Scottsdale – Almost all of the FDA-approved dermal fillers for facial augmentation have been used for lip augmentation at one point or another. Dermal fillers offer plastic surgery patients several non-surgical options for lip enhancement. Dermal fillers are easy to inject and provide patients with a quick recovery, minimal swelling, little if any bruising and a procedure associated with minimal pain. Juvederm® and Restylane® are both comprised of a substance that is naturally found in the body called hyaluronic acid. Radiesse® is made of calcium hydroxyl apatite microspheres that are suspended in a carboxymethylcellulose gel.

Restylane® versus Juvederm® for the lips.

Restylane® has been the most successful dermal filler for lip augmentation over the years. The results are predictable and last between 4 to 6 months. With time, the hyaluronic acid product diminishes and is absorbed harmlessly into the body. Restylane® is injected along the borders of the lip, the Vermilion border and the white line to nicely enhance these areas. Restylane® can be injected into the red portion of the lips to augment the overall size. Restylane® does not require skin testing before treatment. Treating the lips for augmentation entails an in-office procedure usually lasting less than 30 minutes.

Juvederm® versus Restylane® in your lips.

Juvederm® is the second most popular dermal filler, in our practice. Juvederm® is a smooth consistency gel made of cross-linked hyaluronic acid, and is a very soft dermal filler that feels more natural than Restylane® in the lips.The results are comparable to Restylane® and last between 4 to 6 months for lip augmentation. With time, the hyaluronic acid product in Juvederm® is absorbed harmlessly into the body. Juvederm is injected along the borders of the lip, the Vermilion border and the white line to nicely enhance these areas. Juvederm® can be injected into the red portion of the lips to augment the overall size. No skin testing is required before treatment. Treating the lips for augmentation entails an in-office procedure usually lasting less than 30 minutes.

Off-label use of FDA Approved products.

Use of these FDA-approved dermal fillers is considered off-label. This means that the product is used in an area not tested by the manufacturer and with no data review by the FDA. This is acceptable to do, but requires the patient’s understanding and consent before proceeding.