Most men and women notice their lips begin to thin some time in their early 30s and 40s. Unfortunately, this is also the age at which certain other body parts do the opposite. It is one of life’s unfair truths that the areas we want to stay plump and full, such as the lips, lose their voluptuous volume while other areas of the body we desire to be slim, begin to expand and fill out. Many ask what it is about the aging process that causes this dramatic transformation of the lips. More importantly, what treatment options are available?
Restylane procedures are the popular choice among facial plastic surgeons.
The main reason that lips begin to thin and lose their natural, full shape is due to a localized depletion of collagen. As we get older, the rate at which our body produces this vital protein begins its slow harsh demise. Once men and women reach their 20s, collagen is lost at a rate of about 1%-2% per year. Overall, women produce less collagen than men, making this depletion even more devastating. The result is skin that sags and droops unattractively. Just as creases and lines start their formation on the skin, lips respond to the collagen depletion by developing tiny lines as well as a thinner appearance. Collagen production is critical because it provides structure to the skin and creates the base for elastin and hyaluronic acid—both of which are vital to the structure, shape and suppleness of the lips. Therefore, consistent collagen production is imperative not just for the entire face, but also the lip zones, if premature signs of aging are to be kept at bay. Moreover, environmental factors can also slow down collagen production. According to dermatologist Dr. Kleinsmith, one cause of thin lips is UV sun ray damage. Wearing a lip balm with SPF daily in instrumental in protecting lips against the harmful effects of the sun to slow down aging.
While there can be a certain degree of genetic tendency that may cause thinner lips, the process will inevitably claim its progress to everyone as they age. Lip augmentation procedures using a dense volumizing solution such as Restylane target emerging wrinkles above and below the vermilion borders, increasing lip volume and halting the thinning of the skin of the lips. Being one of the most popular, non-surgical treatments available, successful, natural looking results from the dermal facial filler, Restylane, depends upon one critical factor: the technique of injection. The key to a successful dermal injection is strategic, precise injection techniques. It is very important that the doctor injecting Restylane into your lips has a diverse and vast experience employing dermal injections in the facial area. The optimal quantity must be injected into the precise and ideal location so that results are natural and refined. In addition to its voluminous effect upon the lips, studies have shown that hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane injections may be more beneficial to the skin than previously thought. It may actually boost the collagen-producing cells in a way to create more collagen by themselves, long after injection. By this continual stimulation of collagen cell production, thereby reinforcing existing collagen and elastin, Restylane injections can extend the duration of results with successive and subsequent injections.
Dr. Anthony Geroulis has been performing facial cosmetic surgery for over 30 years and is highly experienced with dermal injections such as Restylane. Chicago-based surgeon Dr. Geroulis is also an accomplished sculptor who places particular emphasis on achieving an aesthetically pleasing facial structure of an even balance and symmetry. Over injection or under injection of the lips resulting in lips that are too plump, unnatural, too thin or unbalanced, throw off the imperative sculptural balance to the face. Therefore, selecting an experienced, certified facial cosmetic surgeon for your Restylane procedure is very important.
What are you waiting for? Don’t let thin lips keep you from being your most confident and radiant self. Call for a consultation for Restylane injections today.
This story is sponsored by Dr. Anthony Geroulis of the North Shore Center for Facial, Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, with offices in Northfield, Chicago and Hoffman Estates. Please visit www.geroulis.com or call 866-875-3937 for more information.
