Lip enhancement has been in demand for some time now, but there has been a backlash against lip injections or lip implants.
The backlash may be due to those who have gone overboard when adding volume to their lips, creating what’s been called “trout pout,” or fish lips.
While a full mouth can be appealing a trout pout usually isn’t. Thankfully, there are ways to avoid that over-enhanced look. It starts with seeing an experienced facial plastic surgeon and ends with understanding what makes your lips look appealing in the first place.
Lips and the Aging Process
Thinning lips are just another part of the aging process. As you get older your body produces less collagen, the protein that provides support and structure to your skin. The reduced collagen production leads to sagging, less elastic skin. As the protein also plays a part in supporting your lips and keeping them plump, a decline in collagen also leads to thinner lips,
An older method of lip augmentation involved injectingthelipswithcollagen. But thanks to the development of dermal fillers, collagen isn’t used very much anymore. Newer options last longer and create a more natural look.
Appealing, Natural Lips Are All About Balance
You have geometry to thank for the way your face looks. Facial balance is all about the right angles and proportions. For example, a nose that’s turned up about 95 degrees is generally considered the most attractive.
Angles and proportions also come into play when it comes to your lips. For example, a youthful looking mouth usually turns up slightly at the corners. The center of the upper lip is usually slightly less than an inch lower than the lower part of the center of the nose.
Most importantly, the lower lip is usually bigger than the upper lip. Trout pout occurs when whoever is enhancing a person’s lips ignores that rule. Usually, the upper lip is about 70 percent the thickness of the lower lip. When both are the same size, or when the upper lip is wider, the results look unnatural.
Less Is More With Lip Enhancement
One good rule of thumb to remember when enhancing the lips is not to overdo it. You can always schedule a follow-up appointment if you’d like more volume added. Reversing the injection or implant is possible sometimes, but doing so can be complicated and costly.
When it comes to lipenhancement, some options require more commitment than others. While every option can be reversed, doing so can require surgery. The most temporary option is to have your surgeon inject a filler into the lips.
Fillers used in the lips are typically made from hyaluronic acid, which, like collagen, is naturally produced by the body. As you age, your body begins to produce less and less of it, too. The results from a hyaluronic acid filler will only last for a few months. If you absolutely dislike the results, your doctor is usually able to inject another substance into the lips, which will absorb the hyaluronic acid and return your lips to their original size.
Lip Enhancement Options That Are More Permanent
Another option that also involves injections is fat grafting or transfer. The results from a fat transfer injection are usually long lasting, though it’s possible for your lips to reabsorb some of the fat. You can undo the effects of a fat injection if you aren’t happy with the results. But, that usually requires surgery to remove the fat from the lips.
If you are looking for a long lasting plumper pout and don’t have enough extra body fat for a fat graft, your surgeon may recommend a lip implant. Receiving the implant does require surgery, but the incisions are made inside the mouth and the scars are generally not visible. If you tire of the implants, your surgeon can perform another procedure to take them out.
Although lip enhancements are for the most part reversible, the procedures aren’t anything to rush into. Carefully weigh the pros and cons and speak with your surgeon before going forward. You might find that having hyaluronic acid injections are a good place to start, before deciding to have something more permanent done.
Contact MirrorMirror and Book a Free Consultation
If you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation, or if you have a question about dermal fillers, please contact a patient coordinator at our office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at 281-810-9083. You can also reach us by email.
Every treatment is monitored by Dr. Paul Vitenas, who has practiced in the Houston area since 1990. He has been named one of Houston’s Top Doctors and America’s Top Plastic Surgeons. He’s also been awarded Houston’s Most Compassionate Doctor and a Top Doctor for Women.
The office of Mirror Mirror is conveniently located in the heart of Houston. If you are not a local, we can schedule an online consultation. We can also assist with travel and financing arrangements. We think you will see the reflection of something great at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique.