Often we spend so much time worrying about facial wrinkles that we forget the one area that ages more quickly than anywhere else: the lips. Like other areas of the face, lips lose volume over time.
From the age of 40 collagen and elastin break down, often accelerated by sun damage and smoking.
Blood supply to the lips also decreases, meaning they lose their bright red colour and the lip line becomes less defined. Women are often nervous about fillers in case they end up with a “trout pout”.
However the right treatment from an experienced cosmetic doctor can make you look five years younger. Nowadays treating the lips isn’t just about adding volume but improving the appearance of the entire mouth area by correcting and improving all the visible signs of ageing including the shape, the skin and lack of definition.
WHAT IS THE PERFECT POUT?
When treating the mouth, getting the proportions right is crucial. The perfect lips should be well defined with a nice curve and the lower lip should be a third thicker than the upper lip.
The lower lip should also be slightly longer than the top and the outer corners should ideally turn slightly upwards or be straight. Lip height – the distance between thenose and the upper lip – is also important.
The perfect measurement is between 18-20mm while the distance from the lower lip to the chin should be twice as large, from 36-40mm. The upper lip should be smooth and line free.
l Protect your lips Lips do not have any sweat or oil glands which is why they become chapped and are so easily irritated. Lip gloss can magnify UV rays, making lips more likely to burn, so it is essential to use a lip balm with an SPF30 daily.
A good treatment plan should involve a combination of procedures – simply adding volume can look odd on an ageing face so ask your doctor about different techniques. The condition of your teeth can also affect the shape of your mouth and lips so consult your dentist about correcting any crooked or missing teeth.
l Fill ’em up
The most effective way to boost your lips is with dermal fillers and there are several new treatments that have been designed especially for the lip area. Restylane Lipp and Juvederm Volbella give a very natural result and can add softness and smoothness to the lips, increasing hydration and smoothing out fine lip lines.
Injectables can also correct vertical lines above the lips, restore shape to the lip line and correct sagging around the mouth. It is vital to find an experienced cosmetic doctor as they will know how much filler to use and where to place it, so make sure to choose a reputable clinic.
You should expect to pay from £250 per treatment.
Fat injections
The latest cutting-edge technique involves using a patient’s own fat. Fat is taken from the bottom or hips and re-injected into the lips. A local anaesthetic is given to ensure the procedure is comfortable.
The treatment costs from £1,800 and the natural results will last up to three years. For more information call 020 7436 4441.
l Wrinkle smoother
Botox can be injected along the edges of the upper and lower lip line, temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkling. The procedure takes 10 minutes and results will last for six months. From £200.
For advice on cosmetic surgery consult your GP. For more tips see lesleyreynolds.com
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