 Lip Enhancement
Lip augmentation creates
fuller, plumper lips and reduces fine wrinkles around the mouth. Lips may be
injected with collagen or with fat transferred from another site in the
patient’s body. Both liquid collagen and fat are absorbed and repeat treatments
are necessary to maintain results. Newer, longer-lasting options include
implantable materials like AlloDerm and SoftForm and injectable materials like
Cymetra, Restylane, and Radiance.
There is a tremendous "Buzz" around the hyaluronic acid
derivatives like Restylane, which will soon be FDA approved in this
country. This material can last 6-12 months.
**However, something even more promising is now starting to
be routinely used for injections - Radiance.
Made by Bioform, this injectable substance is made of hydroxyapetite
(something normally present in your bone and teeth). Because
calcium hydroxylapatite is a normal constituent of bone, it should not
elicit a chronic inflammatory or immune response. It is
actually softer than
collagen and very easy to inject. There is no allergy testing required. It is supposed to last 2-5 years
which is truly remarkable!
It has been used in Europe and Canada for
some time and is FDA approved for other uses, but not yet for facial
rejuvenation. Remember, Botox was used since 1989 for facial rejuvenation
without being FDA approved. Botox was only FDA approved in early 2002.
FDA approval for Radiance is expected in the summer of 2003. Dr Speron has
been using it since January of 2003 and is very impressed with it.
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