Whether it’s thinning lips or asymmetry, many people want to augment the appearance of their lips to achieve certain aesthetic goals. Fortunately, lip augmentation treatments are known to produce long-lasting results. Instead of temporary lip-plumping cosmetics, augmentation treatments work from the deeper layers of the skin to alter the appearance of the lips and even smooth the appearance of aging around the mouth. At Orchidia Medical Group in Naples, FL we know of several augmentation treatments that produce long-lasting results.
How Long Does a Lip Augmentation Last?
At a minimum, you can expect the results of lip augmentation to last for at least six months to one year. Some treatments can produce results that last two to three years. As a general rule, the longevity of these treatments is determined by several factors, such as the type of treatment used, your age, the location of the treatment, and your aesthetic goals.
For example, augmenting the lips with a dermal filler will produce temporary results that last for about six months simply because the placement of the filler means the formula is broken down more quickly. Treatments that work to produce collagen in the sub-dermal layers of the skin will generally have longer-lasting results, particularly for younger people.
Common Treatment Options
Lip augmentation treatments are becoming more and more popular each year. Some treatments work by using existing injectables in novel ways, such as a Botox lip flip to enhance the shape of the upper lip. Of course, the treatment option used for your treatment will be determined by your aesthetic goals, your skin type, and your preferences. Some of the most common treatments include:
Restylane
Of all the dermal fillers that can be used to enhance the shape and volume of the lips, Restylane is the most popular and one of the most effective. Restylane works by injecting hyaluronic acid into the lips, which then draws water to the skin cells to restore lip volume and smooth away visible signs of aging, such as lipstick lines. This treatment creates a subtle rejuvenating effect ideal for most people.
PDO Lip Threads
PDO threads are generally used to treat moderate to severe signs of aging in the lower face, but lip threads are a bit different. The principle behind this treatment is to help your skin create new collagen, which then adds to the firmness and plumpness of the lips. In particular, this treatment is a good option for refining the shape of the lips and correcting problems such as asymmetry or a weak vermillion border.
Exilis Ultra
Ultrasound and radiofrequency treatments are exceptionally effective for addressing visible aging on many areas of the face and body, including the lips. Exilis Ultra works by improving collagen formation on the lips and around the mouth, which helps you achieve a naturally hydrated and moist lip appearance. This treatment can be used alone or used to enhance the efficacy of other treatments.
How Does Treatment Work?
Your treatment process will first start with a consultation with one of our aesthetic experts. During your consultation, we will discuss your aesthetic concerns and go over your desired aesthetic goals. We will then make recommendations for your treatment based on the results you are looking for and help you decide which treatment is best.
For your appointments, your treatment session will usually take about 30 minutes to complete. Both Restylane and PDO lip threads will only require one appointment; Exilis Ultra may require multiple treatments to achieve desired results. All treatments are comfortable and well-tolerated. We can discuss comfort techniques, such as topical numbing creams, during your consultation.
Preparing for Treatment
You will need to make a few preparations for your treatment, such as discontinuing blood-thinning medications and supplements at least one week before your treatment. Ideally, you should also be sure your lips are in good condition on the day of your appointment, which means you may need to reschedule treatment if you have a fever blister, cold sore, or other breakouts near the lips.
Aftercare for Treatment
After your treatment, we will give you several directions to follow to ensure your results will develop correctly. For a dermal filler or PDO treatment, you will need to avoid moving your mouth for several hours, so you may only be allowed to eat soft foods or liquids for a day. We may also recommend that you avoid sunlight or use SPF lip products to protect against unwanted pigmentation during your recovery.
Why Do People Consider Lip Augmentation?
Humans have been paying attention to the lips for thousands of years – there are some psychology studies that suggest reproductive evolution is facilitated by cues found in physiological features, such as red and full lips being linked to fertility. After all, there’s a reason why red lipstick is a classic hallmark of beauty. In a very simple way, many people seek augmentation treatments for the lips to enhance their own beauty.
Of course, there are other reasons why people may seek these treatments. For example, some people feel self-conscious about lip thinning associated with the natural aging process, while others may want to correct one aspect of their lip appearance. The most common reasons to consider this treatment include:
Anti-Aging Results
The visible signs of aging show up like a bad habit on various parts of our face, particularly areas where volume loss is most noticeable. For some, the earliest signs of visible aging are loss of volume in the lips, which gives way to lipstick lines, perioral lines, and other lines around the mouth. The depletion of volume in the lips is caused by less collagen and hyaluronic acid being produced in the skin. Augmentation treatments increase lip volume to visibly restore a more youthful appearance.
Long-Lasting Results
Many people consider this treatment because the results last longer than cosmetics. Any lip cosmetics can only create a temporary optical illusion, which means your lips will return to their normal appearance as soon as the lip product is removed or wears off. It can be difficult to continually re-touch your cosmetics. Many people choose to avoid the hassle by opting for an aesthetic treatment that can create longer-lasting results.
Natural-Looking Results
While surgical augmentation is available with procedures like fat grafting, the best way to get natural-looking results is by using minimally invasive or non-invasive aesthetic treatments. Each of the treatments used at our clinic produces natural-looking results, which means you can feel confident about your appearance and not seem like you’ve had any “work” done.
Specific Aesthetic Goals
Lip asymmetry can occur between the bottom and top lips, or between either side of the lips. In fact, no human face is perfectly symmetrical, so it’s likely one-half of your lips are less full or less shapely than the other. While this asymmetry is usually subtle, some people have more noticeable asymmetry that they would like to correct.
Another common aesthetic goal is to simply have fully, plusher, more noticeable lips. Increasing lip volume to alter the shape of the lips can have a vast impact on your overall appearance, particularly if you combine this treatment with dermal fillers for more contouring. There are several “styles” for lip augmentation that can be used to achieve specific results.
Who Are Good Candidates?
Most people over the age of 21 are good candidates for augmentation. Whether you have anti-aging goals or you simply want to have fuller lips, augmentation treatments can be tailored to your exact needs so you can achieve all of your goals. The best candidates do not have any current lip conditions, do not have a history of hyperpigmentation or severe allergic reactions, and are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding. You may be a good candidate if you want to:
- Increase lip volume and fullness
- Reduce lipstick lines, smoker’s lines, and perioral lines
- Strengthen vermillion border
- Correct asymmetry
- Alter lip shape
- And more
Refine Your Lip Appearance With Augmentation Treatments
If you’re tired of constantly applying lipstick products to fool the eye into making your lips appear fuller than they are, it might be time to seriously consider a lip augmentation treatment. Treatments such as Restylane, PDO lip threads, and Exilis Ultra can help you achieve long-lasting and natural-looking results. Most people are considered good potential candidates for these treatments, particularly those with anti-aging goals. Contact our team at Orchidia Medical Group in Naples, FL to schedule your initial appointment today.
