A variety of non-surgical and surgical options are available to enhance the volume and shape of lips and other areas of the body.

Restylane
Restylane was FDA approved in January of 2004. Restylane is made up of hyaluronic acid, a clear gel that is naturally present in the skin and other body tissues. Because it is naturally present in the body, no allergy testing is required. Restylane generally lasts between 4-6 months. The material has a very soft consistency and the results of augmentation are similar to those achievable with collagen. Other than lip augmentation, Restylane is used to treat nasolabial creases, marionette lines and droopy corners of the mouth, and the deep vertical lines seen in aging lips.

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Radiesse
Radiesse FN injections are a relatively new method for lip augmentation. Radiesse is made up of natural elements (calcium and phosphate) and is injected as a filler into the lips and nasolabial folds. It appears to have greater longevity than collagen, but causes more post operative discomfort. There are no incisions on the lip and swelling is generally minimal.

Sculptura
Polylactic acid (Sculptura) is an injectable bio-absorbable material that has been approved in Europe for a number of years and is the only agent currently FDA approved for HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy. The substance stimulates dermal fibroblasts to produce collagen, leading to thicker but natural feeling skin. In many ways, its action is similar to that of injectable collagen, except that it has a more durable effect. The injected area requires frequent massage in the days following injection to avoid nodule formation. Results in the temporal area are generally less satisfactory than those in the cheek area. Polylactic acid gradually reabsorbs over a 2- to 3-year period and therefore can be expected to be active over most of this time. 'Top-ups' may be needed at regular intervals to maintain optimum benefits.