Lip Reshaping Procedure In Washington DC

As we age, the lips, along with other features of the face, have a tendency to sag and lose fullness. With diminishing support and elasticity of the skin, the lips can become thin and begin to sag at the corners. In addition, lines may begin to develop around the mouth and obscure the lip border.

Independent of age, some individuals were born with thin lips as this can be hereditary. Others may notice that the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip has gotten longer over time. There are several options for lip augmentation that can restore fullness and rejuvenate the lips for a more youthful, natural appearance.

Surgical lip augmentation techniques provide more lasting results than injectable options. Dr. Somenek is a facial plastic surgeon who has become a leading specialist and instructor on lip augmentation. During a consultation with Dr. Somenek, he will analyze the proportions of your lip and give his recommendation on which procedure or combination of procedures would best help you achieve your desired result.

Below are some of the options for lip reshaping in Washington DC that Dr. Somenek may recommend:

Dermal Fillers

Injectable fillers used for the lips are comprised of hyaluronic acid and can be used in a variety of ways to improve the lip appearance. Many brands exist including the Juvederm and Restylane family of products. They are designed to provide a subtle, yet noticeable change in the way the lips look. They can also be used for fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and face. It mimics the body’s own hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally decreases as a person ages. Dermal fillers are designed to replenish hyaluronic acid and reverse the effects of volume loss in the lips and around the mouth. Dermal fillers may also be used to improve marionette lines, as well as a downward turn to the corners of the mouth which may impart a sad, angry or tired appearance. This technique provides a very subtle, yet noticeable improvement, resulting in lips that are fuller and smoother without undergoing an augmentation. Depending on the amount and product choice, the results can last anywhere from 6-12 months.

Botox

Botox® can be used to improve a downward turn to the corners of the mouth which may make a person appear sad, angry or tired. Botox® is injected in small amounts directly into the muscle responsible for the downward pull called the depressor anguli oris. Results are very natural and last an average of four to six months.

Fat transfer

An alternative to dermal fillers is using your own fat to volumize the lips which can provide a longer lasting result. This involves taking fat from either the abdominal or buttock region and placing this in both the upper and lower lip. This is frequently performed with fat transfer to other areas of the face as well. Fat transfer contains growth factors and stem cells to provide a rejuvenated appearance to the lips. Dr. Somenek does stress that not all fat that is injected will survive but that the cells that do will provide a long lasting result.

Subnasal Lip Lift

The lip lift is commonly used to reduce the vertical height of the upper lip as well as improve the definition and contour of the lip. It can address an upper lip that appears too long, which can often cover too much of the upper teeth when at rest. This can create a slight eversion of the upper lip, which leads to a more attractive appearance. A lip lift procedure can be performed on both young and old patients and is easily done under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort.

The procedure involves removing a small strip of skin from the junction of the nose and upper lip in order to lift the upper lip. Scarring is unnoticeable with this technique and patients are fully recovered within a week after a subnasal lip lift.

Lip Resurfacing

There are several skin resurfacing techniques which may be used to improve the lip appearance. They are most often used for treating the fine lines around the mouth. Dr. Somenek commonly uses chemical peels, CO2 laser therapy and fractionated laser therapy for this purpose.

What if I want longer lasting results than filler can provide?

An option for some that are looking for a longer lasting result to the fullness in their upper lip is a surgical upper lip lift. During your consultation, Dr. Somenek will determine if you are an appropriate candidate for this procedure. As one of the top facial plastic surgeons in the country, this is one of his most common procedures that he performs. For more information, click here.

Contact Our Office About Washington DC Lip Reshaping Procedures

If you have further questions regarding Lip Reshaping in Washington DC, please call or contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation.

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