Lip augmentation is a popular cosmetic treatment. Apart from applying a lipstick or moisturiser, there are a lot of things that can be done to augment the beauty of the lips. There are various surgical and non surgical techniques for better lips. A select few are listed below:

Lip augmentation with peel: This is a non surgical and affordable method. It involves cleansing the lips, applying a stimulant peel and then a conditioner or nutrient. To get best results, 4-6 applications are required followed by applying a maintenance gel at home. The peel removes wrinkles making the lips fuller.

Lip augmentation with fillers: Injecting hyluronic acid fillers is a safe and simple way to fill up thin lips. The fillers used for lips are thin or light in nature and blend in with the lips, making them absolutely soft and full. They get absorbed in eight months to a year and might need refilling. Skin numbing creams and local anaesthetics numb the lips and make the process comfortable. Bruising is the only downside, which happens in very few, and if it happens takes two to three weeks to fade.

Fat grafting: Fat is suctioned from the tummy or thighs and processed into minute goblets. This is then injected through microcannulas, in the same way as fillers. Up to 50 per cent of the fat survives and stays long term. The fat also has adult stem cells which rejuvenate the tissues intrinsically.

Lip reduction: The lips can very effectively be reduced by taking out a portion of the inner, non visible part. The lip not only reduces in thickness but also rolls in. The wound heals in two weeks and swelling settles in 4 to 6 weeks.

Micro-pigmentation or medical grade tattooing: There is a craze for permanent darkening of the lips with the help of medical grade tattoos. Colours are tattooed in with a medical grade micro-pigmentation device, using all aseptic precautions. Over the years, it may fade off. However, it can be redone with a simple touch-up.

The writer is a cosmetic surgeon.