Collagen Injections for Lips presents the following thoughts and opinions about injectable fillers and how to best address augmenting your lips with a natural look.  Unfortunately, there are many cases of very public people who have seemingly doubled their lip volume overnight!  Often times the result is a bit startling, sometimes grotesque and often downright painful looking!  You can, however, find fantastically natural results with the right injectable filler for your lips, with the right doctor performing that procedure. 

Injectable fillers are the most common method of lip enhancement. It is a quick and easy procedure, albeit not completely painless, that produces an immediately gratifying lip result. One of the most common fears of many lip injection patients is that they will end up with a lip that is too big or unnatural. This concern is understandable as society abounds with many examples of overfilled and excessively pouty lips that are the direct result of injectable filler therapy. While those women obviously wanted that result, most women that I see do not and want a more natural and less obvious lip augmentation result.

The lip injection method that I use to get the patient exactly the lip result they want is what I call the ‘Layer and Look’ technique. This is a simple method that anyone can do. Once the lips are properly anesthetized through local anesthetic blocks, I first place a layer of injectable filler along the vermilion-cutaneous border. (junction of pink vermilion with skin) This is an area that enhances the roll area of the lip and is the area that most women want enhanced. The first layer of injectable filler is not a thick layer. Then we get out the mirror and look. The patient can either say that is enough or they want more. Then a second layer is put along the vermilion-cutaneous border for a more significant enhancement. Then we look again. A new layer is only put in if the patient thinks they want more.

The vermilion-cutaneous border of the lips can only be enhanced so much without looking peculiar or like a ‘duck-bill’. If the patient still wants more volume, then I will put a layer of injectable filler into the body of the vermilion of the lip. Putting injectable filler there fills out the lip closer to the tooth level. With each new layer, the patient looks and tells me what they think. This way the lip only becomes what the patient wants and they have input as the injectable filling process goes forward.

This ‘Layer and Look’ method works well and I have yet to have a patient complain that they were overfilled or looked unnatural. In fact, in many cases of first time injectable filler patients, they usually come back the next time wanting more than the first, feeling that they were initially too conservative.

Author: Dr Barry Eppley

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_Barry_Eppley

Collagen Injections for Lips presents the following article and options on how to best address your lip augmentation.  There are a variety of injectable fillers that can plump your lips and give you a wonderfully natural look.  Discuss the options with your cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist to understand which may be best for you!

The most common method for lip augmentation is with injectable fillers. While other more surgical options exist such as lifts and implants, making the lip bigger by injections are quick, easy to do, and have instantaneous results. (notice that I did not say painless!) While five years ago, only two injectable filler options existed (collagen and a first-generation hyaluronic acid filler, Restylane), the choice between them was pretty clear. But as of today, there are now eight commerically-available injectable filler options and more are sure to come in 2009. With so many choices, it is impossible for any patient to know which injectable filler is best for the lips and certainly some physicians are in a quandry as well.

The simple answer is…..none of the injectable fillers is the best. Each has their own individual advantages and disadvantages although certain trends amongst them are clear. First, understand that no injectable filler has ever been FDA-approved for use in the lips in the United States although it is common practice. Technically, the use of injectable fillers in the lips is ‘off-label’ use. Why it has never been approved by the FDA is a regulatory technicality and processing issue from the manufacturer, not one of safety. Lip augmentation probably accounts for nearly half of all injectable filler use for many years so its safety track record is well established.

Secondly, the composition of the injectable filler is critical to understanding its effectiveness and safety in the lip. Lip tissue is different from skin as lips are like fingers, we use them alot and they are very sensitive to touch and feel. For this reason, non-particulated fillers such as collagen and hyaluronic acid fillers are best suited for the lips. Those injectable fillers with particles (Radiesse and Artefill) should not be placed in the lip as their risk of irregularities and nodules (foreign-body reactions) is definitely higher.

I would say that the hyaluronic acid fillers ( boned sugar molecules) are the gold standard for lip augmentation. All of them will work and their effectiveness is the same no matter the marketing name or manufacturer. The only difference between them is……how long do they last and how much do they cost? In short, the question is an issue of value with their use. The only way to figure out how long hyaluronic acid lip injections will last is to know the concentration of hyaluronic acid in the product and how well it is cross-linked together. Both issues which a patient can not determine. As there are no studies that directly compare one hyaluronic acid product to another in a prospective lip augmentation studies (someday there will be but none exist as of now), patients have to guided by what their physician injector tells them.

In my experience, some hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers last longer in the lips than others. The range of persistence is anywhere from 4 to 12 months. For the sake of simplicity, for example, the newest hyaluronic acid filler Prevelle (HA concentration of 5 mg/ml) lasts about 3 to 4 months while Juvaderm (HA concentration 24 mg/ml) lasts around 8 to 9 months in my experience. And, not surprising, the cost in my practice is also different with the longer lasting one priced higher. (as it should be) With such an array of HA injectable fillers, I have found that it is now possible to ‘get what you pay for’. You can now choose your injectable lip augmentation result pretty much on the price you want to pay. Some HA injectable fillers cost more than others but they last longer too.

Author: Dr Barry Eppley

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_Barry_Eppley

Collagen Injections for Lips presents the following debate about collagen vs. hyaluronic acid injections.  If you have questions about which injectable filler would best address your facial rejuvenation goals, ask your dermatologist.   

The debate continues as to whether Hyaluronic acid or collagen is the best option for facial injections. However, research shows that Hyaluronic acid is rapidly becoming the facial injection of choice.

Hyaluronic acid facial injection, Restylane, is one of only two FDA approved injections for the treatment of facial wrinkles around the nose and mouth. The other two are the collagen injection for correcting soft tissue deficiencies such as wrinkles and acne scars and botulinum toxin (Botox) for treating frown lines between the eyebrows. However, in a pivotal clinical study of Hyaluronic acid, results indicated that Hyaluronic acid is a safer and more effective option than collagen.

The clinical study included 138 patients who received the Restylane Hyaluronic acid injection on one side of the face and bovine collagen injections on the other side. Most patients in the studies required one injection, while one third needed more than one injection. The Hyaluronic acid injection produced a lower incidence of redness than the collagen injections.

Further research indicates that the possibility of allergic reactions in patients who use Hyaluronic acid is much lower than in patients who use collagen. Allergic reactions are possible in 3% to 4% of patients who use collagen and very, very rarely in patients who receive Hyaluronic acid injections. The reason lies in the fact that injectable collagen is derived from animals principally from cow hides and pig skins. Hyaluronic acid injections are not animal derived and thus do not contain animal protein which can cause allergic reactions in humans.

Lastly, Hyaluronic acid injections last much longer than collagen injections. Hyaluronic acid injections can last for as long as 6-12 months while collagen only lasts for about 3-4 months. Thus, between increased safety, effectiveness and results, it appears as if Hyaluronic acid is poised to become the wrinkle filler, lip plumper and fine line killer of choice in today’s highly competitive cosmetic surgery market.

Author: Jana Willinger

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jana_Willinger

Collagen Injections for Lips presents this article to demonstrate how injectable fillers are for more than just lips!  Using injectable fillers for hand rejuvenation can make a huge difference in how age shows on our hands.  Often, you can tell a woman’s (or man’s!) true age by looking at their hands, and I know that I am very sensitive to the signs of aging on my hands.  I enjoy wearing beautiful rings and bracelets yet feel self-conscious about how my hands may take away from the beauty of the jewelry.    This procedure will certainly be one that I discuss with my dermatologist during my next appointment! 

As we age, the backs of the hands are one place where time really affects our appearance. The muscles and fat gradually waste away, producing some hollowing-out of the back of hand between the bones. The skin sags there and can be pulled up with a pinch. When this kind of process occurs in the face, one thing that can be done is a face-lift to tighten the skin. This does not fix the depressions and hollowings but does take away the sagging. In the hands, however, no face-lift procedure is available. As in the face, however, a material that can "fill in" the hollowed areas under the skin is what can restore the youthful shape of the hands.

Although it is possible to do this with a hyaluronic acid filler, such as Juvederm or Restylane, which are popular in the face, a longer-lasting filler, such as Radiesse or Radiance, is a more popular choice in the hands. Radiesse is composed of a gel of calcium hydroxyapatite. It is injected under the skin and smoothed out into the hollowed areas. It elevates the depressed areas and gives the hands a smoother, more youthful texture. Although it is not permanent, it is expected to last an average of 18 months. Over time, the calcium hydroxapatite is converted to the body’s own collagen and gradually dissipates. It is common to use a syringe per hand.

During the treatment, the gel is mixed together with a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine. Pain is minimal with this technique but ice may also be applied to minimize pain and bruising. The gel is massaged out into the areas that need filling. Swelling may develop and progress over the following 1-2 weeks and is treated with hand elevation and icing. Arnica may also be taken to help with bruising.

The cost of an injection of a syringe of Radiesse varies from clinic to clinic, but ranges from $600-1000. Injection must be carried out by medical personnel and must be supervised by a physician.

Author: Alex Kaplan

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Kaplan

Collagen Injections for Lips presents the following information on how collagen injections as well as Botox can help you improve your appearance easily and affordably.  Many of us do not invasion procedures that could alter our appearance, we simply want our lips to be a bit fuller, some lines to be less noticeable.  Collagen injections can address those goals and desires, discuss your options with your dermatologist for more information. 

Botox and collagen injections can rejuvenate, make the person look younger and remove the wrinkles and lines from the face. These are very popular beauty treatments which are comparatively new but have caught up with people round the world.

Everyone wants to remain young; no one would like to have an old, haggard and wrinkled appearance. But nature has ideas of her own. She makes youth a very attractive proposition and old age a very disturbing one. People want to catch hold of youth and keep it forever. As this is not possible, the next best thing is to find out ways and means of making people look younger. Botox and collagen have made this possible and everyone wants to cash in on it. Especially since these treatments are not very expensive and are within the reach of the public.

The worry lines on the forehead, the crow’s feet around the eyes may not disappear totally but they can certainly be minimized using these injections. Some have laugh lines around their lips These laugh lines can be smoothened using these treatments and made to look softer and lighter. Some have drooping eyes; some have thick flesh bands on their necks, which are all due to age. These can be minimized by these methods. Age sometimes makes the lips thinner than original. Using collagen injections the patient can have fuller lips which drastically reduce his age and appearance.

These injections can be given within a brief time and the patient can resume his activities after a short rest period. The treatments are given into the muscles with the aim of relaxing and paralyzing them so that more wrinkles and lines are not formed, and those that are already there are not deepened. They are also injected but under the skin so that it fills up the loose skin and smoothen the wrinkles and lines.

Million of people have minimized their imperfections using these injections. There are hardly any serious side effects unless allergy testing has not been done and the patient develops allergy to collagen or botox. The small side effects can be abrasions or itching or redness, which will disappear after a short period. Though botox is used mainly on the face for beauty purposes, collagen can be used anywhere on the body wherever it is needed and it works by minimizing the problems. Old age is no longer a dreaded period, thanks to these treatments.

Author: Dr. Jim Greene

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Jim_Greene

Collagen Injections for Lips presents the following article about the top lip augmentation procedures and their potential costs.  The costs of these procedures can vary quite a bit, depending upon geography, the experience and expertise of the surgeon/dermatologist conducting the procedures and more.  Your best bet is to always "shop around" to not only find the best price for your desired procedure but to also ensure that you are in the best hands for the success of the procedure!

Typical Costs Associated With Lip Augmentation

Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure used to enhance the shape and fullness of the lips. Utilizing a number of different techniques, including injections and surgical implants, surgeons can help patients achieve the lips they have always wanted. Before you decide if lip augmentation is right for you, there are a number of important elements that you must consider. For many people, the costs of the procedure can be a deciding factor.

Lip Augmentation Costs

There are a number of elements that can impact lip augmentation costs including geographic region, the surgeon’s experience level and miscellaneous expenses including anesthesia and medical exams. The actual costs of lip augmentation can also vary considerably depending on the technique that is used. Discuss each option carefully with your surgeon in order to determine which option is right for your needs, goals and budget.

-Lip Injections: In this type of procedure, collagen, fat or other substances are injected into the lip to add shape and fullness. The costs for this method can vary, but most tend to average around $350 per session. Because this technique is temporary, patients typically need a new treatment every three months in order to maintain the effect.

-Lip Implants: In this technique, a synthetic implant is placed inside of the lip in order to achieve the desired fullness. This type of lip augmentation can be considerably more expensive, but the results are long lasting. Typical costs for this procedure range between $1,500 and $3,000, but always consult your surgeon for a more precise estimate of the total cost.

-Fat Transfer: In this method, the surgeon removes fat from some other area of the body with liposuction and then inserts it into the lips. Since this technique offers many advantages, such as a low rejection rate and extremely natural looking results, it is quickly become one of the most popular lip augmentation choices. However, this method is also one of the expensive, with total costs ranging between $2,500 and $4,500.

Paying for Lip Augmentation

Once you have chosen the option that is right for your needs, you need to determine how you will pay for your lip augmentation. Fortunately, there are a number of payment and financing options available. Many plastic surgeons even provide payment plans or contract with an outside company to offer cosmetic surgery loans. In other cases, you can also use your credit card to charge the cost of your lip augmentation. No matter what you decide, always spend some time carefully assessing your financial situation and budget resources. By spending some time planning today, paying for your cosmetic surgery will be easier and simpler.

By: Kendra Wagner

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