Lip Enhancement

Lip enhancement refers to a collection of aesthetic treatments used to improve the appearance of the lips. These treatments are commonly performed using injectable dermal fillers that contain hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the body that attracts and retains moisture. HA-based fillers are the most popular choice for lip enhancement because they are safe, reversible, and provide a smooth, soft feel that mimics natural lip tissue.

While the most common goal is to create fuller lips, lip enhancement can also address a number of concerns, including:

• Restoring volume lost due to aging
• Smoothing vertical lip lines or “smoker’s lines”
• Improving lip symmetry
• Defining the vermilion border (the edge of the lips)
• Enhancing the shape of the Cupid’s bow

In the hands of an experienced cosmetic dermatologist like Dr. Austin Newsome, lip enhancement is a precise, artistic procedure that is customized to the unique features of each patient’s face. The goal is not only to enhance the lips but also to ensure the lips harmonize with the rest of the facial structure.

Lip enhancement is recommended for both younger and older patients, depending on their cosmetic concerns. Younger individuals often seek lip augmentation to create fuller lips or a more defined shape, whereas older patients may wish to restore volume that has diminished due to aging or address fine lines that have developed around the mouth.

Dr. Newsome typically recommends lip enhancement in the following situations:

• When the lips are naturally thin and the patient desires more volume or definition
• When one lip is noticeably smaller than the other, causing facial imbalance
• When aging causes the lips to flatten, thin, or appear dehydrated
• When lines and creases around the lips affect a patient’s self-confidence
• When a patient desires a more youthful or refined lip appearance without undergoing surgery

During an in-depth consultation, Dr. Newsome evaluates the lips in relation to the rest of the face and listens carefully to each patient’s goals. This ensures the treatment plan not only addresses individual concerns but also maintains a natural and proportionate look.

The most commonly used lip fillers are made with hyaluronic acid and belong to trusted product families like Juvéderm® and Restylane®. These fillers vary in consistency, structure, and longevity, and are selected based on the specific aesthetic goals and lip anatomy of each patient.

Some of the most widely used fillers for lip enhancement include:

• Juvéderm® Ultra XC: Adds volume and smoothness to the lips. It is a popular choice for patients seeking fuller lips with a soft, natural feel.
• Juvéderm® Volbella XC: Designed for more subtle volume and correction of fine lines around the mouth. It provides a smooth, hydrated look.
• Restylane® Kysse: A newer HA filler developed specifically for lips. It enhances volume, color, and texture while maintaining natural movement and expression.
• Restylane® Silk: Ideal for treating fine lines around the lips and enhancing lip definition. Its thinner consistency allows for precise detail and contouring.

Each of these products contains lidocaine, a local anesthetic, to help reduce discomfort during the procedure. The injection process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes and requires little to no downtime, making it a convenient option for many patients.

The duration of results from lip enhancement depends on the specific filler used, the patient’s metabolism, and the amount of product injected. On average, results from HA-based lip fillers last 6 to 12 months. Some newer fillers, such as Restylane Kysse, may provide results that last up to a year or more.

Because hyaluronic acid is gradually broken down by the body, repeat treatments are required to maintain the desired appearance. Many patients choose to return for touch-ups every 9 to 12 months to preserve their results or make subtle adjustments over time.

One of the key advantages of HA fillers is their reversibility. If a patient is not satisfied with the outcome, the filler can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase, offering peace of mind for those undergoing treatment for the first time.