Lip augmentation is a procedure designed to make the lip or lips fuller, more youthful, and more sensuous in appearance. This procedure can also help to decrease the lines around the mouth known as “smoker’s lines” that wick lipstick.
Q & A
How is lip augmentation done?
A material known as “filler” is either injected or surgically positioned into the upper and/or lower lips to augment them. There are actually many different materials used to perform lip augmentation. The main “filler” substances used today include collagen, fat and (most recently) a substance known as hyaluronic acid. In the past, other substances such as silicone injections and Gortex strips have been used with unacceptable and sometimes disastrous results.
Are there different forms of collagen?
There are several different forms of collagen used to augment lips. They can be divided into two main forms: liquid collagen and collagen strips. The liquid, or injectable, collagen is derived from either a bovine (or cow) source or a human source. Collagen strips are currently exclusively derived from a human source. All fillers are treated to prevent rejection or other reactions with our immune system. The bovine collagen, unlike the human form, does require a skin test to make sure that patients are not allergic to it.
How is fat grafting done?
In a technique known as “liposculpture”, fat from one part of the body is removed and injected into another - in this case the lips. Fat harvesting is done by numbing an area, usually the lower tummy or outside of the thighs, and gently suctioning fat cells into a syringe. The unusable oils and debris are then filtered out. Remaining fat cells are concentrated and injected into the lips.
What is the best substance to use for lip augmentation?
Each substance used for lip augmentation has advantages and disadvantages. The injectable collagens, whether from a human or bovine source, do not last very long (despite manufacturer claims to the contrary). This period can range from an optimistic 2-3 months to as short as 1-2 weeks in others. However it is a procedure that can be done in the office and allow a return to work on the same day. Collagen strips (Alloderm) have the best track record to date with recent studies showing up to 80% of the amount placed lasting after one year. Alloderm does cost more than injectable forms, and is usually done in an operating room or office setting with intra-venous sedation.. Fat injection, or liposcupture, falls roughly in between the two with about 30% remaining after the original injection. Like Alloderm, fat injection is usually done in an operating room setting and is therefore more costly.
Will my lips be swollen after and for how long?
All substances used for lip augmentation will lose volume to differing degrees (see the above question). This means that it is necessary to over-augment at the time of the procedure to allow for the inevitable shrinkage that will occur. Swelling after Alloderm implantation is typically much less that fat grafting, and resolves much more quickly.
Is this procedure permanent?
At the present time there is no permanent substance for lip augmentation. Some fillers such as Alloderm last much longer than Bovine collagen or injection of one’s own fat.
Why do some Hollywood celebrities have such a “lumpy” look to their lips? This typically arises from repeated collagen injections that form “pockets” of collagen in the lips, leaving an irregular border where the upper and lower lips meet instead of a straight line. One advantage to augmenting lips with sheets of material is that this is not a problem. Repeated injections can also lead to greater inflammation due to allergic reactions as the body becomes sensitized to the collagen.
Additional information can be found on the following web sites:
plasticsurgery.org
surgery.org
To arrange a consultation, please call Aesthetic Surgery Associates at (254) 526-5106 or toll-free 1-866-232-0469