The Young Face: The Lips

As we age, a number of changes affect the contours of the face. Some of the more obvious changes take place in and around the lips. Take a look at the picture to the left. The young woman’s lips are generous and curve outwards at the borders, giving them a full, sensuous look. The area between the nose and upper lips (called the philtrum) is well padded and soft-looking, with well-defined ridges.

The Aging Face: The Lips

Now take a look at the older face. The lips have become flatter, rather like a deflated balloon, and have lost a lot of their youthful fullness. Their border (known as the vermilion border) is indistinct, and the philtrum has also flattened, its vertical ridges almost invisible. The corners of the lips have begun to turn down, giving a droopy look.

Is your mouth showing the signs of aging? If you are bothered by thinning lips and a lengthened, flattened philtrum, simple, “lunch hour” techniques can help restore the look of youth. Injectables such as Juvéderm, Restylane or Perlane can be placed in the philtral ridges, and around the vermilion border, and the lips themselves plumped up. A small amount of filler at the corners will reverse the droopy appearance. The overall result is a natural return to a more youthful-looking mouth area.

If you would like to know more about lip rejuvenation, please give us a call to set up an appointment for a consultation. Then be prepared for compliments!