The lips are the most expressive and attractive parts of the face. Whilst occasional lines are tolerable, vertical lip lines drive some to distraction.
These lines tend to be more prominent and extend from the lip border above the top lip, although can also affect the bottom lip. The main causes of lip lines are repetitive facial expressions and changes to the quality of skin as we age, as well as natural thinning of the lips.
Ageing brings with it the breaking down of collagen and elastin, proteins that keep the skin firm and plump, and this in turn, causes skin to lose its structure and elasticity. Smoking speeds up this process by repeated pursing of the lips, as well as the natural damage done to skin collagen by smoking itself. Repeated overexposure to sun UV radiation also causes premature damage to the skin, causing fine lines and wrinkles.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Luxe Clinique, Dr. Ritika Dhingra offers two effective treatments to address smokers' lines and enhance lip contours:
Dermal Fillers – Smokers' lines can be easily treated using Hyaluronic Acid (HA) dermal fillers. By injecting micro-droplets of carefully selected soft dermal fillers, we gently fill in the lip lines and restore structure above the lip. If needed, the same HA dermal filler can be used to enhance the lip border (vermillion border), stretching the skin and providing shape and support to the lips.
Botox – The muscles around the mouth that contribute to pursing the lips can be relaxed with low doses of Botox, which helps to soften the lines and smooth the skin.
A topical anaesthetic numbing cream will be applied to the lips before treatment. This will make the treatment more comfortable, however you may still feel slight stinging during the procedure.
