It's no secret that full lips can balance out the face and make a person look younger. Angelina Jolie is a perfect example of this. Even though she is 38, her full, round lips make her look years younger.

Unfortunately, as the body ages, the face and lips suffer from collagen loss. Collagen is a protein that is naturally produced by the body. It fills out the skin over the muscles and bones, producing that fresh, smooth appearance that is associated with those in their teens and 20s.

As the store of collagen depletes, patients can still refresh their appearance and take years off their facial features with cosmetic treatments. For those desiring fuller lips, dermal fillers are an effective treatments that can fill out the lips.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are designed to add volume to the area in which they are injected. They help to replace the skin plumping properties that the body has lost due to aging. A series of shallow injections are made into targeted areas in and around the lips. Effects can last anywhere from six to 18 months, and patients can opt to undergo another round of treatment if they desire once the effects have faded.

Patients may find that the lips will be bruised and swollen at the injection sites. There may also be a small amount of bleeding, but this should subside within 24 hours after the treatment. Most bruising and swelling will disappear within seven to 10 days following the procedure. Ice, cold compresses, and Arnica montana will help reduce the amount of bruising and swelling.

The choice of lip augmentation procedure is really up to the patient. Those who wish a more subtle result and less permanent commitment than say a lip implant may opt for dermal fillers.

Contact us to find out if you are a good candidate for this procedure.