Full, voluptuous lips have been traditionally a sign of youth and beauty. The usual ratio of upper to lower lip is 1:1.6. But, characteristics of the lips change with age. Lips loose volume and the philtrum or area above upper lip is elongated. Overall aging, exposure to sun, smoking, drinking directly from water bottles or use of straws, mandibular bone loss all produce changes that affect the way the lips look. The result is a thinning of the lips, flattening of cupids bow, depression of the corners of the mouth and appearance of marionette lines.
Different products can be used to lessen the aging signs on the lips and around the mouth. Common treatments include Botulinum toxin type A, implants, dermal fillers, phototherapy, micro pigmentation, dermabrasion and platelet rich plasma.
The selection and use of the different therapies is an art, and varies from one patient to another, as not everyone needs the same treatment or combination of treatments. A natural looking result is a delicate matter and can be achieved only with proper knowledge and attention to details during application. Patients must be guided, and it is important to determine if they have reasonable expectations or if there are signs of a problem with self-image.
Many patients visit their doctor with some information on the treatment they are interested in, but usually they do not have a complete understanding of the effects or possible results. Botulinum toxin type A, for example, will relax the muscles as to minimize the “bar code” or smoker’s lips” as well as the marionette lines. Dermal fillers made of hyaluronic acid can minimize wrinkles all around the mouth and lips. They can also increase the volume of the lips and slightly elevate the corners of the mouth.
There are many different dermal fillers in the market; some are more permanent than others, durantion of the filler can vary from 4 to 12 months. Hyaluronic acid is more temporary filler, the best in case of adding volume to the lips. It adds volume and attracts water to fill by hydration. Calcium hydroxyapatite or poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) are longer lasting. Some of these stimulate the body’s production of collagen that will deposit on to the filler and bond to it. There are other fillers that are permanent that can bring permanent problems and are not indicated for the lips or the area around the mouth. Fat grafting to the lips and naso-labial folds is a good technique used to rejuvenate that area of the face as well as other areas.
Proper selection of the product and the physician to perform the treatment will help you obtain optimum results after treatment.
www.plasticsurgery.co.cr Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery in Costa Rica
