FYI Cosmetics

Lip augmentation is a treatment that individuals have been undergoing for many years. We all know what it’s like to feel as if one of our facial features pales in comparison to the rest of our profile, for many individuals they find that the facial feature they wish to enhance is their lips. The shape and design of our lips is based purely on genetics, but as aesthetic technology has progressed, treatments have become available that can enhance the lips for a plumper, fuller look and feel. Over the years several lip augmentation treatments have become available to consumers, so it is up to you to decide which will get you the lip enhancement results you are looking for.

There are several different options for injectable lip augmentation, each is comprised of different ingredients and each provides different results.

Collagen: One widely used injection for lip augmentation is collagen. Collagen is a natural protein found within the body that works to support the structures of the skin. Where collagen works to smooth and plump the skin, it can also work to enhance the structure of the lips. There are two main types of collagen injections for lip augmentation: collagen formulas derived from human dermis which include Cosmoplast® and Cosmoderm®, or forms of bovine collagen injections such as Zyplast® or Zyderm® (bovine forms require allergy testing prior to injection). Both forms of collagen injection can provide lasting lip augmentation results, results that can last up to four months.

Hyaluronic Acid: This is another widely used cosmetic filler for lip augmentation; hyaluronic acid is a substance that found naturally within the human body that works to provide natural volume and fullness to the skin. When injected, the hyaluronic acid gel attaches to water molecules. By doing this, this substance adds both moisture and volume to the areas that are injected. The most common form of hyaluronic acid injection is Restylane®. In addition to lip augmentation, Restylane® is also commonly used to smooth away wrinkles and fine lines and to reduce the size and depth of concave scars. Patients have seen Restylane® results last as long as six months.

Hydroxylapatite: Hydroxylapatite is another injectable filler that is a gel-like formulation comprised of hydroxylapatite which is a mineral-like compound found naturally in human bones. This natural filler is the heaviest of all cosmetic fillers and is most often used to fill deeper creases such as nasolabial folds, fine lines and wrinkles, but can also be used to enhance the fullness of other facial features as well. The most common hydroxylapatite filler used by consumers is known as Radiesse. Radiesse is only sometimes used for lip augmentation, only because of its heaviness; it can sometimes lead to droopy lips if used in excess. However, used properly, Radiesse can bring a natural fullness to the lips that has been known to last for as long as a year.

Other lip injection options include human fat and PMMA, and there are still even some synthetic compounds used by physicians for lip augmentation. As technology has progressed, it has been discovered that all natural substances allow for the most natural look, so those looking to enhance their lips naturally and beautifully, consider the lip augmentation options above.