Kiss Those Thin Lips Goodbye

Scarlett Johansson, Halle Berry, and Beyonce all have one thing in common – their lips. Full and luscious, they are considered by many to have the perfect lips. While not all of us were born with these lips, it is possible to have them.


When considering a lip augmentation procedure, there are numerous factors that should be considered. How long will the results last? What is the recovery time? And probably the most important question, will they look natural? When comparing the lips to the rest of the face, they should be full, but not overly full. Lips that are well proportioned fit the face. The width should be about twice the height. The texture should be smooth.

Lip enhancement procedures can correct inadequate lip size for both lips at one visit or just the top or bottom lip, depending on the correction needed. Procedure options include injectable dermal fillers, fat transfer, and lip implant placement. The end result of these procedures is fuller lips; however, the length of time the results last vary.

FILLERS

Injectable fillers such as Restylane®, Perlane®, and Juvederm® can enhance lip definition as well as increase lip size while decreasing the fine lines around your mouth. The procedure consists of your physician using a syringe to administer the dermal filler underneath the skin. The filler in turn adds fullness to the lips and enhances your natural lip outline. By injecting filler into the vermillion border, the most common filled portion of the lips, they appear more defined, similar to wearing lip liner. The cupid’s bow, the V in the center of the top lip, is more pronounced.

After the procedure, the lips may become swollen and you may notice some redness at the injection site. This redness and swelling usually disappears within 24-48 hours but may be visible in some patients for one week or more. Makeup can be used to help camouflage any temporary redness or brusing that may occur.

Dermal fillers are a temporary solution to thin lips and therefore repeat treatments will be necessary in order to maintain the look. The period of time for which the result lasts varies significantly from patient to patient. The majority of patients experience fullness for an average of 3 to 6 months while some patients notice fullness for an entire year.

FAT TRANSFER

A fat-injection procedure, also known as fat transplantation, consists of taking fat cells from another area on the patient’s body typically from the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks and then reinjecting it into the lips to enhance the lip size. This procedure is a safe, natural alternative to restoring damaged or inadequate lip size. Unlike collagen injections, there is not a risk of allergic reaction to the transplanted material and allergy testing is not required before the procedure because your own fat is being used. With the use of your own body fat, fat transfer allows you to restore volume to the lips for a fuller, more sensual look.

Many patients are able to resume normal activity immediately following this procedure. Swelling, bruising, and redness can be visible in one or both injection sites but usually subside within 48 hours. Makeup can be used to cover up any visible redness or bruising.

Results of fat transfer injections vary greatly from patient to patient. The majority of patients notice a decrease in fullness after about 6 months, however, some patients report their results lasting from 1-3 years. As with dermal fillers, repeated injections will be necessary in order to maintain results.

IMPLANTS

Lending a more permanent solution, the PermaFacial Implant is safe for lip enhancement and is available in a variety of sizes to allow for patient customization. The PermaFacial Implant is an FDA approved device with a smooth surface that cannot rupture or leak. This procedure can be performed in the office under local anesthesia.

Post-operatively you may experience mild swelling and bruising with these symptoms dissipating in 7 to 10 days. Pain medication may be prescribed by your physician to relieve any discomfort. You may be sensitive to the touch for the first 2 weeks but your daily activities may resume immediately following procedure.

Although permanent, PermaFacial Implant is designed to be easily removed at any time should you want to return to your original appearance. However, it is always recommended that patients first try injectable fillers to see if they are satisfied with the look of their enhanced lips before making the commitment to surgical lip implants. Suitable candidates for lip augmentation include men and women of all ages desiring fuller lips. Non-smoking adults in overall good health are ideal.

There are advantages to all 3 of the procedures listed. Lip implant augmentation offers the advantage of not having to undergo routine injections and although permanent, they are easy to insert and remove. With fat transfer you run no risk of allergy. While injectable fillers offer a temporary solution to those who do not want long term results, repeat injections are required to maintain the results. Whether you are considering dermal fillers, fat transfer, or lip implant placement, the procedure should be performed by a qualified physician experienced in these procedures. After discussing your goals and establishing realistic expectations, your physician will recommend which treatment is more suitable for you to achieve the results you are longing for.

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Drop the Spots

When you look in the mirror do you see smooth, healthy, blemish-free skin? Or does your reflection reveal a rough, blotchy, and blemished complexion? What impression does your face give to people meeting you? Well rested, healthy, happy, youthful? Environmental elements, nutritional status, heredity, and inappropriate skin care products can contribute to a less than desirable complexion. I consult patients routinely on skincare and the top three conditions that I hear the most complaints about are acne, rosacea, and dark spots (hyperpigmentation). I am pleased to be able to offer them a variety of treatment options that fit their condition.


ACNE
Acne occurs when pores in the skin become clogged with oil. Bacteria and debris can then become trapped. This triggers an inflammatory response as the body is trying to rid itself of the foreign matter. Redness, swelling, warmth, and discomfort are all characteristics of skin inflammation. Acne blemishes appear in many forms such as whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, and pus-filled lesions. While acne is most commonly seen in adolescents, it can be present in people of all ages.

There are many products, both over the counter and prescription, which are recommended to treat acne. These products, while in varying strengths, work to reduce breakouts, inflammation, and excessive oil production while protecting skin from future damage. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two common ingredients found in blemish-reducing skincare. Tretinoin and antibiotics may also be prescribed by your physician.

Blemish Control Gel by Skinceuticals is a lightweight acne medication containing 1% salicylic acid that effectively treats existing acne while preventing future breakouts. This purifying gel exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, removes dirt and oil, and targets blemishes without causing irritation experienced with numerous other acne medications.

The CLENZIderm system by Obagi Medical is a prescription-strength acne treatment with a patented form of 5% benzoyl peroxide that penetrates deep into the root where acne begins to quickly clear the skin. These products are available for both normal to oily skin and normal to dry skin.

ROSACEA

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that often appears as redness and swelling found primarily on the nose, cheeks, and forehead. Broken capillaries (red facial vessels) are sometimes present. Signs and symptoms vary from person to person. Rosacea may first appear as blushing, however, severe rosacea can even be accompanied with red pustular lesions. The cause for rosacea is still unknown although broken capillaries are linked to sun damage, alcohol consumption, or even blowing your nose too hard.

Specific products, such as Skinceutical’s Phyto Corrective Gel, is a great treatment option. This gel contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties such as cucumber and thyme to help soothe and calm irritated skin. This product is suitable for everyone including sensitive and problematic skin types.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treats vascular lesions, broken capillaries (facial veins), and redness due to rosacea by targeting hemoglobin in visible vessels on the skin’s surface with pulses of light. These vessels usually fade after treatment or can initially appear darker then fade within a few weeks. Skin tone usually improves within a week after treating redness. Other treatments include oral and topical antibiotics. Avoidance of alcohol and spicy foods is often recommended if they prove to be a trigger. There is no cure for rosacea; however, treatment options may provide relief.
HYPERPIGMENTATION

Hyperpigmentation (brown spots) is defined as an excessive amount of pigment in one area of the skin resulting in dark spots due to sun damage, aging, or trauma. Sun spots usually appear on areas of the body exposed to sun while melasma appears as a larger area of darkened skin often linked to hormonal changes. Surgerical scars and acne can also result in hyperpigmentation.

Pigment Regulator from Skinceuticals, is a brightening treatment containing 2% Emblica and 2% kojic acid. It works to improves discoloration, uneven skin tone, and prevent future damage by inhibiting excessive melanin production.

Hydroquinone is a skin lightening agent often found in skincare products that treat hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone is only available by prescription or from a physician’s office. The Nu Derm System created by Obagi Medical is a physician-directed regimen that treats hyperpigmentation, fine lines, rough skin texture, and sallow complexion. Nu-Derm exfoliates dead skin cells, treats all layers of skin, and reveals younger and healthier looking skin.
The IPL photofacial treatment also corrects hyperpigmentation by using pulses of visible light to target melanin and therefore improving aged and sun damaged skin on the face, neck, chest, arms, back, legs, and other areas. This treatment also stimulates collagen production, improves skin texture, and decreases large pore size for overall skin rejuvenation. When correcting hyperpigmentation, a series of treatments is often recommended in order to achieve optimum results with regular follow up procedures. IPL therapies deliver results alone or may be combined with a chemical peel or microdermabrasion for enhanced results.

The décolletage (chest area) often goes untreated, even if you are actively maintaining the appearance of your face. This can leave you with a distinct contrast between your treated facial skin and the damaged skin on your chest. The skin on your décolletage tends to be thinner, less moisturized, and particularly vulnerable to sun damage. The ELASTIderm Decolletage System from Obagi Medical is a physician-directed skincare line formulated to treat this delicate area. Clinical studies show the products in this system reduce sun spots, freckles, fine lines, and wrinkles in as little as 4 weeks. This system helps correct, restore, and maintain a more radiant, youthful appearance with continued use. Therefore, keep the sensitive skin on your décolletage in mind the next time you are applying sunscreen or purchasing skincare products.

If you have any of these conditions or concerns listed in this article, please consult with an educated skincare professional for the proper therapy to meet your needs. Drop the spots and reveal the glowing, healthy appearance you’ve been longing for!