Lip Collagen Injections

As we age it’s not uncommon for our lips to lose some of the fullness they once had. While we are young higher levels of collagen and hyaluronic acid (HA) give our skin and lips structural support. Through natural causes like time, sun and wind collagen begins to break down and levels of HA decrease.

The result can often be that our skin loses some structure, fine lines and wrinkles appear and the lips may become drawn and thin.

Collagen lip injections are a non surgical treatment that can add volume to your lips, giving them a full or plumper appearance. Lip collagen is injected into the dermal skin layer where it attracts fluid to restore a more youthful lips.

You now have the option to choose between human based collagen and bovine based collagen.

Human based collagen fillers are injected into the lips and last for four months or more. Examples include Cosmoderm, Cosmoplast and Fascian. As human based collagen fillers are bio-compatible you won’t need to undergo an allergy test. On the first treatment the lips are usually overfilled as collagen is absorbed into the body fairly rapidly. With successive treatments more of the collagen will remain and results will last longer, in some cases they can be permanent.
Bovine based collagen fillers are derived from cows and as such you will need to go an allergy test before treatment. Bovine based collagen treatments are injected into the lip area and last for around the same amount of time as human based collagen. Examples are Zyderm and Zyplast.

Am I suitable for lip collagen injections?

Anyone can have human based collagen injections. About 3% of people will be allergic to bovine based collagen and will be unable to proceed with treatment.

Will the injections hurt?

The lips are sensitive and many people are concerned about the pain. While there may be some discomfort and the injections may prick a little, the pain should not be more than uncomfortable. Where appropriate an anaesthetic may be applied.

The injection procedure

Your doctor will examine your face and lips before treatment to decide where to place the injections. Collagen is then injected into your dermal layer of skin. You will feel a prick and a little discomfort. The whole procedure should take about 10 minutes.

Immediately after treatment your lips may be a little red and sore. This should disappear within about 48 hours. You will notice the effects of treatment immediately following treatment. It is not unusual for doctors to overfill the lips on the first treatment as 40-50% of the collagen is absorbed very quickly. Talk to your doctor about this.

How long will the effects of lip collagen last?

Results will vary from person to person but typically last four to six months. With successive treatments the effects will last longer.

What re the possible complications?

Lip collagen injections are considered a safe and effective treatment. Minor swelling and redness is common after surgery and should settle in a couple of days. In a very small percentage of people 1 in 2000 this swelling may last for a number of weeks. There is a very small risk of infection and ulcers.

How much do injections cost?

Around £250.00 per treatment.

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