Lip Augmentation

    HOUSTON, TX, March 03, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The variety of fat transfer, injectable and implantable options used in lip augmentation can be confusing. How do you choose between the many different fillers or implants available?

Start by choosing an experienced and knowledgeable cosmetic surgeon. Before your evaluation appointment, do your homework and come prepared with all of your questions. Some of the information offered here will give you a good start.

Reasons for Having Lip Augmentation

Many women want to improve their appearance by augmenting their lips. Some want fuller more sensual lips, and others simply want to broaden thin lips. As women age, many want to diminish wrinkles and restore their lips to a younger fuller shape.

Lip Fillers

Lip fillers offer the widest variety of augmentation materials including collagen, hyaluronic acid and fat transfer.

Collagen. Human and bovine collagen are the two types used for lip augmentation. Allergic reactions are not common but are estimated to occur in about 3% of those receiving bovine-derived collagen. For that reason an allergy test is required before you receive bovine collagen fillers. In contrast human-derived collagen is biologically compatible so there is no need for the allergy test.

Hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is biodegradable. Its ability to bind with water molecules enables it to moisturize the lips. This moisturizing effect allows hyaluronic acid augmentation to last longer than collagen augmentation. Juvederm, a filler formulated from hyaluronic acid stands out for its results that last up to a year. It is used for lip enhancement and to treat nasolabial folds.

Fat Transfer. Fat transfer is technically an injectable procedure for enhancing lips, but with a very significant difference. Your cosmetic surgeon will collect fat from your hips or thighs using liposuction and fat processing techniques to prepare it for injection. There is no risk of rejection with this method because the fat is your own tissue. The minor risks from this procedure include:

- Infection
- Bleeding
- Swelling

Lip Implants

Lip implants are small tubes that are inserted through incisions made at the corners of the mouth. The procedure takes about an hour. Lip implants last longer than fillers because they are not absorbed over time. Lip implants can be made of a synthetic material or from human tissue derived from donated skin. There are few complications associated with lip implants. Those that are known include:

- Implant shifting to another position
- Rejection
- Infection
- Scarring
- Lip stiffness

If you have been thinking about having a lip augmentation please visit the website of Houston, Texas cosmetic surgeon Michael Ciaravino, M.D., F.A.C.S. serving patients from across the nation.

Website: http://www.thebodydoc.com

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