In today's society, there are few things more coveted cosmetically by women than big, full, "Angelina Jolie" lips. Doctors have responded to this incredible demand for big pouts by creating a number of procedures that can give women fatter, fuller lips. Lips injections have become almost as popular as Botox. The various procedures for larger lips are called lip augmentation. There are a number of different choices when it comes to making lips larger ranging from invasive surgery to the easy in and out procedures involving lasers.
It is important to realize that the proceedures can go very wrong. You should find out whether or not you are a good candidate for augmentation before you go out and get a procedure done. If you do not do your research first, you may end up with a look that makes you wish with all your might that you can get your old, thin lips back! Good candidates for lip augmentation are people that are in generally good health and do not smoke. Every person is different, so ask your doctor if the procedure is right for you.
Types of Lip Augmentation
It is important to realize that there are a number of natural ways to get fuller lips. Most of these techniques are temporary, but they may be a good alternative to a more invasive procedure for some people. One of the most popular ways to achieve temporarily larger lips is by using lipsticks which create a larger pout.
If you are interested in something more permanent, your options are:
• Collagen-this is a natural, injectable filler which gives skin support. It is typically derived from cows, although there is synthetic collagen as well, and it lasts between 3 to 4 months.
• Restlyane-this is a clear, injectable gel that is made from hyaluronic acid. It lasts about 6 months.
• Radiance-another injectable filler which is made of calcium-based microspheres which are suspended in a water based gel. It lasts up to 1 or 2 years.
• The V-Y technique-this is a surgical technique which does not use implants or fillers. The results are much more subtle than the injectable fillers but they are permanent.
• Laser lip rejuvenation-this procedure uses laser treatment to provide lifting smoothing of the lips by tightening the underlying collagen already there.
Joseph Devine
To find out more about lip augmentation, visit the website of the Austin cosmetic dermatologists at
