Lip Volume Loss
How does aging affect lip volume?
Unfortunately, with the natural process of aging we start to experience a decrease in collagen and elastin production. These fundamental proteins play a large role in maintaining facial volume, skin elasticity and overall plumpness. The lips are no different. Volume loss becomes more prominent in the lips as a result of slowed cellular turnover.
This means that the lips start to appear ‘skinnier’ with a loss of definition. Overtime, reduced collagen production means that fat pads start to thin and move in the lips, creating the appearance of flatter and smaller lips. This impacts the overall lower third as wrinkles begin to form around the mouth.
What are some of the primary causes of lip volume loss?
There are a range of factors at play when it comes to lip volume loss. Although natural factors like aging play a large role, factors like UV exposure and lifestyle choices like smoking can accelerate the depletion of collagen and wear down the skin's lipid moisture barrier- making it harder for your body to retain moisture. This is because smoking can decrease blood flow to the skin, and factors like poor dieting, high stress and skin hydration can increase oxidisation in the body.
How do genetics affect lips?
Genetics influence lip concerns like shape, volume and symmetry as well as the rate at which volume loss occurs. Some patients may experience more significant lip volume loss at an earlier age as genetics influence collagen production.
What are the signs of lip volume loss?
There are a few signs to look out for when identifying lip volume loss. This may include noticing reduced lip thickness, less lip definition, asymmetrical lips (with the top lip appearing smaller than the bottom lip or droopiness on one side) and the appearance of fine lines surrounding the mouth (also known as smoker’s lines). Patients often describe noticing a change in the shape of their cupids bow and overall smaller and flatter looking lips when discussing their lower facial concerns.
How does volume loss in the lips affect overall facial proportions?
The lips are a prominent feature in the lower facial third and directly impact overall facial proportions. Lip volume loss often creates an imbalance in overall facial proportions as the rate of volume loss does not occur evenly. Fuller and more plump lips are typically associated with a more youthful appearance, hence a common concern for patients. Less volume in the lips means less structure, creating fine lines and wrinkles. This can become more apparent when wearing lipstick.
What can you do about your lip volume?
An in-depth consultation with Nurse Kerziah can help you align your lip concerns and goals with realistic outcomes. We all have a different facial anatomy and lip structure. During this consultation, she can analyse your lip structure and skin type to determine the best strategies to reduce volume loss as you age. This means discussing lifestyle habits and current skincare routines to find areas of improvement to supplement treatment.
What to expect during the lip filler treatment
When you visit us at Next Aesthetics, you will experience the difference from the get-go. Safety is our number one priority while performing any treatment. Before any treatment is commenced you will be given a full facial assessment to make sure you are a suitable candidate to discuss lip volume loss treatments.
Here is how Nurse Kerziah carries out every lip volume loss consultation.
First, we assess your face and discuss your aesthetic goals. So, we can use the right techniques and the correct treatment for your cosmetic treatment. We pay careful attention to asymmetries and surrounding visible markers on the lips.
Next, we cleanse the treatment area and apply a topical numbing agent.
Once numbed appropriately and cleaned once again, treatments are performed based on the amount of lip volume loss, anatomy and aesthetic goal.
Once treatment is complete you will be given post care instructions and a follow up appointment will be booked in for 2 - 4 weeks to be seen at our clinic.
We take utmost care and follow every safety protocol properly while performing a lip augmentation procedure in our Norwest clinic.
Aftercare Instructions
What do I need to do after lip filler treatment?
Congratulations on your fresh lips. Here are a few important things to note.
Slight swelling, slight tenderness and slight bruising is normal. Paracetamol can be taken but not Nurofen (Ibuprofen). Large amounts of swelling, tenderness and bruising is NOT normal. Lack of blood flow, or a white/ dark rash tracking up the face is NOT normal. Please re present early if you have any of the above signs. Always call your practitioner if you have any concerns.
Ice wrapped in a tea towel can be placed on the lips for 10 minutes after the procedure to help with swelling. Your lips may be bigger the next day so don’t be too alarmed the swelling will subside.
Arnica tablets and topical Hirudoid cream can be used to minimise bruising. Keep in mind that the lips and the face are highly vascular so there is a risk of bruising.
No drinking alcohol, smoking or exercising for 24-48 hours post treatment.
No make up or lip stick on the lips for 12 hours.
Do not Massage your lips unless instructed to do so. Please call your practitioner for instructions.
Strictly speaking thin lip fillers can last anywhere between 6- 9 months and thick lip fillers can last 9-13 months. Keeping in mind that the Obicularis oris (lip muscle) is constantly moving and this can effect the longevity of the lip filler.
Patients who smoke, drink alcohol, exercise often and have more sun exposure can potentially cause the filler to break down much quicker.