The lips may not be the first feature people think of when plastic surgery comes up, but lip treatments and lip surgery are extremely popular. We may all have diverse lip shapes and degrees of lip fullness, but many people would like fuller, shapelier lips. Women in particular tend to covet fuller, defined lips, especially as age starts to deplete some of the lips’ natural plump. But people of all ages seek improvement to the appearance of their lips. Whether extra fullness is desired or the effects of aging have caused wrinkling and thinning of the lips, there are a number of options for lip rejuvenation. Let’s take a look at some popular treatments:

Lip Augmentation

Lip augmentation is a popular choice for young people, and involves improvement in the fullness and shape of the lips. Many people opt for fuller lips and a classic “cupid’s bow” shape with a temporary or permanent augmentation procedure.

Dermal Fillers

The most common choice for lip augmentation, hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm offer patients a beautiful, natural look and feel when administered by a skilled provider. These fillers are known to pass the “kiss test,” meaning the lips retain a soft and natural feel after augmentation. Other benefits of dermal fillers include the non-invasive procedure and the accessible price point of the treatment. A simple injection process involving minimal downtime gets patients back to normal activities quickly, a must for many people with busy lives. Results of fillers last about six months to a year on average.

Lip Advancement

A more permanent option for making the lips appear fuller, lip advancement is a surgical technique for removing a small amount of skin at the edge of the lips to create the appearance of improved lip fullness and contour. Naturally, permanent surgical augmentation such as this is a bigger commitment than fillers and requires a certain amount of downtime after the procedure.

Lip Rejuvenation

For older patients, lip volume is still an issue, but for different reasons. Volume loss and reduced levels of collagen in the skin can cause problems like wrinkling around the mouth, thinning lips, and downturned corners of the mouth. Depending on the issue, there are a number of options available.

Chemical Peels & Laser Therapy

Resurfacing treatments can help ease fine lines around the mouth, which are telltale signs of age, especially in people who are smokers or have been in the past. Chemical peels range in strength, making them highly customizable. Both treatments are very effective for softening lip wrinkles.

Lip Lifts

There are a variety of surgical techniques that can be used to improve the appearance of aging lips, depending on the issues involved. Some of the problems that can be addressed include lip fullness, lip contour, and downturned corners of the mouth, which can lend a tired, sad, or angry expression.

Botox & Dermal Fillers

Injectable fillers and Botox are good options for dramatically improving wrinkling around the lips on a temporary basis. These injectable treatments are quick and easy and last anywhere from four to six months on average. Botox can also be used to lift the corners of a downturned mouth, an issue that can negatively impact the overall resting facial expression.

Choosing Your Procedure(s)

When it comes to modern plastic surgery, there is a lot of flexibility and customization available to patients. This is great news, as each patient is different, and customized procedures help optimize results for each person seeking facial rejuvenation. Only a qualified plastic surgeon can help you plan your procedures, so be sure to speak up about your goals during your consultations with prospective providers.

Finding a Surgeon

Whether or not you decide on a surgical method of lip rejuvenation or not, it is advisable to choose an experienced facial plastic surgeon to perform your procedure. Even lip augmentation with injectable fillers can result in complications if not performed correctly, and good results require a great deal of skill and artistry to attain. When researching plastic surgeons, be sure to look for examples of good past work, board certification, and specialization in facial procedures.

Dr. Rami Batniji is one of few surgeons in the Newport Beach area focusing exclusively on facial surgery. Dr. Batniji is double board certified in Otolaryngology (head & neck surgery) and offers patients a wide range of effective surgical and non-surgical procedures. Dr. Batniji’s skill, experience, and knowledge allow him to give beautiful, natural results to a diverse patient base. If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Batniji in Newport Beach (949-650-8882) or Beverly Hills (310-467-2180), call either location today.