
Lip Augmentation with Autologen
Lip augmentation with autologen involves injecting the lips with patient-derived collagen to enhance plumpness and definition. Collagen is the main connective protein in the body. In this procedure, the patient donates collagen and then has it sterilized, processed, and stored for up to 5 years in a cryochamber for use in future injections. Autolgen is the patient’s unique biological matter and is not rejected by the body, making it the safest and most natural type of lip filler.
The Skinny
Lip Augmentation with Autologen- avg. recovery
- 5 days
- permanence
- Temporary
- Type
- Injected
- surgical
- No
- cost
- $200 - $350
About the Procedure
Last Updated: 02.25.2021During a lip augmentation with autologen, the patient’s own collagen is harvested, processed, and stored cryogenically in a sterile solution for up to five years from a previous surgery. This natural biological protein can then be used for future lip injections over time. Unlike other collagen-based dermal fillers like CosmoDerm and Zyplast, autologen requires no screening for allergic reactions before use. It can be used at the patient’s will with no waiting period necessary. A single injection procedure takes a board certified plastic surgeon 15-30 minutes to perform in most cases. A fine gauge injection needle is used to insert the autologen after the lip is swabbed with an antiseptic numbing agent. Patients report little discomfort with this quick outpatient procedure. Because autologen is the patient’s biological matter, it causes few side effects or rejection complications. Immediate results can be seen with full recovery typically taking just a few days. Little downtime is expected after this safe procedure. Various factors affect the cost of this type of lip augmentation such as the requirement for having a previous surgery to harvest the autologen.
The goal of lip augmentation with autologen is to plump lips for a more youthful appearance.
What to Expect
Lip augmentation can be achieved with patient-derived collagen, called autologen, to enhance plumpness and definition. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after lip augmentation with autologen.
Recovery Notes
Following lip injections with autologen, avoid massaging the lip and mouth area. Do not engage in any strenuous physical activity for at least 6 hours after treatment. It is recommend to sleep in an elevated position to reduce any residual swelling.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for lip augmentation with autologen will have had a previous surgery to collect the autologen and have naturally thin lips or an age-related decrease in lip volume.
Not Recommended For
Lip augmentation with autologen is not recommended for candidates who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an infection in the area. It is necessary for patients to have had a prior procedure to harvest the needed components for this injection.
Side Effects
Side effects from lip augmentation with autologen may include pain, bruising, asymmetry, and prolonged edema.
Pros
- no risk of rejection
- no risk of allergic reaction
- less likely to reabsorb
Cons
- expensive
- time to process autologen
- previous surgery necessary
- temporary