Posts

Lip Enhancement Options

Full lips are unquestionably considered to be attractive and youthful, and one of the leading symbols of sensuality today. Since so many of the world’s top movie stars and models have the full-lipped look more people are starting to seek out ways to get the same plumped up lips. Today there are several different options for cosmetic lip enhancement, both temporary and permanent.

Injectable Fillers For Lip Enhancement

Injectable fillers are the most common method of lip enhancement today. These fillers are made of either bovine collagen or hyaluronic acid. Bovine collagen fillers such as Zyderm and Cosmoderm are injected via a very thin gauge needle into the borders of the lips or the body of the lips. Bovine collagen fillers are capable of filling out the lips immediately and of adding volume to any area of the lips. Bovine collagen fillers generally last for between three and six months. While bovine collagen fillers are extremely effective at adding volume and creating any change in the lips desired, they do have one potential drawback. Patients who have an allergy or sensitivity to bovine collagen cannot use this particular type of injectable filler. Most physicians require that lip enhancement patients undergo a pre-treatment bovine collagen allergy test to make certain that there will not be any problems with the treatment. In cases where the patient demonstrates an allergy to bovine collagen hyaluronic acid fillers are the preferred option.

Hyaluronic acid injectable fillers are used in a very similar way to bovine collagen fillers as they are injected through a long thin needle into any area of the lip that needs added volume or enhancement. Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane are derived from non-animal sources and very closely mimic the hyaluronic acid that is found naturally in the human body. Fillers that are composed of hyaluronic acid do not require any pre-treatment allergy testing since the product is virtually identical to the collagen builders already in the body. One of the advantages of hyaluronic acid fillers is that they have more longevity than their collagen counterparts: Most hyaluronic acid fillers last from six to twelve months.

Permanent Lip Enhancement Methods

Some patients who are seeking a permanent lip enhancement may choose to use implantable synthetic materials such as Gore-Tex and SoftForm. These materials are soft, pliable, and can be surgically inserted into the lips to provide a permanent increase in volume. These options are more expensive than the injectable fillers but their permanent nature makes them a better long term value for some patients. Some patients may experience side effects from lip implants such as allergic reactions to the implanted material. In some cases migration may occur, meaning the implants will travel outside the area where they were inserted. In such cases surgical removal and repositioning is required.

/by
, ,

Overview of Dermal Fillers

There’s almost nothing more satisfying for patients that undergo cosmetic procedures than an immediate correction in scars, skin texture and appearance. Dermal fillers today can provide this, instantly filling in hollow areas and smoothing the skin’s surface. Bovine collagen was the first FDA-approved dermal filler in the United States and remained the only option for almost a decade after it’s introduction in 1981. This type of dermal filler quickly became very popular and was sold under the name Zyderm I, with effective results that lasted around three months.

Of course, Zyderm I had its shortcomings. It was able to give fair results with marionette lines, moderate rhytides and deep nasolabial folds, although it had many disadvantages. Zyderm I provided a potential for allergy and required a skin test before use. The results only lasted three months or less and results were often disappointing for moderate to severe lines and scars.

In a very short time, Zyderm II and Zyplast were approved by the FDA and introduced to the public, addressing many of the problems with Zyderm I. These new types of dermal fillers significantly improved results and remained the only dermal fillers approved for use by the FDA for almost a decade. Still, there were many needs left unanswered. These products had many limitations and the full potential of facial dermal fillers wasn’t seen for some time.

The ideal dermal filler is safe, painless, hypoallergenic, inexpensive and provides results that last a long time. Today, dermal fillers have come a long way to fulfill this promise. With an increasingly large population reaching middle age, the demand for effective and safe dermal fillers is only growing. For this reason, facial filler products are the fastest growing area of cosmetic surgery and will continue to develop.

Dermal fillers are products that are injected into the dermis. After a treatment with dermal fillers, patients must not manipulate or touch the treated area to prevent product shift. If you’re interested in a treatment with facial fillers, typical costs range between £200 and £600 per session, depending on the formula you select. Today, results can last for six months or longer and greatly improve the appearance of even deeply set-in lines. You can even select fillers in the United States that are subdermal fillers, which are injected under the dermis in the subcutis area. Dermal fillers are only for use by trained professionals so you’ll need to schedule an appointment with a medical spa or cosmetic surgeon for each session. If you’re ready to see the difference a facial dermal filler can make, try scheduling a session today. You’ll find new fillers can erase years from your face while improving the overall texture and evenness of your skin.

/by