Lip Augmentation Risks and Complications

“A man had given all other bliss,

 And all his worldly worth for this,

 To waste his whole heart in one kiss

 Upon her perfect lips”

-          Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Lips are the most youthful aspect of a face, especially when complimented by high cheeks.

For years women have utilized injectables, lip enhancement surgery, over the counter plumping products and manual massage to achieve perfection. Today, when it comes to lip augmentation, there are more options available to enhance your lips.

When compared with other elective cosmetic procedures, there are few lip lip augmentation risks  but there are enough to pay attention and have concern. Lip augmentation risks typically depend on the implant or filler that you choose.

Synthetic Implants - There can be infection and irritation if the ends of the lip implant are too long for the cavity or not rounded off. The good thing is that it is reversible and can be readily removed. There may be permanent discolorations from the bruising, possible hematomas resulting in additional surgeries and excessive scarring from delayed healing or trauma. Deformity from excess scar tissue arising from an infection or the hands of an unskilled doctor is also a possibility.

Cadveric and Human Derived Products - Fascian, AlloDerm, CosmoDerm, CosmoPlast and other forms of cadaveric grafts or tissue derivatives supposedly are absorbed within your body with no after-effects. HIV, AIDS and other infectious diseases are often a concern.

Hyaluronic Acid - Newer injectable fillers like Restylane, Perlane and Hylaform supposedly have no side effects.

Hydrophilic Polyacrylamide Gels - Injectable products made from hydrophilic polyacrylamide gel do have some questionable issues. However, the manufacturers do report that the levels are extremely small, less than what you would receive on a daily basis from water and food. The other issue is that infection is a possibility and may be treated with localized injections of antibiotics, as well as a course of oral antibiotics.

Micro-Implants and Other Permanent Injectables - Artecoll, Metacrill, silicone and other permanent injectables have their risks as well. Not only can the risks include infection and others, but the injectables are not easily removed in the event of a problem. If the need for repeat injections persists, excision is usually the only option to lessen the amount of product that is triggering an inflammatory response in the tissues. Yes, it is impossible to know beforehand who will have a negative response, but it can be dealt with.

Silicone Oil - One area of particular concern is the use of silicone oil injections for cosmetic procedures. Injections of silicone oil are not approved for cosmetic use in the United States, period.