Lip augmentation procedures increase the size of the lips. The upper or lower lip may be treated alone, or both upper and lower lips may be enlarged at the same time.
Lip augmentation can be achieved by injecting or surgically implanting materials into the lips.
Collagen injections
Prepared from the collagen found in cow skin, collagen injections are used to temporarily augment the lips. Although it is purified, this collagen may cause allergic reactions in some people. For that reason, a sensitivity test should be performed before the actual lip augmentation procedure.
Collagen is injected into the lip with small needles. Because the body slowly absorbs the collagen, the results generally last between one and three months. The procedure may be repeated as needed.
Fat injections
Fat can also be injected into the lip. 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 are temporary but usually lasts longer than collagen injections.
Restylane injections
Restylane is a clear gel; the hyaluronic acid in Restylane is similar to that naturally found in the body.