylane which contains hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the human body. Another option is a product called Juvederm, which has a higher concentration of hyaluronic acid than Restylane. A Restylane treatment usually lasts for approximately six months while a Juvederm treatment may last up to one year.
Collagen injections are another option to augment your lips. Collagen is a protein found in the body's bones and tissues. It is responsible for elasticity and tends to wear out over time due to sun exposure and aging.
The collagen that is used as dermatological filler comes from your own body, a donor who is now deceased, a cow or a pig. The collagen which comes from a cow is called purified bovine and comes from a cow's skin. The purified bovine type is the most common source and has been used to treat various skin issues for over thirty years. Approximately three percent of patients have had an allergic reaction to collagen injections.
There is also the option of a fat transfer, which is a procedure where fat is taken from one part of the body which contains an excess of adipose tissue (fat) and is then injected into a portion, such as the lips, that needs plumping up.
Careful processing of the fat before it is reinserted into the body is very important. The proper filtering and preparation will go a long way in assuring the success of the transfer's outcome.
If you are interested in having any of the above procedures done, other than wearing the lipstick with plumping capabilities, make an appointment with a reputable plastic surgeon or dermatologist to see which treatment he or she would recommend for you.
