It costs $300 and up.

What should I expect during a lip augmentation procedure?

Collagen injections – The collagen found in cow skin is used in collagen injections 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  procedure.

Collagen is injected into the lip with small needles.   The results generally last between one and three months and may be repeated as needed.

Fat injections – Fat is 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.  There is no possibility of an allergic reaction. The results are temporary but usually lasts longer than collagen injections.

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.

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 with no risk of an allergic reaction.

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 – Tissue made up of a molecular component of the human body. Extracted from a cadaver.

Restylane injections – Restylane is a clear gel; the hyaluronic acid in Restylane is similar to that naturally found in the body.

How long is the recovery time?

There is no down time. Recovery occurs the same day the procedure is done in the doctor’s office.