Pronounced wrinkles in the region of the mouth can be very successfully treated with dermabrasion. This surgical procedure is carried out under local anesthesia or twilight sedation. Using diamond wheels of different sizes and shapes, the surgeon removes the superficial skin layer until the surface appears free of wrinkles and smooth. An artificial graze  is caused, which forms a scab. The initial very obvious healing process lasts 7 days, during which time the wound should be treated with an ointment. Some redness will persist for another five weeks and may be camouflaged with makeup.

A patient´s own fat can be used to enlarge the lips or to smoothen wrinkles.  The success depends on the correct preparation of the fat and careful implantation of the transplant. After about one year half of the fat has become permanently attached.

Dermal abrasion is carried out using sterile micro-crystals driven at high pressure onto the skin in an abrasive action, or using rotating abrasive diamond wheels which produce an artificial graze. Recently, CO_² lasers have also been used to polish away the skin, whereby the healing phase takes longer than for classical treatment methods.  Treatment is mainly carried out in the region of the mouth, in order to eliminate troublesome wrinkles.

Slim lips can, of course, be made to look larger through the skillful use of make-up, whereby the effect is highly transitory. A good alternative is injecting the lips with fillers, as the excellent results can last for up to two years.  To avoid pain a local anesthsia is performed in most instances.  As a rule a hyaluronic acid preparation or a collagen product is used.  In the case of collagen, an allergy test is first carried out. Since injections to the lips may cause redness and swelling, for the first few days saunas, exhaustive physical activity and sunbathing should be avoided.

Full lips make a face appear attractive and erotic. One method of enlarging the lips is by injecting fillers. Various materials are available. Collagen is well-known and frequently used. As this is of animal origin, an allergy test must be carried out before treatment. Hyaluronic acid is a biological substance which is also extremely well-suited  for lip enlargement. As well as being generally well-tolerated, this material does not require an allergy test. Since these are completely absorbable materials, the results last for a limited time and must be repeated after 6 - 24 months.

• Glossary