lip lines
Lone Tree, CO 80124
What they are
Lip wrinkles, also known as “lip lines”, are little vertical wrinkles and lines that form above and below the lips and sometimes on the lips, as well.
Common Causes
- Chronic sun damage– UVA/UVB sun exposure breaks down the collagen and elastin in the skin. Once these fibers break down, the skin thins and wrinkles
- Lifestyle– smoking tobacco is a major contributor to lip lines, because the toxins break down the collagen and elastin. Also, certain expressions such as making a “duck face”, blowing kisses, or drinking from a straw continually can cause lip lines
- Aging– as we age, we produce less collagen and elastin that is responsible for keeping skin plump and supple, even in the lip lines
- Genetics– lip lines can be more dominant in certain genetics pools of individuals. Preventative treatments and SPF 30 every day can help with the severity
Photo credit: Metecon
types of mouth lines
Vertical lip lines
nasolabiol fold
mesolabiol fold
Photo credit: Prasad Cosmetic Surgery
How to treat lip lines
Dermal Filler
Dermal fillers are used to help to fill and diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles by using a hyaluronic acid (HA). Specifically for lip lines, dermal fillers naturally restore lip fullness and soften vertical lip lines. Filler in this area makes the lips, above the lips, below the lips, and around the mouth look more youthful and give a balanced, structured appearance to the mouth area of the face.
ResurFX:
ResurFX is a non-ablative resurfacing laser treatment that can help target less severe lip lines. The laser beams penetrate into the second layer of skin, coagulating the tissue to allow for new, healthier tissue to grow. When this controlled “damage” to the skin tissue repeatedly happens, the lip lines start to smooth out and blend with the skin. Depending on the individual’s lip lines concerns, 3-6 treatments are usually recommended in conjunction with dermal filler to get the best aesthetic outcome.
Anti-wrinkle injections
Botox injections, or botulinum toxin injections, help with lip lines, because they stops the lip muscles from making a repetitive puckering face that can cause lip lines. This muscle relaxer can also help smooth vertical lip lines around the mouth. If lip lines are dominant trait in your genetics, it is great to start this treatment at a younger age to help prevent static, or in set wrinkles, from forming with aging.
RF Microneedling
Radio frequency (RF) microneedling helps with lip lines because of the 2-in-1 treatment of collagen production and skin tightening. The controlled wounds from the microneedling regenerate collagen and elastin production, while the heat energy from radio frequency tightens the tissue. Together, these two effects can help to soften lip lines over time. It is recommended to do this treatment 3-6 times with yearly maintenance. This treatment, complemented by dermal filler, gives the best aesthetic outcome.
Regular Microneedling
Regular microneedling with FDA approved, SkinPen, will help to reduce lip lines. By doing do, this treatment punctures controlled wounds deep into the skin to signal a healing cascade within the body. During the healing phase, collagen and elastin are produced and help to plump the skin where lip lines are prevalent. A recommended series of treatments, ranging from 3-6, will be best for optimal results depending on the individual’s severity.
*Of Note*
Inset lip lines can be caused from years of sun damage, repetitive facial expressions, and inevitable aging. This condition can take time and patience with treatments to help alleviate and better, that is why it is important to see a medical professional to designate which treatment is best for this condition. Without continual care, lip lines will come back and worsen. Also, aging is inevitable and no treatment is a permanent solution, rather a guideline for keeping lip lines at bay or softening. See a trusted provider for a complete, individualized treatment plan, just for you!