If your smile is showing the signs of aging or other youth-sapping factors, consider one of several options for lip augmentation. Jacksonville’s sunny climate means countless days lounging on the beach, boating down the St. Johns River or walking Northeast Florida’s beautiful parks and nature preserves. Of course, most know the importance of using a potent sunscreen to help protect the face, but many neglect the lip area. Resulting sun exposure, as well as aging, is among the main culprits of thinning, drying, lined lips that add years to your appearance.

Three main types of lip augmentation treatments are lip injectables, laser lip treatments and lip implants. At Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, Jacksonville patients undergo a thorough evaluation of their full facial features, desires and expectations for the outcome of their lip enhancement or lip augmentation treatments and lifestyle choices to determine their best choice for lip augmentation. Jacksonville plastic surgeons Dr. Philip Garcia and Dr. Roberto Garcia specialize in facial cosmetic and restorative procedures and offer multiple options for lip enhancement.

Lip injectables are the most commonly used form of lip augmentation. The procedures involve injecting matter directly into the borders of the lips to plump them up and smooth wrinkles, giving the lips a smoother, younger appearance. Among the numerous injectable products on the market today, Radiesse and Restylane are increasingly popular. Radiesse uses calcium hydroxyl apatite suspended in a gel, while Restylane’s key component is hyaluronic acid. Both occur naturally in your body. Calcium hydroxyl apatite is found in bone and used in prosthetic implants for dental, facial and orthopedic surgery. Hyaluronic acid binds to water up to 1,000 times its volume. Even as the acid is absorbed into the body, the water remains just under the skin’s surface, leaving lips looking full and smooth.

Lip laser treatments are a great form of lip augmentation for Jacksonville patients who may develop allergic reactions to injectable lip fillers, but work best for superficial, rather than deeper lip wrinkles. Laser treatments work by resurfacing the skin, essentially damaging it and forcing it to grow new, healthier skin and tightening the collagen and elastic tissue in the area around the mouth. They are considered preventative treatments rather than restorative treatments and there is a risk of temporary hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin surrounding the lips.

Another form of lip augmentation Jacksonville patients often choose is a lip implant. This surgical procedure involves placing an implant, usually made of silicone, beneath the lip surface. It’s much more permanent option than injectable lip fillers and laser treatments, but can be upsized, downsized or taken out altogether if you are unhappy with the results.

Each type of lip augmentation Jacksonville patients consider have pros and cons. Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery can help you decide which option is best for you, and also offers topical products for maintaining a healthy, youthful smile.