Fewer women are opting for over-puffed lips that were trendy a few years ago. But we can all appreciate full, sensual lips that beautifully frame our smile and help keep our face looking brighter and younger. We want our lips to look voluptuous, but real. Unfortunately, many women have naturally thin upper and/or lower lips, and as we age, we all lose volume in our lips as well as elsewhere in our face. Lip augmentation can add or restore appealing plumpness and definition.
A prettier pout, your way
Since every woman’s face is unique and each patient has her own idea of how she wants her lips and smile to look, we offer four different types of lip augmentation at Eterna Cosmetic Surgery. That way, Dr. Elizabeth Hernandez can custom-tailor treatments to each patient’s personal goals and preferences. All the products we use provide the same visual results, but they differ in how long they last and what they’re made of.
1. Hyaluronic acid dermal filler injections
We offer two types of dermal fillers formulated for lip augmentation. The most popular are Juvéderm Ultra XC, Juvéderm Vollure and Revanesse Versa, all of which are based on hyaluronic acid, a substance produced naturally by the body. Hyaluronic acid helps cells retain moisture and shape, so it is a good choice for lips. Because Revanesse produces less initial swelling, Dr. Hernandez usually recommends this option for patients who have had previous issues with swelling following dermal filler injections.
In terms of results, Juvéderm Ultra XC lasts 6-12 months, whereas Vollure results can last 18 months. Revanesse lasts up to 12 months.
2. Collagen dermal filler injections
We also use a collagen-based dermal filler called Bellafill for lip augmentation. Collagen lasts longer in the body but it also takes time to develop after the injection. So while final results from Bellafill injections can last as long as 5 years, it will take a few weeks to see those ultimate results.
3. Fat grafting
This procedure, also known as fat transfer, is rapidly growing in popularity because it’s all-natural – no synthetic fillers, bovine collagen, or PMMA/acrylic particles, just your own fat. For this procedure, she first uses liposuction to harvest a small amount of fat from another part of the body, purifies it, and then injects it in the targeted area. Results can last several years. However, Dr. Hernandez warns that results when using fat transfer for lip augmentation can be very unpredictable.
4. Renuva injections
This is our newest option. Renuva is an injectable product made from allograft adipose matrix derived from natural human fat. It works by stimulating your own fat cells to fluff up, so results are very long-lasting. Patients start to see visible change right away, then gradual improvement over the next three months. Renuva comes ready to inject, once Dr. Hernandez quickly rehydrates it right in the syringe. This eliminates the need for more invasive second-site liposuction and fat processing that are required for traditional fat grafting.
Lip augmentation is convenient
All the procedures we offer are performed in-office. For injectables, Dr. Hernandez will apply a numbing agent first and some ice afterward. The entire treatment takes about 15 minutes. You may have some swelling or bruising the first couple of days, so it’s best to give yourself 24 hours to rest. Fat transfer patients will experience some minor pain at the liposuction site, but the incision is tiny and will heal quickly. Dr. Hernandez recommends 2 days of rest after this procedure.
Enhance your face and smile at Eterna!
Scheduling a personal consultation with Dr. Hernandez is the first step toward seeing pleasingly plump, youthful looking lips that enhance your face as well as your self-image. What are you waiting for?
