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Treatment Options for Thinning Lips

Throughout the history of mankind, thick, full lips have always been a desired feature. Many of us go to the extreme to get that perfect pucker, but what happens when you look in the mirror one morning and suddenly realize that your lips seem to be thinning? You start to wonder if you’re seeing things or if your once full lips have truly thinned out. Believe it or not, lips really do thin out over time. When we are young, our lips are plump and kissable, but as we age, that plumpness reduces slowly but surely. The good news is, you don’t have to spend your golden years with thin, flat lips. There are several treatment options for thinning lips that are available to everyone.

What causes lips to thin?

As we mentioned, in our youth, our lips seem to be fuller and thicker. This is because our collagen production is at an all-time high. Collagen is a protein in our bodies that is one of the main building blocks for connective tissue. It plays a major role in the makeup of our skin, muscles, bones, tendons, and pretty much every other part of our bodies. It’s also responsible for the elasticity we experience in our skin, which is why when we are young, our skin is smoother and more supple. Our lips have a significant amount of collagen in them, but as we age and our bodies produce less and low-quality collagen, our lips begin to show the effects, thus losing its plumpness and becoming thinner.

It isn’t just age that reduces the collagen in our lips, unprotected sun exposure does the same. Without protection like sunblock, our skin gets exposed to dangerous amounts of UV rays emitted from the sun. These rays have a nasty effect on the skin on a molecular level. Not only does it mutate our DNA (causing sunburn and potentially skin cancer), but it also breaks down the collagen in our skin. Basically, the radiation from the UV rays zaps away our collagen, leaving our skin wrinkled and dry. As for our lips, when the radiation destroys the collagen, our puckers become flat, brittle, and ultimately thin.

Treatments for Thinning Lips

1) Topical Cream

Certain creams have the ability to create the appearance of fuller lips. Moisturized lips that glow often appear to be thicker and more healthy-looking. Retinoids and other serums can even reduce the appearance of fine lines around the mouth, making the lips appear more puckered and less sunken in. Some topical treatments work to give you a healthy dose of vitamins that promote blood flow in the lips causing them to plump up. Talk to your dermatologist about finding the right topical treatment for you.

2) Botox

Botox can be used to lift the area around the mouth and minimize wrinkles and fine lines thus giving the appearance of fuller lips. An experienced physician usually injects botox into the vertical lines on the sides of the mouth. Getting rid of these lines instantly makes the mouth area appear younger. This also lifts the corners of the mouth, essentially raising the lips and getting rid of any drooping creating the perfect pucker. The results only last for about 3 to 4 months.

3) Hyaluronic Acid Lip Filler Injections

For a more head-on solution, lip injections work best. This option doesn’t just give the appearance of full lips, it actually plumps your lips. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in our bodies that provide elasticity and lubrication to our joints and cartilage. It’s also found in our skin to promote moisture and fullness, which is why it is perfect as a lip filler. When injected into the lips, the hyaluronic acid fills out the pucker creating thick and full lips. It can even be injected to the sides of the mouth to get rid of any fine lines and wrinkles. Results can last up to two years.

4) Fat Injection

Some people may opt for an even more natural and permanent solution. Using autologous fat, fat from your own body, a plastic surgeon can harvest it from various areas and inject it into your lips. Since this is not a filler, but actual body fat, the results are permanent. Keep in mind, however, that your body may absorb some of the injected fat, but ultimately your lips will still be fuller.

5) Laser Therapy

For a less invasive, more modern solution, you can try laser plumping. This treatment option uses a Nd:YAG laser to send laser heat energy to the target area. This heat goes beyond the surface of the skin to promote collagen production. It also firms the skin surrounding the lips making the lips seem to lift with a more defined pucker. When the collagen production kicks in, the lips naturally plump and smooth out. This, combined with the firmed surrounding skin, creates a young and healthy mouth. Results can last up to 3 months.

If you want to get your full lips back and are in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, just reach out to our experts at The Dermatology Group in Cincinnati, Ohio. We are ready to give you advice, resources, and treatment options. Give us a call today!

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