The lips are a facial feature linked to sensuality and sex appeal, which is why many women seek procedures to make their pout more attractive. However, the majority of women do not want to resort to invasive surgical procedures to get the results they want. Injectable treatments are one way to add volume and fullness to the mouth without scalpels, anesthesia or a recovery process. At New York Group for Plastic Surgery, we offer a selection of dermal filler options so that we can tailor your lip procedure to your precise concerns and the outcome you are hoping to achieve.
Why Do Lips Thin Over Time?
Some women are born with thinner lips, while others see their volume diminish over time. Different factors might contribute to thinning lips, but the primary culprit is usually collagen loss in the underlying dermal structure. Collagen is a protein in the body that provides support to the dermis and gives skin a supple look. Because our bodies produce less collagen over time, our skin responds to the loss of support by getting thinner and looser. The lips are not immune to the effects of collagen loss either, which is why you may see this area lose its youthful plumpness as well.
The Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid
The best dermal fillers for plumping your pout contain hyaluronic acid. This sugar is also found naturally in the body, supporting the skin by helping it retain hydration. When hyaluronic acid is injected into the dermal structure, it restores the support needed to smooth away wrinkles and restore youthful volume from the inside out. Two hyaluronic acid fillers work well for lip treatments:
Juvederm Volbella
This relatively new dermal filler was approved by the FDA as a lip treatment last year. The formulation has a smooth, silky texture with small particles that provide the necessary volume without leaving lumps or bumps behind. This product has also been approved to reduce the appearance of perioral lines – those vertical lines that form above the upper lip and are also known as smoker or lipstick lines.
Restylane Silk
This product in the Restylane family was the first to be introduced primarily as a lip filler. Like Volbella, this formulation produces smooth, even results and can also be used to diminish perioral lines. In clinical studies, nearly all of the patients treated with Restylane Silk saw satisfactory results within two weeks after their injections.
While these products are very similar regarding how they work and the results they offer, Volbella results tend to last longer than Restylane Silk. In fact, some patients enjoyed their fuller pucker for up to 12 months before needing another Volbella treatment, while those that had Restylane Silk injections often needed a touch-up procedure after about six months.
What The Procedure Entails
No matter which dermal filler you choose, the process is virtually the same. Injections are made using small needles at strategic points along the lips to ensure an even, natural result. You may request ice or a topical numbing cream before treatment if you are concerned about your comfort level during the procedure. The entire process takes a few minutes, and you should be able to resume your activities immediately. Results will be apparent right away and continue to improve in the following days as the formulation diffuses into the treatment area.
You don’t have to settle for thin lips today, whether they are a product of Mother Nature or the aging process. Contact New York Group for Plastic Surgery today at one of our four locations: 888-834-2075 (New York City), 914-366-6139 (Tarrytown) to find out if lip fillers are the right choice for you.
