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The lips are the unsung heroes of the face. In fact, if you were to sing about them, you would need backup from your (wait for it) lips!

The human mouth processes language, food, and emotion with relative ease, but all of that stress can add up over time. Lips become deflated and weary as our bodies age. As the structure of the mouth loses shape, the skin tends to hang away from its underlying support system of musculature and soft tissue. This leaves the mouth appearing wrinkled and lifeless.

In other words: loose lips sink appearances.

To add verve and vitality to the lower face, consider the benefits of a lip filler treatment. But not all fillers are equally fulfilling. Let’s walk through the pros and cons of cosmetic enhancement together, paying close attention to the mouth region. Read our lips and follow along!

FOR YOUR COLLAGEN CONSIDERATION

There’s a lot of talk about collagen these days, but it may lead to much misinformation. Collagen is the most prevalent protein in the human body, forming a flexible system of scaffolding that helps maintain healthy skin, organs, and other essential physiological functions.

But as we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen. When the structure of the lips breaks down, gaps emerge below the surface. Lip fillers literally fill those gaps, adding volume and definition to the contours of the mouth. 

So, the first thought that occurs to many doctors is this: why not just replace the collagen directly. Early lip fillers answered this question by developing products like Zyderm, which is formulated from bovine proteins. Any time you introduce foreign samples into a human subject, there is a chance for adverse effects such as allergic reactions.

To avoid the harmful side effects of injecting cow collagen into patients, developers introduced CosmoDerm. The innovation of CosmoDerm is that it is bioengineered from human skin samples, so it is less likely to be rejected after insertion. 

The only problem with CosmoDerm is its lack of fluidity. When you want lip enhancement, you demand a solution with a silky texture. The injectable must be able to seamlessly diffuse through the mouth region without clumping or coagulating. That is why many aestheticians quickly learned that they needed to combine collagen fillers with hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a substance naturally found in the human body. By mingling effortlessly with the extracellular matrices (ECM) propping up the skin, hyaluronic acid acts as a dermal filler that celebrates the natural contours of one’s features.

The popular enhancement products Restylane and Juvéderm harness the power of hyaluronic acid to bring fullness and fierceness back to aging lips. As the mouth enjoys its optimal volume, wrinkles are smoothed out above. Truly, Restylane and Juvéderm plump the skin from within, transforming withered lips into wonderful conversation pieces.

FAT’S THAT!

Before we discuss the additional benefits of hyaluronic acid, it is worth noting that some patients seek the rejuvenating support of their bodies’ own fat cells. By gently removing unwanted bulk via liposuction, your doctor may be able to put those extracted cells to use. After purifying a tissue sample, viable fat cells can be injected into the lips with varying degrees of success. The body may absorb the fat cells, flushing them away as waste like any substance it deems unnecessary or out of place. 

Fat grafting is an alternate approach to lip enhancement, but it is fraught with its own pitfalls. Grafts have the tendency to clump and form an uneven texture along the lips. Patients must also consider the scars left behind on the donor site (the area where the fat was harvested).

When all is said and done, fat transfers and grafts are less reliable than the proven results offered by Juvéderm and Restylane. These popular dermal fillers spur the body’s natural production of collagen, so their benefits are long-lasting. 

Hence, hyaluronic acid injections to the lips present results in several waves; you will enjoy an immediate boost in volume immediately following your first session. When your body’s collagen engines kick in, they extend the rejuvenating effects of hyaluronic acid for 8-12 months.

SAY HI TO HYDRATION

Hydration is another fringe benefit of hyaluronic acid-based injectables. The molecular structure of hyaluronan binds with water, effectively cradling moisture. Your complexion is nurtured and hydrated for months following a dermal filler treatment.

We strongly advise you to quit smoking if you are interested in the ravishing rewards of a dermal lip filler. Tobacco products tend to leach moisture from the skin, which is counterproductive to the entire rejuvenation process. 

Also, smoking leads to an unwelcome phenomenon known as “smoker’s lines.” In addition to the dehydrating effects of nicotine products, a smoker tends to pucker tightly around the cigarette in their mouth. The repetitive contraction of the fine muscles around the lips pulls at the skin, causing fine lines that deepen over time. Dermal fillers can plump those lines, and they also work in conjunction with Botox Cosmetic, which eases the tug of persistent facial muscles that contribute to wrinkles. 

PUCKER UP TO PERFECTION

No two lips are exactly alike – not even the two on your own face! The upper lip presents a signature swoop to the world, courtesy of the thin vermilion line that defines its top border. The lower lip can be pouty and playful, projecting a vast array of expressions that are limited only by your inhibitions and your imagination.

To celebrate the power of your pout, consider a visit to Dr. William J. Binder. Conveniently located in Beverly Hills, California, Dr. Binder is a visionary when it comes to subtle yet striking facial enhancements. Contact our office at your earliest convenience and put a smile on your face!