Santa Monica Lip Augmentation

Lip Augmentation in Santa Monica California is a procedure to get rid of the appearance of thin and aging lips. Collagen injections are the most commonly known treatment for these problems. There are actually many different options to improve the appearance of your lips and smile. The most common treatments involve the use of fillers, like collagen or fat. Other treatments include softening wrinkles with laser peels, dermabrasion, or chemical peels. Still another method to improve your appearance is surgery, to lift, shorten, or thicken lips more permanently. Finally, the ultimate beautiful smile can be achieved with the addition of cosmetic dentistry and oral surgery to improve the appearance of your teeth. Whitening solutions or the use of new lasers can provide dramatic results. Dental implants, tooth bonding, and veneers are just a few of the newer methods available to obtain your best possible smile. As plastic surgeons, we do not provide these dental services, but we do work closely with dentists and oral surgeons who are experienced and skilled with these techniques.

Below are a few of the many techniques used in Lip Augmentation:

Collagen, made from bovine (cow) protein, is temporary lasting 2-4 months. It is simple and quick to use with excellent results for many patients. Collagen requires one and sometimes two skin tests 30 days prior to treatment to test for sensitivity or an allergic response.

Fat may be more permanent than collagen. It can give excellent results in most parts of the face but seems to be the least reliable in the lips. As with most "fillers," more than one treatment is usually required.

Alloderm is cadaver dermis that is medically prepared for insertion as a filler. It is placed under the skin much like Gore-Tex or Softform but is not synthetic, and it is replaced by the body's own collagen over time.

Cymetra is injectable micronized Alloderm. It requires several treatments for best results, especially in the nasolabial folds.