Since the lips reflect the health, full, lush lips have always been a sought-after asset, especially among women. Sensual and youthful looking, plump lips can tremendously change a person's personality and appearance. Take Angelina Jolie for example - she has been named one of the sexiest women in the world and she has her pouty, luscious lips to thank.

As the world of cosmetic surgery advances, nothing is impossible. Anything that makes a person look and feel better is made easy with cutting-edge technologies, and certainly among them is lip augmentation procedures. Lip augmentation procedures increase the size of the lips to make them fuller and more attractive. Other than that, it can also reduce wrinkles in the mouth area. The procedure is used to help women and men of all ages. The upper or lower lip may be treated singly, or both upper and lower lips may be augmented at the same time.

Lip augmentation has become increasingly popular in recent years. Some types of lip augmentation involve the insertion of natural or synthetic materials. Many synthetic materials can be injected to make the lips look fuller such as collagen, fat, Artecoll, Autologen, Dermalogen, Fascia, Restylane and many more. Each of these materials has its own pros and cons so make sure you speak to your surgeon clearly about your choice. However, these injections require repeat treatments to maintain lip augmentation, as the materials are readily absorbed into the body.

There is also a surgical approach which takes longer to recover but provides longer lasting, or possibly permanent, results. The implants also come in a variety, from synthetic materials to one's own fat. However, if the implant is synthetic, there is a risk of allergic reaction.

As with any type of surgery, there are risks and complications involved in the procedure. You can have allergic reactions to implants or allergic reaction to anesthesia. There might be mild swelling and bruising during the first three to seven days. Prior to the treatment, it is advised not to take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications and if you smoke, it is suggested that you quit smoking for at least two weeks before the procedure. People with diabetes, poor circulation, heart, lung or liver disease, smoke, or those who have a family history of blood clots are at increased risk for complications. A discussion over medical history is vital.