The desire for plumped-up, pouty, and alluring lips is ascendant, from social media celebrities to patients we see in our offices every day. For many, especially younger patients, beautiful lips have become a “must have.” The explosion of new treatments and techniques in the last few years has made obtaining full, plump lips as easy as an office visit.
Facial plastic surgeries and treatments are often considered tools for rejuvenation as we age. However, according to a survey by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 64 percent of members saw an increase in cosmetic surgery or injectable treatments in patients under age 30 last year. Younger patients are increasingly seeking cosmetic treatments not for rejuvenation, but to enhance their beauty.
For patients interested in lip enhancement, there are numerous options. Soft-tissue fillers are by far the most popular. In 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the gel-like fillers for lip enhancement. Made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring compound found in our bodies, soft-tissue fillers can be used to fully enhance the lips or target specific areas where a patient might seek improvement. The body absorbs hyaluronic acid fillers over time, so lip enhancement with them is temporary. Patients should expect results to last between six months to one year.
Surgical lip enhancements or “lip lifts” are another option. This procedure requires the harvesting of the patient’s own fat via liposuction and re-injecting the material into the lips. Fat injections are intended to be permanent, and often are; however, sometimes not all the fat takes hold, which can result in asymmetry. “Lip lifts” represent the oldest form of lip enhancement and will typically involve some downtime.
A new trend in lip enhancement is the use of injectable neuromodulators, which are typically used to treat wrinkles, frown lines, and crow’s feet. While lip fillers and surgery add volume, these injections selectively relax muscles around the lips to create a more nuanced and contoured look. Used alone or in combination with fillers, injectable neuromodulators present an additional option for creating the ideal lip.
The lips are an essential part of the human face. Widely recognized throughout art and literature, lips are often central in matters of attraction and love. If you are interested in enhancing your pout and are unsure of what treatment is optimal, the best place to start is a consultation.
Joshua Rosenberg, MD, is an Assistant Professor, Otolaryngology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. A diplomate of the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology, Dr. Rosenberg is an expert in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and microvascular reconstruction.
