Newswise — The lips are one of our most prominent facial features and many people define beauty by their lips. In fact, many celebrities are renowned for their full, plump lips. With the advent of new filler substances and quick procedures with minimal downtime, lip enhancements have gained in popularity.
Speaking today at ACADEMY '06, the American Academy of Dermatology's summer scientific meeting, Kimberly J. Butterwick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a dermatologist in La Jolla, Calif., discussed the options to achieve the best lip enhancement.
"Regardless of whether you are a young person looking for fuller lips or an older person looking to restore your younger appearance, a lip enhancement needs to look natural," said Dr. Butterwick. "Accurate knowledge of lip anatomy and lip symmetry is essential to achieve a natural, full lip. In many cases, the best enhancement is done by filling both the lip and the surrounding areas."
The skin is made up of several components: collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin. Fillers are flexible substances that can be injected beneath the surface of the skin where they improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the skin's volume. They are often used to help plump lips, fill hollow cheeks, improve scars and elevate deep folds.
CollagenCollagen acts as the support structure for the skin. Over time, this support structure weakens and the skin loses elasticity. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), purified collagen from cattle (bovine collagen) and humans is most often used to treat very fine wrinkles around the mouth, or classic "smoker" lines, and to add volume to thin lips. Collagen products help add structure back to the skin and the results often last three to four months. "Collagen products are very forgiving and work well for replacing volume," stated Dr. Butterwick.
Bovine collagen, the first form of collagen, has been in use for more than 25 years. Nearly five years ago, human-bioengineered collagen, or collagen derived from human cells, was approved by the FDA. The advantage of human collagen is that it does not pose an allergy risk, while bovine collagen does and requires a skin test before use. Both types of collagen are formulated with an anesthetic to prevent any discomfort to the patient.
Hyaluronic Acid GelAnother FDA-approved filler is hyaluronic acid gel. A natural component of skin, hyaluronic acid gel holds the collagen and elastin of the skin together. When injected into the skin, hyaluronic acid gel binds to water and provides volume to plump lips and fill larger folds of skin around the mouth and cheeks. Results can last from three to six months, or even longer.
Dr. Butterwick explained that while hyaluronic acid gel does not pose an allergy risk, the drawback is that it does not contain an anesthetic, so the injections can be painful. This product also can produce temporary inflammation, swelling and redness, particularly in the lip area.
Combination Fillers"A good lip enhancement can be achieved utilizing both collagen and hyaluronic acid gel," said Dr. Butterwick. "By using the collagen first, the skin is numbed allowing the hyaluronic acid gel to be used pain-free. Additionally, each filler provides a different level of support, so the overall enhancement looks very natural. Dr. Butterwick noted that regardless of which filler is used, the effect is temporary and multiple treatments will be required for a long-lasting effect.
Other FillersOther fillers, such as calcium hydroxyapatite and poly-L-lactic acid, often are used for enhancement of the lips' surrounding areas. While these fillers are not placed directly in the lips, they add to the overall effect by filling and supporting the lines and hollows around the lips. They can soften a down-turning mouth and restore fullness to the larger folds of skin around mouth. Botulinum toxin also may be placed in key areas around the lip to minimize muscle movement that contributes to wrinkles such as frowning and pursing.
Dr. Butterwick recommends that anyone considering a lip enhancement consult a dermatologist to discuss the best options for treatment. "Despite their ease of use, filler injections are a medical procedure and should be handled by a board-certified physician in order to achieve aesthetically natural lips and to reduce the risk of side effects," reminded Dr. Butterwick.
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 15,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or http://www.aad.org.
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