Our schedule is always packed with lip enhancements! I’d have to say it’s one of the most common enhancements people come in for. Some of our younger clients come in wanting just a little extra plump, others have naturally thin lips and need more volume, and some people just want a return to their youthful appearance. There are multiple ways to get a mouth makeover, no matter what you’re looking for. Here are five treatments that will get you luscious lips.
Lift. Some people have what’s known as a “sad smile.” A sad smile is where the corners of the lips are constantly pointing downward, looking almost as if they are being pulled down towards the chin. This gives the appearance of someone continually looking as if they are frowning, angry or sad. This effect is caused by certain muscles in the mouth being stronger than the muscles that oppose them. A Botox or Dysport injection into the depressor muscle in the mouth area causes the muscle to relax, allowing the corners of the mouth to be gently lifted and upturned. The effect is instant happiness! OK, well maybe not, but within a few days of injection, the corners of the mouth will relax and the overall effect will be a happier looking smile with more upturned lips.
If your downturned smile isn’t particularly pronounced, but there is still a visible depression in the corners of the mouth, giving you that unhappy look, a small amount of a delicate filler, like Silk or Belotero, injected into the corners of the mouth, can uplift a downturned mouth.
Define. Small amounts of filler, placed along the vermillion border (border of the lip) can give definition to an otherwise undifferentiated upper lip, while also calling attention to the cupid’s bow, resulting in a sexy pout. It can also can give the appearance of shortening a long upper lip.
Erase. Vertical lines that extend above and below the mouth are commonly known as smoker’s lines. A delicate filler like Belotero or Silk is very maleable and perfect for being placed in these shallow, fines lines, resulting in smooth skin around your lips.
Relax. Ever heard of a gummy smile? I hadn’t until I started at Body Tonic. A gummy smile refers to excessive visible gum tissue when smiling. It can be caused by several issues: small teeth, short upper lip, hyperactive upper lip, or overgrowth of gum tissues. The treatment for this is Botox. An injection of Botox in the upper lip reduces the lifting action of lip muscles (“elevator muscles”), which reduces the amount of gums visible when you smile.
Enhance. Lip enhancement can be as pronounced or subtle as you prefer. Make sure you are specific with your injector so your cosmetic goals are achieved. Restylane and Juvederm are the most commonly used dermal fillers for lip augmentation. This procedure will add volume to the lip, enhance your natural shape, even out any asymmetry, and the additional fullness makes the lip appear more smooth and youthful. Results generally last about a year.
