Lip augmentation radiance is a cosmetic procedure available to patients who seek a fuller and more youthful aesthetic appearance. Good candidates for lip augmentation radiance procedures are those who are unsatisfied with the appearance of their lips because of thinness and wrinkling caused by genetics, aging, or smoking. Lip augmentation radiance (known as BioForm Radiesse) involves injecting a substance called hydroxyl apatite into the borders of the lips in order to achieve a fuller and more pleasing lip shape.

Hydroxyl apatite is a gel solution of microscopic calcium particles that are naturally found in bone. This injectable is used in lip augmentation radiance procedures because of its high compatibility with the body. Because this natural derivative is used in lip augmentation radiance, patients do not need to undergo an allergy test, as is common with other lip augmentation injection procedures.

There are a variety of other benefits associated with the lip augmentation radiance technique. One cc of radiance is able to cover more area than other traditional fillers, such as collagen. Lip augmentation radiance results often leave a patient with more natural feeling and looking lips compared to collagen injection results. The lip augmentation radiance technique also requires less frequent injections.

The average lifespan of collagen injection results is about six months, whereas the results of lip augmentation radiance can last between one and five years. Studies have shown that after one year the amount of lip augmentation radiance filler decreases by approximately thirty percent. Some cosmetic surgeons recommend that patients receive touch ups periodically in the first four months of lip augmentation radiance treatment.

It is important to note that the lip augmentation radiance injection materials have not been evaluated and approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Hydroxyl apatite has been approved and used safely for decades in other medical techniques such as those involving dental, facial, and orthopedic surgery and vocal cord augmentation. Some surgeons state that FDA approval is expected sometime in 2005. Long term studies of lip augmentation radiance procedures have been conducted in Italy with much success.

As with all cosmetic surgery procedures, there are risks associated with lip augmentation radiance treatment. Patients should expect some swelling and discomfort in the first few days after a lip augmentation radiance procedure. The injection process is often more painful for lip augmentation radiance patients, as compared to collagen injection patients. This pain is often mitigated with appropriate anesthesia treatments. A surgeon will typically use a local anesthetic plus a sedative when performing a lip augmentation radiance procedure. The most serious, but rare, side effect associated with lip augmentation radiance treatment is the development of small white bumps below the surface of the skin. These bumps are the result of calcium deposits from the injection rising to the surface. Side effects are rare, however, and most patients are very satisfied with the pleasing results of lip augmentation radiance treatment.