Restylane for Lip Augmentation By Scott A. Wasserman, M.D.

For centuries a woman’s lips have been viewed as a sign of her sensuality. Look around, it seems that luscious lips are everywhere. Unfortunately not everyone is blessed with a pair of naturally beautiful lips. The few who are don’t get to keep them without a little help.

Lip enhancement and rejuvenation are two of the most frequently requested cosmetic procedures. From Alloderm to Zyplast the choices are numerous. Yet, to this point, none has been able to fulfill all of the criteria necessary in order to be considered the “perfect filler”. From short-lived foreign substances to a hard unnatural feel, fillers have fallen short as a whole.

Although, good news for labiaphiles may be just the other side of the vermillion border!

A Swedish company called Q-med has for years been supplying Europe, Canada and South America with a soft tissue filler that is about as ideal as anything available. Restylane is made of hyaluronic acid. It is a naturally occurring substance that is responsible for the supple, resilient feel of healthy well hydrated skin. Because it is natural and because of its strongly hydrophilic properties (it attracts water) hyaluronic acid is frequently found in lotions and moisturizers.

Q-med has succeeded by cross-linking hyaluronic acid to create a longer lasting, natural feeling, and safe filling agent.

It is used successfully to smooth out deep wrinkles in the face such as smile and laugh lines. One study has shown that in combination with BOTOX® the results are more pronounced and last even longer.

Restylane, and it’s slightly thicker counterpart Perlane, are reported to last anywhere from 3 months to one year depending on location. Those areas with more movement such as the lips tend to last a shorter time or require more frequent touch ups. Reports from physicians familiar with Restylane and Perlane reveal that it is wonderful for plumping up lips and accentuating the cupid’s bow and vermillion border. Many caution though, the longevity of Restylane depends heavily on experience and placement technique.

So what’s the downside? Cost is one. Restylane, while not available yet in the U.S. costs approximately $600 per 0.7cc syringe in Canada. Additionally, most people who are having their lips plumped require an anesthetic just prior to the procedure.

The good news is once it’s done you look great in less than 24 hours.

I’m reminded of the good old days when you would pull up to a gas station and the attendant would run out to your car. “Filler up?”

The Scottsdale Cosmetic Health Insitute provides the most advanced and innovative non invasive procedures available today. To learn more about mesotherapy and other cutting edge procedures, visit us on the web at http://www.The Scottsdale Cosmetic Health Insitute.com, email info@The Scottsdale Cosmetic Health Insitute.com, or phone toll free 866-588-6376.