Dr Natalie Cordeiro discusses a *new line of dermal fillers that are designed to enhance one’s beauty, while still preserving facial dynamism…
While lip filler augmentation has proven to be one of the best non-surgical procedures for refreshening, reviving and plumping up one’s pucker, it is also one of the most anxiety provoking considerations for patients (this fear is mainly stemed from apprehension that the procedure will yield unnatural results).
With that said, the desire for lip enhancement is still very high amongst aesthetic patients. The Journal of Dermatologic Surgery1 conducted a survey in 2016 that showed 35% of patients aged 30-35 considered the lip or peri-oral region a priority for their own aesthetic treatments. In the same survey, the number increased to 55% in patients aged 60-65 years.
The practitioners perspective
Meanwhile, lip and peri-oral treatments can also provoke trepidation in some aesthetic practitioners. Not surprising really, as there are so many factors to into account (such as the patients age, gender, ethnicity and expectations). The good news is that while this procedure may cause anxiety at both ends – when the result is good – it stirs elation in both doctor and patient.
While lip and peri-oral treatments can cause anxiety at both ends – when the result is good – it stirs elation in both doctor and patient.
Creating the perfect pout
Now, before I reveal the secret to natural, beautiful lips, I first need to explain how the peri-oral region ages:
- The skeleton is our structural foundation. Your genetic bony structure determines a great amount of your ageing process. For example, if you have a genetically petite chin, you are more likely to notice ageing changes in the jawline sooner than a friend who has a stronger, wider chin and jaw
- Bone starts to resorb in our peri-oral region from the corners of the nose downwards to our upper teeth, and from the chin to the lower teeth. In simple terms, the structure that supports our teeth and lips starts to shrink
- The muscle works harder under the surface to compensate for the lengthening
- The chin pulls upwards on the surface and starts to get a dimpled look, making the lower face appear shorter.
Diagram 2: Shows age related bone resorbtion
Dermal fillers at work
New technology dermal fillers are created with the above anatomical changes in mind. One can opt for the very firm hyaluronic acid fillers that will give support from underneath the muscle and mimic the structural loss of the bone. These fillers need to be positioned deep under the skin and must be able to resist changing form when the muscle contracts. One can then understand that if this specific filler is used in the pink of the lips to correct volume loss, the lip would look stiff and resist normal movement when smiling or talking.
*Thus, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers have been created that are gentler, softer and move easily within the tissue to maintain natural expression. If this form of filler is placed in the correct anatomical position and has a subtle quantity, it will refresh, support and hydrate the pink lip without anyone realising this is not 100% your natural lip.
What’s more, these fine hyaluronic acid fillers also volumises the finer lines around the mouth. When these fine hyaluronic acid fillers are combined with added amino acids, vitamins and zinc, they will not only add hydration to the deflated skin, but also stimulate collagen and strengthen the skin to slow down the ageing process.
If a quality form of filler is placed in the correct anatomical position and adds a subtle quantity, it will refresh, support and hydrate the pink lip without anyone realising this is not 100% your natural lip.
Take home message
Because of the fear of unnatural results, I often find patients keen to treat only the superficial lines on the upper lip, and are hesitant to treat the lip itself. I hope the anatomical explanation and information on the filler types will make you feel more at ease about treating the area as a whole, instead of trying to patch from the surface.
When the peri-oral region and lips are treated in harmony, it is the most rewarding treatment with the highest patient satisfaction. After all there isn’t a woman in the world that wouldn’t want beautiful, youthful lips… we just want to ensure that it looks and feels natural!
Disclaimer
This article was commissioned by Genop Healthcare South Africa.
Due to regulations in South Africa, dermal fillers are classified as a medical device. We are therefore not able to publish the name of specific brands.
*The particular filler range discussed in this article is distributed by Genop Healthcare South Africa www.genop.co.za. Please ask your doctor for more information.
References
1. Narurkar V et al. Dermatol Surg. 2015; 41: S153-60. 2. Jagdeo J et al. Dermatol Surg. 2016; 42: 1155-63.
Written by Dr Natalie Cordeiro
MBChB (Stell), PGDip Mental Health (CMSA)
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Dr Natalie Cordeiro
Founder of Dr Natalie Medical Aesthetics in Dainfern Fourways www.facebook.com/dainfernaestheticscentre
- Member of AAMSSA (Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine Society of South Africa) www.aestheticdoctors.co.za
- International and local trainer in advanced injectable techniques
A2 Disclaimer: This article is published for information purposes only, nor should it be regarded as a replacement for sound medical advice.
This article was written by Dr Natalie Cordeiro and edited by the A2 team EXCLUSIVELY for the A2 Aesthetic & Anti-Ageing Magazine Summer 2020 Edition (Issue 35 – Dec 2020 to Mar 2021).
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