Whether you want fuller lips or want to restore your lips, there are multiple different options available.
Restylane® has been used since the late 1990’s in Canada and Europe and was FDA approved for use in the United States in 2004 for the treatment of the smile lines (nasolabial folds). It works well to fill lines and make the lips fuller. This product contains hyaluronic acid, a carbohydrate, so there is little risk of allergy. Results may last six months or longer. Although not FDA approved for this purpose, this product is commonly used to reduce lip lines, sharpen the border of the lip, or enlarge the lips. Results typically last up to 6 months and occasionally longer.
Perlane® is similar to Restylane®, is made by the same company, and contains larger particles of hyaluronic acid. This product is used for the smile lines and to make the lips fuller. Perlane® may last 6 months or longer.
Belotero® is new hyaluronic acid filler that is used to fill in fine lines around the mouth. This product may last 6 months
Fat transfer utilizes one’s own fat that is usually taken from the hips or buttocks and injected into the lips to create fuller lips. Depending upon the desired result, more than one treatment may be needed. There is a risk of lumpiness that makes this procedure less commonly used for lip augmentation.
Long-Lasting Results:
Chemical Peels are used to reduce wrinkles. Depending upon one’s needs, lighter or deeper peels may be suggested. Depending upon which peel is used, results can be long-lasting. In general medium-depth chemical peels (i.e. Trichloroacetic acid) are needed to appreciate significant results.
Dermabrasion is a procedure in which the skin is sanded to improve wrinkles. Mild-moderate lines can be almost erased with this simple procedure. Results are usually long-lasting.
Laser resurfacing has been used for over a decade and is a safe procedure with predictable results to improve wrinkles with long-lasting results. Fractional resurfacing (which only resurfaces part of the skin) has reduced downtime by 20% or more, although more than one treatment session may be needed. The fractional CO2 is extremely effective as it both resurfaces and tightens the skin
OTHER PROCEDURES
(the procedures listed below are not performed by Dr. Bader)
Artefill® is a product that is made of tiny microscopic Plexiglas beads that has long-lasting, if not permanent, result. It is used to primarily fill deeper lines, such as the smile lines. This product is licensed under the name Artecoll® in both Europe and Canada, where it has been used since the 1990’s. Although uncommon, the development of nodules under the skin has been reported and may develop years after injection (reference: Hruza GJ.Radiance FN, Long-Term Soft Tissue Filler. Journal Watch Dermatology 2004 Sept; 12(9):73.)
Silicone is a permanent filler that is not FDA approved for any cosmetic purpose in the United States. It can be used to make the lips fuller, fill in smile lines or frown lines, fill in lip lines, or to reduce acne scarring. In the past, there have been numerous reactions to injected silicone, which appears to be from the use of an unpurified form that is no longer available. In the recent years, the use of silicone appears to be safe and long-lasting with little risk of reactions previously seen. Although, as this is a permanent filler, a bad result is permanent as well. For this reason, Dr. Bader does not use liquid Silicone for any cosmetic purpose.