*Actual patient of Dr. Lum*
Lip augmentation can be accomplished in a variety of ways. We can use fillers, neuromodulators or skin resurfacing procedures.
Dermal fillers are a popular way to enhance the lips. They can be performed on individuals ages 21 years and older. Young and older adults may wish to enhance their natural appearance or simply look more youthful. As we age, our skin loses volume, holds less moisture, and provides less structural support of the lips. Fat, muscle and bone volume also decreases. These factors must be considered when evaluating one’s overall facial appearance. Four hyaluronic acid fillers are FDA-approved for the lips or areas around the mouth. These include Restylane, Restylane Silk, Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Volbella.
Some people do not want their lips to look big; they simply want to restore them to a more youthful state. The corners of the mouth may turn downward with age, but can be improved by implanting dermal fillers in a variety of techniques to provide support. Neuromodulators are sometimes used to relax the muscles that can turn the mouth corners downward.
The vertical lines (sometimes referred to as “smoker's lines”) around the mouth can be treated without dramatically changing the appearance of the lips. Botox, Filler, smooth PDO threads, microneedling, radio frequency (RF), IPL/laser and PRP are also options. All these options take different approaches to addressing the creases. Botox relaxes the muscles underlying the creased skin, filler “fills” in the lines, smooth PDO threads provide a scaffold of support. PDO threads, microneedling, RF, and IPL/Laser create a very calculated soft-tissue injury to trigger a healing cascade to build up collagen and other components of the skin. PRP or Platelet-Rich Plasma is a healing enhancer that works well at sites of injury.
When used in combination, these modalities work better than any one approach used alone.
If you’re looking to add volume to your lips, enhance their shape, or accentuate special features such as the Cupid’s bow or perhaps you want to balance out your lips so that they look more symmetric and in proportion with the rest of your face, lip augmentation using dermal fillers is a very popular, safe and proven method.
Our lip augmentation procedures that utilize non-permanent dermal fillers are reversible and completely biodegradable. The stretching of the skin structure with these fillers has been shown to stimulate the body’s own collagen production, which provides you with added cosmetic benefit.
Soft tissue augmentation is an integration of science and artistry. It is important that you clearly discuss your goals with the doctor, so he can provide you with options and a treatment plan. To read more about lip fillers, click this link.
