Not everyone is blessed with Angelina Jolie’s proportional, plush pout. Uneven, drooping, or poorly defined lips can result from genetics or aging, leading to cosmetic and sometimes functional concerns.
The Basics
Our lips play a significant role in our daily interactions, from eating and drinking to speaking and expressing emotions. Given their prominence, it’s no wonder that abnormalities in lip shape — such as an uneven pout, drooping, or a poorly defined cupid’s bow — can significantly impact one’s appearance and confidence. These issues can stem from genetic factors, environmental influences like smoking and UV exposure, or the natural aging process.
A study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) found a 66 percent increase in plastic surgery lip procedures from 2000 to 2018. This surge has led to significant advancements in procedures like lip injections, lifts, implants, and micropigmentation, offering refined solutions for enhancing lip shape.
Особенности
Understanding Lip Shape
Lip shape involves more than just the top and bottom lips. The lip structure includes an outer layer with hair follicles, oil glands, and sweat glands; the vermillion, which is the sensitive red or pink area; and the inner mucosal membrane. The vermillion border separates the red part of the lip from the surrounding skin, while the cupid’s bow is the central area of the upper lip. The corners of the mouth, where the upper and lower lips meet, are known as the oral commissures.
Causes of Lip Shape Variations
Genetics largely determine lip shape from birth, contributing to a vast diversity of lip appearances. Variations in lip shape are influenced by the curve, height, angle, and proportion of the upper and lower lips. As we age, natural processes cause the upper lip to lengthen and invert, the lower lip to thin, the corners of the mouth to droop, and the curves of the lips to diminish. These changes result from the evolution of bone structure, dental atrophy, and collagen loss. Premature aging of the lips can be exacerbated by UV exposure, smoking, and habits like drinking through a straw.
Main Concerns Related to Lip Shape
Lip shape concerns can be categorized into three main areas: drooping lips, lack of lip definition, and uneven lips.
Drooping Lips
Lip ptosis, or drooping lips, occurs when the corners of the lips slope downward, creating a melancholy, stern, or frown-like expression. This condition can result from aging or genetics.
Lack of Lip Definition
The vermillion border, which gives shape and definition to the lips, fades with age as collagen and elasticity decrease. This loss of definition can make the lips appear less distinct and more aged.
Uneven Lips
Uneven lips refer to imbalances in the proportion and fullness of the upper and lower lips. While no human body part is perfectly symmetrical, certain proportions are considered aesthetically pleasing. An imbalance in lip proportions can detract from overall facial harmony.
Treatment Options for Lip Shape Concerns
There are various surgical and non-surgical treatments available to address concerns related to lip shape. These treatments can enhance the natural lip line, improve lip definition, and correct acquired or age-related variations.
Treating Drooping Lips
Инъекционные методы лечения
Botulinum toxin type A products (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®, Jeuveau®, Xeomin®) can be injected into the surrounding musculature to lift the corners of the mouth. Results typically last three to four months.
Хирургическое лечение
A corner lip lift targets the downturning of the lip at the oral commissures by excising small portions of skin and suturing the new edges. This provides a more permanent solution for drooping lips.
Enhancing Lip Definition
Surgical Lip Lifts
Surgical lip lifts reshape the pout by modifying the space between the lips and nostrils, resulting in youthful, fuller lips. Procedures include the Italian, modified, and subnasal (bullhorn) lip lifts for the upper lip, and the more invasive gullwing lip lift for the lower lip.
Филлеры для губ
Lip fillers (temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent) can be injected along the vermillion border to enhance lip definition. Popular fillers include Juvederm®, Restylane®, and Bellafill®.
Микропигментация
Micropigmentation, or cosmetic tattooing, can create a more defined lip line and enhance lip color, providing a semi-permanent solution for improving lip shape.
Correcting Uneven Lips
Инъекционные наполнители
Hyaluronic acid-based lip fillers like Juvederm® and Restylane® can improve lip volume and vertical lip lines, with effects lasting six months to a year. More permanent fillers like Bellafill® offer long-term results.
Autologen and Fat Transfer Injections
Autologen and fat transfer injections use patient-derived collagen or fat cells to add fullness to the lips, providing a natural alternative to synthetic fillers.
Имплантаты губ
Lip implants involve placing a mold into the lips for permanent reshaping. This procedure can be combined with a facelift, using excess tissue from the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) to add volume to the lips.
Makeup and Micropigmentation
Using lip liner to temporarily draw a new lip line or micropigmentation to enhance lip color and shape are non-invasive options for creating the illusion of a more even pout.
Вывод
Whether you are looking to reshape your natural lips or correct age-related changes, numerous procedures are available to enhance lip shape. Temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent treatments offer both surgical and non-surgical solutions to improve lip appearance. It is essential to consider all available options and consult with a qualified professional to determine the best treatment for your specific needs.
Understanding the various aspects of lip shape and the treatments available can help you achieve the desired look and boost your confidence.
