Thinning lips can be caused by a number of different factors, ranging from genetics to environmental factors such as smoking and exposure to the sun. Due to the vital role that lips play in facial aesthetics and expressions, many people that experience thinning lips look for ways to counteract these effects. So, can thinning lips actually be reversed?
Thinning lips can be successfully reversed using a number of different methods. The most popular method for increasing lip volume and definition is using dermal fillers to boost lip volume and shape. Other lip augmentation treatments include lip implants, fat grafting, and lip lifts.
Keep reading to find out more about thinning lips and what can be done to increase lip volume.
What Causes Thinning Lips?
Our lips have a very complex structure. Formed from muscle, skin and mucosa, lips have a rich supply of blood vessels that gives them their distinctive colour. With time, our skin produces less collagen and elastin, which are the proteins that give our skin its structure and smoothness. This leads to thinner, less defined lips. Whilst the definition and structure of lips is primarily dictated by genetics and the natural ageing process, a number of environmental factors can accelerate this process such as smoking, dehydration and exposure to the sun.
Can You Fix Thin Lips?
Fortunately, if you do have thin lips, there are a number of options to increase the volume and shape of your lips. Some solutions are more temporary and less effective, and others are more permanent with substantial results. For example, while lip augmentation treatments often provide significant improvements that last a long time, the procedures themselves can be invasive and therefore carry a higher risk of complications developing.
What Is Lip Augmentation?
Lip augmentation refers to a number of cosmetic procedures that are designed to increase the volume in your lips. Examples of procedures include:
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- Lip Implants – A small incision is made at the corners of the mouth, into which an implant is inserted by a surgeon. This boosts lip volume and provides greater structure to the supporting tissue.
- Fat Grafting – Lip injections are formed from fat taken from another area of your body, which is then added to the lips to give a boost in volume and definition.
- Lip Lift – Excess skin is removed from the area between the nose and the upper lip. The plastic surgeon is then able to pull up your lips, making the lips more prominent.
While these treatments can deliver significant results, the methods of treatment can carry a higher risk of complications developing. It is vital that before booking a treatment you receive a consultation with a qualified professional that can advise you on the best course of action.
Are There Any Less Invasive Methods for Reversing Thin Lips?
There are a number of ways to treat thinning lips without the need for invasive surgery.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers have become the favoured method for increasing lip volume and definition. Hyaluronic acid lip injections boast a less invasive procedure that requires minimal downtime. The results of receiving dermal filler lip injections can last from six months to a year, and the side effects of receiving the treatment tend to be limited to mild swelling and bruising at the site of injection. Using hyaluronic acid for lips stimulates the production of collagen in the skin to provide firm, smooth skin. Dr Owen often uses a cannula with local anaesthetic to provide a very natural and safe result which is almost painfree.
Lifestyle Changes
Whilst receiving treatment can successfully combat thin lips, it is also worth considering making lifestyle changes to help slow the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin. This will help to keep lips looking fuller for longer. For example, consider quitting smoking, stay hydrated as much as possible, and protect your skin from the sun.
Book an Appointment for Lip Injections with Infinity Aesthetics
If your lips are thinning or you are looking for a quick and pain-free method of boosting lip volume and structure, book an appointment to receive lip fillers with Infinity Aesthetics. Dr Owen Thomas will handle your procedure, and you will receive a detailed consultation before treatment to identify your goals.
Dr. Owen Thomas has been a medical doctor for more than 20 years since qualifying from Cardiff in 1999, now specialising in aesthetics in London and Swansea. After a 2 year level-7 Master’s Degree course in injectable aesthetic treatments training at Harley Academy, and additional study with Empire Medical Training in the US and other experts renowned in their field, he won a scholarship in the prestigious Aesthetic Intelligence Fellowship run over 7 months in Kensington, London and Paris.
