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, lip implants and dermal fillers are two effective treatments that can fill out the lips.

Lip Implants

There are two basic types of lip implants: Soft Form, which is a tubular rubber-type material; and AlloDerm, a collagen matrix. Both are inserted into the lips through a series of small incisions. Unlike fat or collagen dermal fillers, both Soft Form and AlloDerm are permanent. They come in a variety of sizes.

AlloDerm is has associated with a much lower risk of infection or rejection than Soft Form. Its other advantage is that the lips look and feel more natural because the AlloDerm serves as a matrix to which the natural tissue and blood vessels of the lip will eventually attach.

There may be some bruising and swelling of the lips following the insertion of lip implants. This is normal following any surgical procedure and should begin to go away within a week or two following the procedure. Cold compresses or ice applied to the lips will help reduce swelling and bruising, as will taking the herb Arnica montana.

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. Just as with a lip implant 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 permanent and dramatic change may wish to consider a lip implant, while those who want a more subtle result and less permanent commitment may opt for dermal fillers. Dr. Paul Pin is happy to discuss the details of both procedures with patients to help them determine which will better suit their needs.

Contact Dr. Paul Pin to find out if you are a good candidate for this procedure.