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 As we age, our faces begin to show the effects of gravity, sun exposure, and years of facial movement. The lips, which are a central part of the face, can also become less pronounced and in some cases never become full enough. Lip augmentation is the process in which the doctor will increase the size and shape of the lips.
There are different materials that can be used to augment the lip including, alloderm, gortex and collagen. Dr. Clemenza prefers to use either alloderm or gortex because one is considered permanent (gortex) and other (alloderm) has shown to become incorporated into the tissue and last for at least 1-2 years following the procedure. Alloderm is a graft material that is processed from donated human tissue and is used for a broad range of reconstructive and cosmetic enhancements. It has been thoroughly screened and "freeze-dried". In preparation for use, the tissue is then rehydrated and inserted under local or IV sedation. Following transplantation, Alloderm begins to incorporate into the patient's own tissue and gives a soft, natural look to the lips. Gortex, which is a synthetic graft, has been used in the medical and surgical field for a number of years especially with vascular grafts. It is placed similar to the way alloderm is placed but does have a slightly different feel to the material and is considered permanent.
There area also a number of different new filling materials that can be injected into wrinkles or the lips but some are still not FDA approved. At the initial visit Dr. Clemenza will complete an evaluation and then discuss with you the options for lip augmentation and decide which one best fits your need.
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