Lip and Smile Enhancement

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.

COSMETIC DENTRISTY is another area that is rapidly changing. (See www.michaelrossdds.com)