59 year old patient with Restylane® Refyne® injected into the lips.
Lip Lines and lines around the mouth are among the most common areas of concern for our patients. Wrinkles and lines around the mouth are complex, stemming from a lack of structural tissue support and muscle pull on the tissue. Sun damage, smoking, drinking from straws, and lack of hydration also contribute to lip lines. With this in mind, we need to address the wrinkle and the “why” behind it. Today, we have specialized products that can help soften these lines more naturally than in years past.
A successful treatment plan is not a one size fits all approach. In most cases, we will suggest a multi-modality approach. For example, we can use dermal fillers, neuromodulators, laser resurfacing, micro-needling, and or topical skincare to get the best results. Your provider determines the treatment plan based on the condition of your skin, the depth and quantity of lines, and your aesthetic goals.
Dermal filler will soften the lines. Newer fillers such as Restylane® Refyne® and Revance® RHA® 2 are ideal for softening lip lines as they provide support without the bulkiness of other HA fillers. Filler is placed directly in the lip lines and underneath them to return the support present in youth. I like to use a small micro-cannula to get underneath the lines and a needle to treat the deeper lines directly. Most commonly, the dermal fillers will last 12-15 months.
Patients receiving fillers to their lips should avoid any medication that can increase bleeding risk. In addition, we advise that filler injections be scheduled on a day when the patient does not have any special events planned because lip swelling can last for 48 hours.
In addition to fillers, we generally need to weaken the muscle as part of the treatment plan. Muscle contraction is a predominant cause of lip lines. We use small doses of neuromodulators, such as Botox® Cosmetic, Dyport®, or Xeomin® to help weaken the “purse string” action pulling around the mouth. Using neuromodulators around the mouth does require experience and finesse as there is a sweet spot we have to find to provide the desired result. Neuromodulators around the mouth will last 2-3 months and cause very little bruising or swelling.
Laser treatment and microneedling are also valuable tools for diminishing lines and wrinkles around the mouth. These modalities can be used before or after injectable treatments and are not required in every case. During your consultation with one of our CANS Nurse Injectors, all options will be discussed so that you and your provider can determine the treatment plan that will provide you with optimal natural-looking results.
Skincare products enhance the treatment plan to add hydration and protect from additional sun damage. We often recommend a topical retinoid or retinol product in combination with injectables. Sunscreen is a must for all patients!
If you are interested in finding out more about how to diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles around the mouth or in any other area of your face, please schedule a consultation with one of our CANS Nurse Injectors to learn how best to treat your areas of concern and provide you with natural-looking results.
– Andrea, RN, CANS, Nurse Injector