Depending on lifestyle, genetics and environment, the passage of time can make your lips thinner and reduce the amount of collagen, the structural protein that gives facial features the full, smooth, healthy appearance of youth.
Dermal fillers have become increasingly popular as a convenient way to add volume to lips and erase wrinkles near the mouth. Below, experienced Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Charles S. Lee, MD outlines the many benefits of this noninvasive option, along with surgical procedures that can provide a permanent solution.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers have revolutionized lip volume augmentation, making it simple and convenient for millions of women to add new dimensions of elegance and fullness to their lips. The secret to these convenient injectables is not simply their ability to increase the size of lips, but also their effectiveness in stimulating the production of naturally revitalizing collagen. Although temporary, lasting from six months to a year, dermal fillers require only a brief office visit for each injection session, and downtime is minimal.
For optimal lip enhancement, Dr. Lee recommends Juvederm Volbella XC and Juvederm Ultra XC dermal fillers. Both add fullness to lips, while addressing vertical lip lines and other signs of aging in the surrounding area. Juvederm Ultra XC tends to add greater volume to lips, and is preferred when maximum fullness is desired. Restylane is also a popular choice.
Permanent Options
Much of the change in the shape of your lips and even the character of your smile occurs when the skin above the lips and below the nose loses integrity and begins to stretch. This can create not simply lines and wrinkles, but also a dour expression when the lips are at rest.
Upper lip lift compensates for this sag by tightening skin in the affected area. During this procedure, Dr. Lee makes an incision where it will be least noticed: in the crease formed where the nose meets the skin above the lip. By removing some of this skin, the upper lip is drawn slightly upward, restoring fullness and creating a more attractive shape.
Some patients prefer a greater tightening to bring back a youthful pout, while some seek a more modest change that will eliminate the thin, broad look of older lips.
Other surgical options include fat transfer, which uses your own body fat harvested via liposuction as a natural filler to add volume to the lips. Custom-made silicone lip implants, inserted into the lips through small incisions, provide a permanent way to keep lips looking full.
To learn more about making your lips fuller and more beautiful, schedule a personal consultation with Charles S. Lee, MD, or contact the Beverly Hills office of Enhance® Medical Center today.
