Cosmetic procedures for lip enhancement and augmentation include surgical and non surgical processes which help in improving the appearance of the lips by increasing their fullness. These procedures are generally safe but it is important to know the process, suitability, risks and complications involved. There are two common methods for lip enhancement, injections and implants.

Lip Implants

Lip implantation is a surgical process which will require implants to be placed inside the lips for volume and also to reduce the fine lines or wrinkles on the lips. Since it is a surgical process it can take up to two hours to complete. The implants used are derived from cadavers or can be synthetic. Sometimes the implants can be derived from the own body.  The process requires making an incision inside the mouth or the outside at the edges of the lips and inserting the implants. The lips are then trimmed and the incision closed. Some of the options include the following types of implantations.

Fat Grafting: This method requires implanting of own body fat into lips to achieve the desired fullness. The results are long lasting but there is a chance that the body can reabsorb the fat implanted.

Dermal Tissue: This method requires taking tissues and skin from the inside flap of the mouth and using it as implant. Using local grafts can put forth some complications like visual abnormalities or difficulty while speaking and smiling but it can fade away with time.

Alloderm: This type of implant is made from donor cadavers that have been tested to be readily accepted by the body. Cadavers are sheets of collagen that can be inserted through the inside part of the lips. This type of implant can last up to a year.

Goretex: These are synthetic implants that can provide permanent lip enhancement. Hese are made from a single material varying in softness and a dual membrane system. Since these are synthetic they can produce allergic reactions in some people.

Lip surgeries can take about two weeks to recover from the pain and stitches. It is important to let go off smoking and a few other medications being taken before the surgical procedure which can hinder the healing process. The results from lip surgeries can be seen after two weeks as the fullness becomes obvious.

Lip Injections

A lip injection is the more simple procedure of having lip enhancements. Injections with fillers are inserted on the lips to plump and volumize them. This is a small process and can take around 10 to 20 minutes to complete. Topical anesthesia may be required before the treatment to avoid discomfort during the process. Some of the options for lip enhancement injects include Restylane, Artecoll, Autologen, Dermalogen, Collagen, Hylaform and Fascia.

Lip injections can cause slight swelling and bruising after the treatment but can fade away in a day or two. Normal activities can be resumed right after the treatment. The results can last from a few months to a few years but continual treatments will be required. It is generally safer to go with injections because the effects are quicker, cheaper and the process has fewer side effects.