Full lips have been associated with youth and beauty by most ethnic backgrounds for hundreds of years. Since the turn of the 20th century, surgeons have attempted to inject substances into the lips to increase their fullness. The first substance tried was paraffin, however this was not successful. In the early 1960’s lip injections with liquid silicone was used, but this was abandoned in the 1990’s due to fears about the effects of silicone to general health.
Today there are many different substances which can be utilized to give the appearance of fully lips. Each substance has its own benefits, procedures and other issues.
Natural Substances for Lip Injections
Collagen injections - Collagen is found in cow skin and is prepared for use in humans. The collagen injections are used to temporarily augment the lips. Some people have been found to have an allergic reaction to collagen. For this reason, most surgeons require that a sensitivity test be performed before the actual procedure.
Collagen is injected into the lip with small needles. Because the body slowly absorbs the collagen, the results from this process tend to last for between one and three months. The procedure can be repeated as needed.
Fat injections - The fat is harvested from another area of the body (often the abdomen or thighs) and is purified before it is injected into the lips. An advantage to this procedure is that there is no possibility of an allergic reaction. As with collagen, results from this process are temporary but usually lasts longer than collagen injections.
Autologen injections - Autologen is collagen extracted from the patient’s own skin, often from excess skin removed in a facelift. The results are relatively long lasting, and there is no risk of an allergic reaction.
Transplant Lip Injection Products
Dermalogen injections - Dermalogen is extracted from the skin of a cadaver. The donor material is screened and processed to avoid the spread of disease. The effects are temporary, and are similar to the effects of collagen injections.
Fascia injections - Fascia (white connective tissue) extracted from a cadaver can be injected or surgically implanted.
HylaForm injections – HylaForm is another substance which is extracted from a cadaver, thus it has the same molecular component of the human body.
Synthetic Lip Injection Products
Artecoll injections - Artecoll is composed mainly of tiny synthetic beads (polymethyl methacrylate) that stay in the lips, and raise them. This technique lasts longer than fat or collagen injections.
Restylane injections - Restylane is a clear gel; the hyaluronic acid in restylane is similar to that naturally found in the body.
Lip injections are a great way to get the fuller looking lips you desire. However you must do some research on the different procedures prior to making any decision. You should also seek a doctor’s advice and get their opinions on the different options.
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