Thin and aging lips are common concerns of our patients.
Collagen injections are the most commonly known treatment
for these problems. There are actually many different options
to improve the appearance of your lips and smile. The most
common treatments involve the use of fillers, like collagen
or fat. Other treatments include softening wrinkles with Botox,
laser peels, dermabrasion, or chemical peels. Still
another method to improve your appearance is surgery,
to lift, shorten, or thicken lips more permanently.
Finally,
the ultimate beautiful smile can be achieved with the addition
of cosmetic dentistry and oral surgery to
improve the appearance of your teeth. Whitening solutions
or the use of new lasers can provide dramatic results. Dental
implants, tooth bonding, and veneers are just a few of the
newer methods available to obtain your best possible smile.
As plastic surgeons, we do not provide these dental services,
but we do work closely with dentists and oral surgeons who
are experienced and skilled with these techniques. (See www.michaelrossdds.com)
Below is a brief outline of most methods and materials
available to achieve the best possible result. Further information
is available on each specific technique, or can be reached
through links on our web site. Let us give you something
to really smile about!!
FILLERS: These
are materials which can selectively fill various parts
of you lips creating more "pouting" or "Paris Lips" which
enhances the white roll or outer edge of the lips.
SURGERY: Can create permanent
improvements in the appearance of your lips. These procedures
are usually brief with quick recovery although some swelling
may persist for several weeks. The overall costs may be
less than repeated collagen or fat injections. As with all
surgery, some scars may be visible depending on the technique
and placement of incisions.
WRINKLES: may occur
around the upper lip and sometimes around the chin (the
perioral area). Smoking sun damage, and aging can contribute
to these changes. These areas do not respond to facelifts
and need one of the treatments listed below to achieve an
improvement.
