Concerns · Face
Thin, dry or poorly defined lips: causes and treatments
With aging, the lips lose volume and hydration, the contour becomes less defined, the corners of the mouth turn down and fine lines appear around the mouth, known as smoker's lines. In other people, the lips are naturally thin or asymmetric. Treatment combines hyaluronic acid filler, injectable hydration and, when indicated, botulinum toxin. At Yamagata Dermatologia, in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, the plan is defined by a dermatologist at the appointment.
Why it happens
The lips have thin skin and a lot of movement. Over time, they lose volume and collagen, the border (contour) becomes less sharp, the corners of the mouth turn down and vertical lines appear above the lip, known as smoker's lines. Sun, smoking and dehydration speed up this process.
In some people, the lips have always been thin or asymmetric, due to genetic features.
How the evaluation is done
The dermatologist assesses the lips at rest and when smiling, the proportion between the upper and lower lip, the contour, hydration and harmony with the rest of the face, and talks with the patient about the desired result.
Recommended treatments
- Lip fillerContour, volume and correction of asymmetries.
- SkinboostersHydration of dry lips, without increasing volume.
- Botulinum toxinGummy smile and lines caused by contraction of the mouth muscles.
- Erbium laserFine lines above the lip (smoker's lines).
- HyaluronidaseCorrection of previous fillers with excess or irregularities.
Combined treatments
Fillers can be combined with microdoses of botulinum toxin, for lines around the mouth, and with laser, for the texture of the skin above the lip.
All procedures are recommended and performed after an individual medical evaluation. Results vary from person to person.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I have just hydration, without increasing volume?
Yes. Hydration with skinboosters or small amounts of hyaluronic acid improves dryness and lip glow without changing volume.
Is lip filler reversible?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid can be dissolved with hyaluronidase, which allows excess or irregularities to be corrected.
I have had filler with another product. Can I redo it?
What was applied needs to be assessed. Permanent products require special care, and dermatologic ultrasound helps identify the material before a new procedure.
What are smoker's lines?
They are the vertical lines above the upper lip, caused by contraction of the muscle around the mouth and collagen loss. They are treated with laser, microdoses of botulinum toxin, fillers or a combination of these.
Team
Medical team
See also